Cequence Security has appointed Randolph Barr, former Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) of Zoom, to drive the company’s API security efforts. Barr brings over two decades of experience in cybersecurity, risk management, and IT, having held senior roles at leading tech firms including Qualys, Cisco-Webex, and InterVenn Biosciences. His extensive expertise is set to bolster Cequence’s commitment to providing robust protection against the evolving threat landscape facing businesses today.
Barr, well-regarded for his ability to lead security teams and implement large-scale protection strategies, will oversee Cequence’s internal security programme. His remit will include strengthening customer trust by ensuring that the company’s security efforts are transparent and responsive to new and emerging threats. API security, a critical area as businesses increasingly rely on these systems for web applications and AI integration, will be a major focus for Barr.
“API security is one of the most pressing challenges in cybersecurity today,” Barr said. “With APIs central to how modern applications function, they have become a primary target for cybercriminals. Protecting them is vital not only for safeguarding sensitive data but also for ensuring compliance with ever-evolving regulatory frameworks.”
Barr’s career has been marked by strategic leadership in cybersecurity, helping organisations navigate complex threats while scaling their operations. At Zoom, Barr played a key role in fortifying the platform’s security during its global expansion. His efforts have consistently helped companies achieve essential security certifications, from industry standards to third-party attestations, while improving security governance.
In his new role at Cequence, Barr aims to build on the company’s current foundation, enhancing security measures to meet the needs of clients across different sectors and regions. “I plan to enhance Cequence’s internal security programme and ensure it continues to meet the needs of our global customer base,” Barr explained. “We’ll be focusing on remaining ahead of compliance requirements and maintaining strong security practices.”
Shreyans Mehta, Chief Technology Officer at Cequence, praised Barr’s appointment, highlighting his experience in building scalable security frameworks. “Randolph’s expertise will be key in fortifying Cequence’s security posture. With his strategic approach to risk management, we are confident he will help us deliver innovative solutions to address the unique challenges of API security and bot management,” Mehta said.
Barr’s experience spans a range of industries, including cloud services and enterprise software, where he has driven the development of security programmes. His approach to cybersecurity places significant emphasis on collaboration and team-building within the wider community. “Cybersecurity is a collaborative effort. By fostering an environment of knowledge sharing and open communication, we strengthen our defences against increasingly sophisticated cyber threats,” Barr added.
He also stressed the unique challenges presented by API security as technology evolves. “APIs expose sensitive data and operate in highly dynamic environments, making them attractive targets for cybercriminals. By raising awareness and promoting collaboration among security professionals, we can better understand and mitigate these risks.”
As API usage grows alongside the rise of AI and other advanced technologies, Cequence sees Barr’s appointment as a crucial step towards keeping its clients ahead of potential cyber threats, ensuring secure and resilient operations.