Gartner Expert

Brian Lowans

Sr Director Analyst

Brian Lowans, Ph.D., MBA is a Senior Director Analyst within the Digital Workplace Security Team, which is part of the Information Security and Privacy research organization of Gartner Research. Dr. Lowans focuses on a range of data security issues, including data security governance, data risk assessment and infonomics, structured and unstructured data encryption and tokenization, database activity monitoring, data security platforms, data security posture management, encryption key management, key management as a service, postquantum and cloud data security issues, as well as other data security, privacy and risk topics.

Previous experience

Dr. Lowans was a Product Director in QinetiQ Ventures Group developing a new business startup. He led the development of a scalable network security solution that leveraged quantum key distribution, key management and network management systems with end-to-end encryption and authentication across optical network environments. He led the development of intellectual property and patent portfolios, and he served as a Vice Chairman of a working group (ETSI QKD_ISG) developing international standards for quantum key distribution.

Dr. Lowans has built a strong track record in creating value from technology innovation and commercial insight through experience in defense, security and telecom markets. He has experience in the development of full business plans, including financial forecasts, market strategies, technology and product roadmaps, and intellectual property strategies.

Professional background

QinetiQ, Product Director, Ventures Group, 15 years

Short Brothers, Senior Research Engineer, 7 years

Areas of coverage

  • Security of Applications and Data

  • Cybersecurity Leadership

  • Demonstrate Value and Collaborate With Business Partners

Education

Ph.D., Optical Information Processing, Queen's University Belfast

M.B.A., Master of Business Administration, University of Warwick

M.S., Opto-electronics, Queen's University Belfast

B.S. (Hons.), Physics, Queen's University Belfast

Read More Read Less

Top Issues That I Help Clients Address

01

Data encryption and tokenization, file encryption, privacy enhanced technology, encryption key management, and post quantum cryptography

02

Data protection, privacy and data residency/sovereignty across Cloud Services

03

Database security, database activity monitoring and data security platforms

04

Data security governance, data risk assessment, financial data risk assessment and infonomics

05

Data security platform, data security posture management, data categorization