David Huynh: Leading Cloud, Apps, and Product Security at Acima

David Huynh is a highly accomplished professional in the field of information security, currently serving as the Vice President of Cloud, Apps, and Product Security at Acima, a fast-growing fintech company based in Utah, United States. With an impressive background and a broad range of certifications, including CISSP, CISM, CISA, GCIH, CCSP, and PCI-ISA, David’s expertise has played a key role in shaping the security landscape at Acima. His leadership in the areas of cloud security, application security, AI, and product security has contributed to the company’s rapid expansion while ensuring robust protection for its sensitive data and customer privacy.

Early Life and Education of David Huynh

David Huynh’s educational journey has been the foundation of his success in the cybersecurity field. He pursued his Master of Business Administration (MBA) at the University of Utah, graduating in 2016. The University of Utah is known for its high academic standards and its focus on preparing students for leadership roles across industries. This experience equipped David with valuable business acumen that complemented his technical knowledge in information security.

Before completing his MBA, David earned a Bachelor of Science in Information Systems from Brigham Young University-Hawaii in 2008. This degree provided him with a solid understanding of information technology and security systems, laying the groundwork for his career in cybersecurity.

Career Path: From IT Security to Vice President at Acima

David’s career began in the realm of IT security and assurance. He held several positions that helped him hone his skills in managing information security risks and compliance requirements. His journey took off when he joined the LDS Church as an Information Security & Assurance Manager, where he implemented industry best practices to reduce cybersecurity risks across the organization. During his tenure, he built and managed a team of skilled information assurance analysts and streamlined processes for 294 projects, improving the organization’s overall security posture.

After his successful tenure at the LDS Church, David continued to gain valuable experience at various organizations. He served as an Information Security Engineer, focusing on compliance with HIPAA and PCI DSS standards. David’s expertise in managing compliance programs helped him reduce the risk of personal data exposure and minimize legal obligations for organizations in the healthcare and financial sectors.

Leadership at Acima

In June 2018, David Huynh joined Acima, a rapidly growing fintech company, as the Senior Director of Information Security and Data Privacy. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in designing and implementing the company’s information security program. His work was crucial as Acima managed the growing cybersecurity risks associated with its expansion in the fintech industry. David worked closely with company leaders, product teams, developers, legal and compliance teams, and IT professionals to protect customer data and ensure that security risks were properly managed.

As the company expanded, David’s role evolved. In June 2022, he was promoted to the Vice President of Information Security, where he took on a broader set of responsibilities, overseeing all activities related to information security and data privacy. His focus shifted towards cloud security, application security, artificial intelligence, and product security. Under his leadership, Acima’s security posture has become more robust, ensuring that the company remains a trusted entity in the fintech industry while managing sensitive customer data and privacy concerns.

Acima: A Fast-Growing Fintech Company

Acima, where David Huynh plays a crucial role, is one of the fastest-growing fintech companies in Utah. The company provides innovative financing solutions, allowing consumers to access products through a unique leasing program. Acima’s mission is to offer flexible and affordable payment options to customers who may not have access to traditional financing methods. As the company grew, so did the need for a sophisticated information security program to protect sensitive customer data and financial transactions.

David’s leadership at Acima has helped the company build a security program that addresses the challenges posed by a rapidly expanding customer base and the complexities of managing cloud-based data systems. His expertise in product security, cloud security, and privacy has been essential in safeguarding the company’s digital infrastructure and maintaining consumer trust.

Certifications and Achievements

David Huynh’s impressive list of certifications showcases his deep knowledge and commitment to the field of cybersecurity. Some of his key certifications include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP): This certification is globally recognized and demonstrates David’s ability to design, implement, and manage cybersecurity programs.

• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM): This certification highlights his expertise in managing and assessing the security of enterprise systems.

• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA): This certification signifies David’s capability in auditing and assessing the information systems and IT infrastructure of organizations.

• Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP): As a specialist in cloud security, this certification emphasizes his proficiency in securing cloud-based environments.

• GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH): This certification demonstrates David’s skills in handling cybersecurity incidents and mitigating risks effectively.

• PCI Internal Security Assessor (PCI-ISA): As an expert in PCI compliance, David’s knowledge of payment card industry standards helps ensure secure financial transactions.

These certifications highlight David’s continuous commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest trends and best practices in the field of cybersecurity. They have played a crucial role in his success in securing positions of leadership at Acima and other organizations.

Achievements in Cybersecurity

David’s work in cybersecurity has resulted in numerous achievements that have made a significant impact on the organizations he has worked for. At Acima, he designed and implemented security practices within an Agile development environment, working closely with various teams to ensure security was integrated into the development process from the outset. His leadership in overseeing the security program during Acima’s acquisition and merger with a publicly owned international retail organization was instrumental in ensuring a smooth transition while maintaining security standards.

At Progressive Leasing, David’s efforts in designing and implementing GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) programs helped mitigate cybersecurity risks and improve the organization’s overall security posture. His work in reducing enterprise cybersecurity risks for a billion-dollar fintech company earned him recognition as a key player in driving security initiatives across the organization.

Conclusion

David Huynh’s career trajectory is a testament to his expertise, leadership, and passion for information security. As the Vice President of Cloud, Apps, and Product Security at Acima, David has helped steer the company’s security efforts during a period of rapid growth. His qualifications, combined with his experience in managing security risks for a variety of organizations, have made him a highly respected leader in the cybersecurity industry.

David’s success is a result of his deep knowledge, certifications, and unwavering dedication to protecting digital assets and ensuring privacy. His work continues to inspire the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, proving that with the right blend of technical expertise and leadership, it is possible to create a safe and secure digital environment for businesses and consumers alike.

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