#United States #Fort Worth #Commvault #BNSF Railway #Alex Levy

Celebrating Leadership in Cybersecurity

In a significant recognition of cybersecurity leadership, Alex Levy, the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at BNSF Railway, has been awarded the TIME + Commvault CISO of the Year. This prestigious accolade is not just a testament to Levy's abilities but also highlights the evolving role of cybersecurity leaders in today's fast-paced digital landscape.

Commvault, a prominent figure in the world of data management and protection, in collaboration with experts across the industry, selected Levy from over 200 nominees. His visionary leadership style encompasses qualities essential for modern-day CISOs: a deep understanding of business needs, readiness to embrace artificial intelligence, and a commitment to resilience against threats.

Levy's achievements at BNSF Railway demonstrate his robust approach integrating cybersecurity, technology risk management, business continuity, and recovery efforts. His strategy is centered on resilience operations, often referred to as ResOps. By fostering a collaborative environment, he encourages shared accountability among teams, essential for swift and effective responses to cyber threats.

“It's an incredible honor to be named TIME + Commvault CISO of the Year,” Levy expressed. “BNSF Railway is a cornerstone of America’s economy, enabling seamless connections across communities and businesses. As a critical infrastructure provider, safeguarding our systems and data is fundamental for economic stability and national security. This recognition celebrates the tireless efforts of our entire team, whose expertise ensures our railway operates smoothly and securely.”

Levy leads a team comprising top-notch cybersecurity and software engineers through bnsf | tech, the technological arm of BNSF. Under his guidance, the Class I railroad aims to maintain its status as North America's leading freight and mobility service provider. This involves not only maintaining operational security but also addressing the evolving threats posed by artificial intelligence and automated systems.

Bill O'Connell, Chief Security Officer at Commvault, commented on the necessity of modern CISOs to adapt quickly. “Today's CISOs face a dual challenge: leveraging the immense benefits of AI while countering the rise in sophisticated, AI-driven cyber threats. Alex's proactive and unified approach has set BNSF up for protecting and quickly recovering operations.”

The CISO of the Year award, launched in 2026, reflects the urgent need for evolving security leadership amidst increasing complexities in technology and cyber threats. This award was introduced to emphasize the importance of the CISO role and its transformation due to advancing technologies.

As the IT landscape continues to change, the CISO's role is expanding beyond traditional definitions. Leveraging artificial intelligence, understanding the implications of disruptions, and prioritizing swift recovery have become crucial elements of effective cybersecurity management.

During the inaugural CISO of the Year Summit held in Miami, finalists discussed how AI is reshaping perspectives on resilience and security. Emphasis was placed on the need for proactive strategies and preparedness to handle disruptions while maintaining operational integrity. To highlight just a few evaluation criteria from Commvault for this award:
1. Business Outcomes over Technical Defense: Focusing on security as a fundamental enterprise capability.
2. Teams over Siloes: Fostering collaboration across security and IT teams to ensure a united front.
3. Proof over Promises: Building trust through proactive actions and readiness assessments.
4. Readiness over Perfection: Prioritizing rapid recovery capabilities instead of striving for perfection in systems.
5. Confidence over Fear: Employing resilience as a competitive advantage in embracing new technologies.

BNSF Railway, which operates over 32,500 route miles of track across 28 states and three Canadian provinces, is a critical player in the freight industry, transporting various goods essential for everyday life. As such, Levy’s role in ensuring the security of BNSF’s operations not only impacts the company but also supports the broader economy.

By continuously advancing their technological infrastructure and integrating lessons learned from cyber threats, BNSF aims to enhance resilience and provide reliable service to its customers, further solidifying its position in the marketplace. As both Alex Levy and BNSF Railway continue to pave the way for innovative security solutions, their contributions will undoubtedly influence future strategies in the rapidly evolving realm of cybersecurity.

To learn more about the CISO of the Year award and its objectives, visit the respective websites of Commvault and TIME for additional insights on the critical importance of cybersecurity in modern infrastructure.

About Commvault

Commvault stands at the forefront of unified resilience in enterprise security. With a cloud-native, AI-enabled platform, Commvault is dedicated to helping organizations navigate the complexities of data security and recovery, ensuring they are always ready to respond effectively to threats.

About BNSF Railway

As a leading freight transportation company in North America, BNSF Railway plays a vital role in supporting the nation's supply chains and economic health. The railroad's continuous commitment to safety and efficiency underscores its status as a critical player within the transportation industry.