Meet Michelle. She’s shaping
our digital future with a
security-first approach.

Michelle Johnston, a senior engineer of security operations at Wind River^®, is a shining example of the dedication and passion it takes to succeed in cybersecurity. Her career evolution from security analyst to senior engineer stemmed from an earnest desire to preemptively thwart cyberthreats, rather than merely respond to them.

Michelle, who has both a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems and a master’s in computer science, regularly confronts numerous technological challenges in her role. And increasingly, meeting the most pivotal challenges requires prioritizing cybersecurity. Against this backdrop, projects such as the Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF) stand out to her. The government’s urgent mandate to integrate this cybersecurity framework into the software development lifecycle pushed Michelle and her teams into a race against time, driving them to adapt, learn, and implement at lightning speed.

Effective problem-solving, for Michelle, is a dance of collaboration. Partnering with departments across the organization, she emphasizes the relentless need to adopt uniform security protocols across diverse business units to ensure a secure working environment — and highlights the value of structured documentation to streamline processes and address challenges. This collaborative spirit is both nurtured and rewarded at Wind River.

A growth mindset and an unwavering commitment to continuous learning set professionals like Michelle apart. In the ever-evolving world of technology, Michelle regards adaptability as a critical skill, not just a desired trait. “I’m on the security side, so I keep track of vulnerabilities and new security tools by following various blogs and Twitter feeds. I frequently buy new tech books to keep myself informed about new tools and applications that can be used at work to create automation where needed.” These resources not only inform her but also help her hone her skills and knowledge, ensuring that she’s always ahead of potential threats.

One particular trend that Michelle has her eye on is DevSecOps, hinting at a paradigm shift in development — one that is heavily security centric. Addressing security from the start for faster innovation and protection against cyberthreats further solidifies security’s role in technology.

Amid the whirlwind of codes, threats, and innovations, Michelle doesn’t lose sight of her personal priorities. She is a firm believer in work-life balance, ensuring that her leisure and professional worlds remain distinct yet harmonious.

To budding engineers looking to start their careers, she offers the following advice: Be audacious. “Never be afraid to present your ideas to your team and company.” Fresh ideas and innovative perspectives are not just welcome but essential at Wind River. These insights can reshape existing frameworks, introduce groundbreaking applications, or even redefine how we perceive technology. Innovation isn’t just a buzzword here; it’s ingrained in our DNA. A keen focus on security and a perpetual drive for excellence define our roadmap for the future.

In the vast landscape of the digital age, engineers like Michelle Johnston aren’t just participants; they’re architects, shaping, guiding, and ensuring a secure foundation for our shared digital future.