Farell Folly is a leading industrial cybersecurity figure known for his expertise and innovative approach. As a Senior Expert in Industrial Cybersecurity, he is the TÜV SÜD’s Lead For Cybersecurity services for Industry Services division, and member of the Cybersecurity Competence Center. With 20 years of experience in the field, Farell has adroitly navigated the complexities of cybersecurity, confronting challenges with unwavering dedication to a more resilient digital future. Throughout his career, he has exhibited an extraordinary capacity to safeguard critical infrastructures and devise sophisticated cybersecurity strategies at national, regional and international levels.
After earning a Master’s degree in Telecommunications from the Polytechnic faculty of the Royal Military Academy in Brussels, he continued his studies with a Ph.D. at the Bundeswehr University in Munich, concentrating on IoT security and malware mitigation.
Farell’s adaptability is evident as he describes, “My career has been a journey of continuous adaptation and evolution from the structured environment of the military to the dynamic world of cybersecurity.” Indeed, between 2007 And 2018, he actively combined his career as a military officer with positions held in governmental and international institutions such as the United Nations and ICANN.
His career took a significant turn when he joined the United States Army AFRICOM in Stuttgart as the Technical Director of the Africa Endeavour Program. At just 27, he led crucial communication interoperability tests and established secure networks across Africa. He also set up a Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) in 2010 and ran extensive security training programs across Africa to hundreds of people from various nationalities.
His tenure at the United Nations in Bamako saw him develop robust security strategies and enhance IT infrastructure for critical operations. His work within the Ministry of ICT of Benin, firstly at the Telecommunications Regulatory Agency (ARCEP) and then at the Agency for ICT, also saw him spearhead major ICT projects, including West Africa’s first Telecommunication Traffic Monitoring Center.
At TÜV SÜD IS GmbH, Farell plays a vital role in expanding the global service portfolio, creating all-encompassing cybersecurity evaluation benchmarks, and providing indispensable guidance to industrial clients. He represents the company nationally and internationally.
Farell’s knowledge and extraordinary path in cybersecurity has earned him a spot among the ‘Top 10 Most Influential Leaders in 2024.’ His research and contributions at ICANN, where he was a Councillor, have shaped policies for the new generic Top-Level Domains (gTLDs), the Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs), and DNS abuse. Farell has also served ICANN as a mentor and guided emerging leaders across the world. His achievements are recognized through prestigious awards, including the Internet Research Award in 2013, multiple UN Medals in 2016 and 2017, the Best Paper Award from The Network and Distributed System Security Symposium in 2021 in San Diego (USA) for IoT Security, and the Recognition Award by ICANN in 2023.
Here are excerpts from an exclusive interview with Farell.
Military Discipline Shaping Cybersecurity Leadership
Farell is an example of how military discipline can be seamlessly applied to cybersecurity. “My military background has profoundly shaped my approach to cybersecurity and leadership, providing me with a unique perspective and a robust skill set that I have carried into my civilian roles.”
Drawing from his military experience, he views security comprehensively, covering strategic, operational, physical, and digital threats. His knack for staying calm under pressure and making quick, informed decisions has proven invaluable during crises. For instance, in a major cyber incident in a previous role, Farell’s adept problem-solving was key in containing the damage and getting operations back on track.
He leads teams effectively and prepares them for emerging threats. With his global experience, he excels at building strong partnerships with international colleagues. His battle-tested skills are crucial for constructing impenetrable security defenses and handling crises precisely.
Key Milestones in His Career
Farell’s early academic prowess, culminating in a second-place finish in the provincial entrance examination, underscored his intellectual aptitude. As a Communication and Information Systems Officer in Benin, he gained invaluable hands-on knowledge in designing and maintaining robust IT infrastructures. His subsequent role as Technical Director at the United States Army AFRICOM involved the strategic planning and execution of communication interoperability tests, establishing secure networks across the African continent.
Additionally, his tenure as Information Security Officer at the United Nations demanded the development of comprehensive security strategies to safeguard mission-critical operations involving 12,000 soldiers in Mali.
Farell’s technical proficiency and deep understanding of regulatory compliance were instrumental in designing and implementing the nation’s inaugural national telecommunication traffic center. As a Councillor at ICANN, Farell contributed to shaping policies for Internationalized Domain Names and evaluating the potential security risks of Domain Name System policies on the Internet.
A Holistic Approach to Cybersecurity
This cybersecurity expert brings a unique perspective to the field. As he puts it, “A holistic approach to cybersecurity involves considering the full spectrum of potential threats and vulnerabilities and integrating multiple layers of defense to create a resilient security posture.”
Central to his strategy is a thorough risk assessment encompassing both technical and operational aspects of systems. He’s all about mapping out every nook and cranny, finding those hidden weaknesses before they become a big deal. Farell also advocates for a multi-layered defense tactic incorporating physical security measures, network security controls, and endpoint protection. By integrating security practices into the software development lifecycle, Farell ensures that systems are inherently protected from the outset.
This cybersecurity maven considers that “Human factors play a significant role in cybersecurity.” So, his primary focus is educating employees to be vigilant against threats and report security incidents effectively. He emphasizes strict adherence to industry standards and regulations to ensure high security and build stakeholder trust.
Farell stays ahead of the curve by actively participating in industry committees and gaining valuable insights into the latest threats, regulatory changes, and best practices. He advocates that “Leveraging advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) enhances our ability to detect and respond to threats.” These tools enable him to interrogate extensive data repositories, identifying latent security breaches with alacrity.
Harnessing Multilingualism and Cultural Insight for Cybersecurity Leadership Excellence
Farell’s exceptional leadership to lead and inspire large teams, especially in challenging circumstances, is rooted in his adept communication, nuanced cultural sensitivity, and innate interpersonal acumen. His multilingual proficiency, encompassing French, English, German, Ewe, Fon, and conversational Spanish and Arabic, enables him to seamlessly traverse cultural gaps and cultivate a harmonious team esprit de corps. His extensive globetrotting, spanning over 100 cities, has imbued him with a profound cultural empathy.
As Farell aptly states, “Speaking multiple languages and understanding different cultures helps build trust and rapport with team members, clients, and partners.” His tolerant and receptive disposition fosters a dynamic interplay of ideas, while his wit and compassion make him a natural bridge-builder, facilitating collaboration amidst adversity. This approach was implemented during a high-stakes multinational cybersecurity project. “In a previous multinational cybersecurity project, my ability to speak multiple languages and my cultural awareness were instrumental in bridging communication gaps and fostering collaboration,” he reflects.
Mantra for Balancing Career and Focus
Farell has a knack for juggling his demanding cybersecurity job with a fulfilling personal life. His approach is rooted in mindful practices, deliberate decision-making, and a steadfast personal and professional development commitment. He prioritizes health and well-being, adding regular exercise, meditation, and a balanced diet. Music and creativity are his escape, a perfect balance to the technical world he navigates. He’s all about making decisions that align with his health, family, and community.
Volunteering and giving back are a big part of who he is, bringing him a sense of purpose. He’s a master at staying focused and avoids distractions by selectively engaging with trending topics and prioritizing tasks based on their importance and urgency. Farell values strong relationships and cherishes quality time with his loved ones.
As a leader who thrives under pressure, Farell finds solace and inspiration in his passions, like music and sports. They help him stay grounded and sharp. He’s also a physical powerhouse, with martial arts keeping him mentally and physically fit. Farell excels at fostering a positive and inclusive work environment, recognizing each team member’s unique strengths and perspectives. His communication is precise and effective, especially during high-pressure situations, ensuring everyone is aligned with clear instructions, defined responsibilities, and timely updates.
Navigating the Cybersecurity Maze: Farell’s Journey
Farell’s cybersecurity journey has been a winding path, marked by early challenges in navigating the vast digital security landscape. This initial struggle spurred him to explore various domains, eventually specializing in IoT security and Industry 4.0. His dedication to continuous learning through conferences, workshops, and online courses has kept him at the forefront of the field.
His career has also been punctuated by practical challenges. He leverages his technical expertise, strategic thinking, and collaborative approach to address these. Farell’s role at TÜV SÜD involves developing cybersecurity evaluation criteria and guiding industrial clients toward robust security implementations.
A Changing Cyber Threat Landscape and Farell’s Comprehensive Vision for the Future
With the growing convergence of operational technology (OT) and information technology (IT) across industries like manufacturing, chemical plants, and energy systems, Farell sees this integration as pivotal in shaping the future of cybersecurity. However, this shift also broadens the potential attack surface, demanding more tailored cybersecurity risk assessments. Farell stresses that TÜV SÜD is already taking action by updating its certification and audit processes to meet these emerging risks. The company also supports clients in adopting AI securely while refining its audit procedures for greater efficiency and adaptability. He notes that AI plays a dual role—enhancing both cybersecurity defenses and the sophistication of cyber-attacks.
This industry stalwart further emphasizes the importance of collaborating with standardization bodies and industry associations to help shape future national, EU, and global regulations, particularly in critical sectors such as energy, nuclear, rail, and lifts. TÜV SÜD’s Mobility division also integrates AI into visual inspections while exploring secure AI applications for its clients.
Farell’s approach to cybersecurity goes beyond technical solutions. He focuses on empowering users and building trust. His research into IoT security exposed the real-world dangers of cyberattacks, reinforcing his commitment to a comprehensive security strategy. Farell believes that by prioritizing user engagement and awareness, TÜV SÜD can create more resilient systems to reduce the likelihood of cyber threats.
Furthermore, ethical concerns are also central to his philosophy, as shown by his work with U-Coin (Utribe), a gold-backed cryptocurrency aimed at fostering fairness and transparency.
Prompted about TÜV SÜD’s future readiness, this prescient professional hopes that future generations will adopt a user-centric method to cybersecurity, blending technological solutions with efforts to build trust. He remarks, “Our focus on a holistic approach to safety and security ensures that our clients are well-prepared to face the evolving cyber threat landscape.”
Advice to Aspiring Cybersecurity Leaders
Farell exhorts future leaders to contemplate their endeavors’ social and ethical ramifications, thereby ensuring a safer and more equitable world for all. He proffers invaluable insights for aspiring cybersecurity leaders and implores, “Believe in yourself and tackle problems in your own unique way while always adhering to a rigorous and methodical approach.”
The industry veteran also underscores the human element in cybersecurity. “Cybersecurity is not just about technology; it’s about protecting people and ensuring their safety in an increasingly digital world,” he shares. For the solution to be robust and helpful to users, the company must comprehend how it aligns with human needs.
Farell counsels that leaders should be trustworthy and possess veracity. He urges, “Lead with empathy and integrity. Integrity is the foundation of trust, and in cybersecurity, trust is everything.”
Reflecting on a Career Marked by Courage and Innovation
Reflecting on his distinguished career, Farell takes great pride in a journey of gallantry, ingenuity, and persistence. At 27, he became the Technical Director of the US Army-sponsored program Africa Endeavour, leading over 200 people as a young Army Captain. His rapid ascent continued as he became the youngest Lieutenant Colonel in his country’s history, illustrating his dedication and resilience.
Transitioning from the military to academia and cybersecurity, Farell faced significant challenges, including moving to a new country, learning a new language, and adapting to life as a single father. But he is like a mountain climber scaling new heights who is undeterred by the altitude, the cold, or the doubt that others may cast. “Courage has been the foundation of everything I’ve achieved. It’s the courage to start new things, step into the unknown, and take risks others might shy away from,” he reflects.
As one of the 21 global Councilors for the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN) from 2019 to 2023, Farell has played a pivotal role in shaping key Internet policies. As Vice-Chair of the Working Group on Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs), he advocates for greater inclusion and accessibility for all users. He firmly believes, “Embracing change has allowed me to innovate and lead in ways that have made a lasting impact.” Farell emphasizes that these guiding principles will continue to shape his future endeavors as he pushes the boundaries of what is possible in cybersecurity while striving to make a positive global impact.
