We continue introducing you to the BitClave’s advisors. The next post in our series focuses on Gerald Beuchelt. Gerald has a Master’s degree in theoretical physics, and a long career in information security and privacy.
He is currently the Chief Information Security Officer at LogMeIn, a company with a wide range of SaaS products, including the LastPass password manager, GotoMeeting and GotoWebinar, the Bold 360 customer engagement platform, and various products which allows users to access remote devices from wherever they are. In this role Gerald is accountable for the Security, Compliance, and Technical Privacy of LogMeIn.
In the past, Gerald worked as the Chief Security Officer for Demandware, a cloud-based ecommerce platform recently acquired by Salesforce.com. He also worked as the Principal Information Security Engineer for MITRE, a not-for-profit organization supporting security research and development, and Sun Microsystems in various positions in the Chief Technologist’s Office.
Gerald’s formidable knowledge of cyber security and privacy issues, as well as his and experience working on intense digital projects make him an invaluable advisor for BitClave. He provides the experience and help we need to ensure secure and effective systems.
Listen a short podcast with Gerald to learn more about his background and why he supports BitClave.
For this blog we also asked Gerald a few questions:
BitClave: Gerald, why did you join BitClave?
Gerald: BitClave is a very dynamic and forward looking team. We have designed and implemented technology that allows empowers users to participate in the data-driven economy on equal terms. The Active Search Ecosystem realizes a long held vision of Privacy advocates around the world, where users control their information and take part in the monetization of accelerated business processes. Being a part of this team is fascinating.
BitClave: So Privacy is really becoming an issue that interests consumers?
Gerald: Yes, since Active Search makes it tangible. One of the problems of helping consumers realize the value of their data — and their privacy — is that the release of personal information does not seem like “a big deal”. But it really is, as proven by the highly successful business models that companies like Google, Facebook, or Amazon have built on top of collecting, packaging, and selling personal data. BitClave allows consumers to “cut out the middle man” and deal with retailers and vendors directly.
BitClave: Where is the upside for companies on this?
Gerald: Companies benefit from using the Active Search platform as well: instead of paying for advertising while relying on the accuracy of a middle man’s consumer profile, companies can deal directly with their customers. This improves the relationship, takes out inefficiencies in the value chain, and allows companies to share the saving directly with the customer. It also helps build goodwill by showing respect for consumers’ privacy and a willingness to truly respect them as business partners.
