Product Team Spotlight: Chris Brown

Senior Product Marketing Manager | Risk Management Leader | Avalanche Hazard Assessor and Wilderness First Responder

Chris Brown brings a unique blend of technical expertise and human-centered perspective to his role as Senior Product Marketing Manager at VikingCloud. Chris bridges the gap between complex security solutions and real-world business needs. His viewpoint centers on resilience rather than perfection - and on protecting not just data, but also the people behind it.

A lifelong resident of Colorado, Chris enjoys the mountain lifestyle while acting as the voice of VikingCloud's customers in the product development process and the voice of our products to the market.  

Navigating the Cybersecurity Frontier

With 15 years of experience in cybersecurity and information security, Chris has built his expertise across multiple disciplines. His career began in financial and information systems auditing before progressing through information security professional services, product management, and product marketing roles.

At VikingCloud, Chris oversees Product Marketing for Managed Security Services, Penetration Testing, Vulnerability Scanning, Compliance & Risk Assessments, and Professional Services. His day-to-day work involves translating complex security concepts into clear value propositions, developing compelling messaging, creating educational content, and supporting the company’s sales team with materials that effectively communicate how solutions solve real business problems.  Chris also regularly publishes educational blogs and materials as part of his role at VikingCloud.

Certifications: Risk Management and Wilderness Rescue

Chris maintains numerous professional risk management and outdoor safety certifications, reflecting his commitment to continuous learning, both in and out of the office.

Information Security & Risk Management:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
• Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC)
• Payment Card Industry Professional (PCIP)

Wilderness Safety & Rescue:

• American Institute for Avalanche Research and Education (AIARE) Level 1
• AIARE Level 2
• Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
• CPR for the Professional Rescuer (ProCPR)

Education & Community

Within the professional community, Chris is an active member of the Denver chapter of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), where he volunteers as a certification and exam prep trainer and mentor. He regularly speaks at industry events, including the Rocky Mountain Information Security Conference (RMISC) and ISACA chapter events in Phoenix, Sacramento, and Denver.

Chris earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Colorado at Boulder with dual emphases in Accounting and Operations & Information Management. He remains connected to his alma mater through a mentorship program at the Leeds School of Business, helping guide the next generation of business and security professionals.

Risk Management and Safety—at Work and the Backcountry

Chris's approach to risk management extends seamlessly from the office to the backcountry. The same methodical, evidence-based decision-making principles he applies to cybersecurity are reflected in his passion for avalanche hazard management and backcountry safety. When he’s not helping clients navigate complex security challenges and supporting secure systems at work, you’ll find him assessing avalanche danger and snowboarding in Colorado’s San Juan Mountains or training in backcountry rescue.

Both domains require careful evaluation of threats, honest assessment of capabilities, and the wisdom to know when to proceed and when to retreat.

Q&A with Chris Brown

Q: What's the most common cause of breaches that you see?

“The biggest challenge isn't lack of knowledge—we work with smart people who understand the consequences of insecure systems. The problem is what I call 'mirages of overconfidence.' According to Gartner research, 86% of cybersecurity leaders believe their capabilities meet or exceed expectations, yet only 27% consistently perform three basic elements: formalizing scope, performing risk assessments, and enacting ongoing remediation plans. That means about 59% are likely to suffer from overconfidence gaps. Organizations struggle with executing control management based on truly understanding what they have and establishing sustainable policies and procedures.”

Q: What's your top piece of advice for clients?

"Don't focus on perfection. Focus on resilience. Seeking perfection is a fool's errand—you can't eliminate risk, you can only manage it by avoiding, reducing, or transferring it. Resilience means knowing what to do and why, based on your actual data and available resources, not just academic theory. Solve what you can, endure what you can't, and be honest with yourself and stakeholders about what's realistic given your budget. You may not accomplish everything in a day, but being resilient—not perfect—will differentiate you from competitors and build confidence among clients, board members, and investors."

Why Chris Matters

Chris’s unique combination of audit background, product expertise, and real-world crisis experience allows him to see beyond compliance checkboxes to the people and livelihoods at stake. Whether he's helping a client navigate a security assessment or teaching avalanche safety in the mountains, Chris understands that effective risk management isn't about eliminating uncertainty—it's about making informed decisions that protect what matters most.

His approach to security focuses on resilience over perfection and partnerships over problems. Chris helps organizations build sustainable security practices that protect both their data and their peace of mind.

🔗 Connect with Chris on LinkedIn