Steven Walton

Steven Walton is the Senior Manager of Cybersecurity Operations at MCNC. He originally joined the organization as a Cybersecurity Engineer, playing a pivotal role in building the foundations of Vital Cyber while securing MCNC endpoints, the NCREN network, and client environments. Today, he leads the security operations team and actively engages the community to ensure North Carolina remains the most securely connected state.

As a dedicated technologist and scholar-practitioner, Steven operates at the intersection of broad IT architecture and human-centric cybersecurity. He holds a Ph.D. in Information Technology. His doctoral research utilized Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis, Health Belief Model, and Risk Management Theory. He champions this qualitative approach because he fundamentally believes that effective cybersecurity requires talking directly to people, understanding their lived experiences, and discovering how technology can practically support their workflows rather than acting as a barrier.

In addition to his doctorate, Steven holds a Master of Science in Information Technology from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University, a Bachelor of Science in Security from East Carolina University, and an Associate of Arts from Nash Community College.

In his free time, Steven is often scattered between reading, testing the newest consumer tech, video gaming, and volunteering at conventions in whatever capacity is needed.