Please welcome ICIT’s new security and compliance officer – Hank Ritzert – to the team. Hank will help ensure that ICIT’s and University of Wisconsin-Whitewater’s systems remain secure and compliant with various state and federal regulations. In his role as security and compliance officer, Hank will also help write regulatory policies to guide ICIT’s practices. Hank reports to Elena Pokot.
Hank is no stranger to higher education, prior to joining ICIT, he spent 13 years as senior security analyst at Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, Illinois. At NIU, Hank helped conduct forensic investigations, monitored the network intrusion detection systems, and worked with law enforcement on security-related matters.
Spotlight
office: 2003E | email: ritzerth@uww.edu | phone: 262-472-7026
What do you do? – explain how you fit into ICIT
- I help make sure UW-Whitewater is compliant with regulations stemming from legislation such as FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act) and HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). I also make sure that data submitted through card payments is secure. Essentially, my role is to ensure that our systems remain secure and meet federal regulations.
Something people don’t know about you?
- I have a very eclectic taste in music. I like the classical composers such as Haydn, Mozart, and Tchaikovsky, but I also listen to Guns N’ Roses, Five Finger Death Punch, Pink Floyd, Amy Winehouse, and Adele to name a few. I also really like this a Capella group called Straight No Chaser, so I like pretty much everything but country.
Favorite hobby?
- I am a marathon cyclist. I participate in a seven day event every year called RAGBRAI with a group of friends. It is a week-long ride across the state of Iowa that consists of cycling, fun, and beer. I’d share our team name with you, but it’s NSFW.
What was your first job?
- I was a landscaper. I loved that job. I got to be outside all day and I got to be really good at laying sod.
What’s your favorite piece of technology?
- I just got an iPhone 6 Plus, that’s up there. But, I think my favorite piece of technology is the “cyclocomputer” I use when I’m on my bike. It’s a little gadget that tracks things like heart rate, bike speed, rpms I’m pedaling at, and distance when I’m out for a ride. So when the weather is nice, that’s my favorite piece of technology.
Music genre?
- As I mentioned before, I’ve got a pretty taste. You name it, I’ll probably listen to it… unless it’s country.
Favorite vacation?
- Maui
Favorite food?
- I like food. So let’s go with, Tetrazzini.
Least favorite food?
- Mushrooms
Biggest fear?
- Failure. Flat. Out. Failure.