Gartner Expert

Zachary Smith

Sr Principal, Research

As part of the cybersecurity research team in Gartner's Security and Risk Management Practice, Zachary Smith works with CISOs, senior cybersecurity leaders, and IAM program leaders to deliver in-depth research of the most pressing cybersecurity challenges. Zachary has led research studies in the areas of CISO effectiveness, executive communications, third-party cybersecurity risk management, IAM Leadership, and generative AI.

Previous experience

Prior to joining Gartner, Zachary worked in higher education as a university professor, teaching students across all majors and researching how to translate complex topics into modern solutions.

Areas of coverage
  • Identity and Access Management

  • Cyber Risk

  • Cybersecurity Leadership

  • Demonstrate Value and Collaborate With Business Partners

  • Build and Optimize Cybersecurity Programs

Education

PhD, Yale University

MA, MPhil, Yale University

BA University of Missouri-Kansas City

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Top Issues That I Help Clients Address

01

Third-party cybersecurity risk management

02

CISO effectiveness

03

Identity and Access Management program leadership

04

Executive communication (Cross-functional collaboration, Zero Trust, etc.)

05

Driving Secure Behavior