Cybersecurity & Risk Professional, vCISO, CEO & Founder of RAM Cyber Consulting & Assessments, LLC., Published Author, Host of a Syndicated Cyber Podcast
Corporate & Enterprise Leadership
Ryan Williams Sr. is a principal technology risk management professional in the financial services sector. In this second line of defense (2LOD) risk role, he leads efforts to identify, assess, and mitigate risks across complex enterprise technology environments. His expertise ensures systems remain secure, resilient, and compliant with evolving regulatory requirements. Ryan brings deep experience in governance, risk, and compliance (GRC), helping Fortune 500 organizations balance innovation with security and trust.
Entrepreneurship & Consulting
As the founder and CEO of RAM Cyber Consulting & Assessments LLC, Ryan delivers tailored cybersecurity services to organizations of all sizes. His consulting work includes:
RMF readiness assessments
Policy development and program design
Virtual CISO (vCISO) leadership
Through RAM Cyber, Ryan partners with clients to strengthen their cyber posture, align with compliance obligations, and build practical, sustainable risk management programs.
Author, Podcaster & Advocate
Beyond the boardroom and consulting space, Ryan is a storyteller and advocate for representation in cybersecurity. He is the author of The Other Side of the Firewall: The Real-Life Stories of Movers, Shakers, & Glass Ceiling Breakers in Cybersecurity—a guide inspired by his long-running podcast of the same name.
Through both platforms, Ryan highlights underrepresented voices, sharing the journeys of people of color, women, veterans, neurodivergent professionals, and career switchers who are breaking into and excelling in cyber. His work amplifies diverse perspectives, builds community, and drives the conversation toward a more inclusive future in tech.
Leading The Charge
RAM Cyber Consulting & Assessments, LLC is more than a cybersecurity consultancy — we are a mission-driven partner dedicated to protecting organizations and uplifting the cybersecurity community. Based in Florida, we specialize in helping small to midsize businesses and government agencies strengthen their defenses, meet compliance requirements, and navigate today’s complex threat landscape with clarity and confidence. Our consulting services are tailored to each client’s unique needs, covering areas such as risk assessments, policy development, governance frameworks, and compliance strategies.
But our work extends well beyond client engagements. We believe cybersecurity is as much about culture and education as it is about governance, risk, and compliance. That’s why we invest heavily in thought leadership, storytelling, and community-building. Through our syndicated podcast, The Other Side of the Firewall, we highlight the real-life journeys of people of color, women, veterans, and career switchers who have broken barriers and made meaningful impacts in cybersecurity. These weekly episodes blend current events, expert insights, and personal stories to educate, inspire, and connect audiences at all levels of the field.
Our commitment to education also extends to publishing. We are the proud publisher of THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FIREWALL: The Real-Life Stories of Movers, Shakers, & Glass Ceiling Breakers in Cybersecurity. This guide captures the perseverance, opportunity, and impact that define success in our field, going beyond technical skill to explore the human side of security. By sharing these voices, we aim to empower both seasoned professionals and those aspiring to join the industry.
When you partner with RAM Cyber, you’re not just getting a service provider — you’re gaining an ally who sees cybersecurity as a movement. We protect organizations, equip leaders, and inspire the next generation to create a safer, more inclusive digital future.
Projects
THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FIREWALL:
The Real-Life Stories of Movers, Shakers, & Glass Ceiling Breakers in Cybersecurity
Based on the syndicated podcast of the same name, this book was created by Ryan Williams Sr., a cybersecurity leader, veteran, and advocate for diversity in tech. He brings together real stories from the show—and beyond—to spotlight professionals who broke into and reshaped an industry not originally built for them. Their journeys prove that cybersecurity isn't just about firewalls and forensics—it's about people, purpose, and persistence.
Inside, you'll hear from:
* Women defying expectations in male-dominated roles
* Veterans transforming discipline into cyber leadership
* Neurodivergent professionals whose thinking drives innovation
* People of color rising through the ranks while navigating bias
* Career switchers proving it's never too late to start over
The Other Side of the Firewall Podcast
Your weekly dose of cybersecurity—where real stories meet real news.
Hosted by Ryan Williams Sr., Shannon Tynes, and Chris Abacon, this daily podcast highlights the journeys of underrepresented professionals in tech, including people of color, women, veterans, neurodivergent thinkers, and career switchers.
Each episode blends timely cybersecurity news with personal narratives, practical insights, and unfiltered conversations about what it really takes to break into and thrive in the field.
Real talk. Real news. Real cybersecurity.
We’re proud to be a syndicated show on Atlanta’s WDJY 99.1 FM (Tuesdays at 5:00pm EST) and Fairfax/DC Public Access Channel 10, expanding our reach from local airwaves to national audiences.
WHAT IS ASK ME GRC?
Ask Me GRC is a conversational AI designed to provide accessible, framework-driven insights into the world of cybersecurity, governance, risk, and compliance (GRC).
Whether you’re:
A business leader trying to understand your organization’s security posture,
A practitioner looking to refresh your knowledge of NIST CSF, SP 800-53, or SP 800-171,
Or a career-seeker exploring how to enter the cybersecurity field...
Ask Me GRC offers a starting point.
The tool is currently in beta, and we’re seeking feedback from the community as we continue to improve it. Today, Ask Me GRC can:
Explain and contextualize frameworks like NIST CSF, NIST SP 800-53, and NIST SP 800-171.
Guide assessments (gap assessments, control reviews, policy baselines).
Support practitioners with GRC concepts and use cases.
Provide career advice for individuals curious about paths in cyber.
It’s not designed to replace expert consultation—instead, it’s here to be a knowledge companion that sparks the right questions and accelerates understanding.
Featured Media and Press
“CISSP certification helped me build my network and develop my tribe, post-military,” says Ryan, IT Security Analyst and retired United States Air Force Master Sergeant. Watch and learn how cybersecurity’s premier certification empowers you to excel as a leader.
"Foundations for Success: Early Career Pathways in Cybersecurity," where we'll dive into the essential skills and experiences you need to thrive in this dynamic field!
This webinar is perfect for students, early career professionals, and anyone interested in cybersecurity.
Ryan, a 20-year Air Force vet, shares his insights about the current state of cybersecurity as well as a look at his podcast. The adversary does not sleep, so acquiring more talent and diversifying the talent is paramount. We must go to find the talent where they are. Even going to high schools to recruit to the STEM pipeline.
Hear from four cybersecurity practitioners how CISSP certification takes their careers to the next level. From distinguishing their skills as top-tier to growing their professional networks, they credit CISSP as the catalyst for their success. Watch and learn how cybersecurity’s premier certification empowers you to excel as a leader.
MyComputerCareer: Finding Your Tribe Again, A Military Vet's Cyber Journey
DarkReading.com: My Journey From the Air Force to Cybersecurity
CIO.com: Are IT certifications replacing the college degree?
Building a Resilient Digital Future: A Comprehensive Guide to Cyber Risk Monitoring by Elizabeth Stephens
Testimonials from Colleagues, Clients and Customers