anthony green, portfolioyvr, helen siwak, cybersecurity, vancouver, bc, business and entrepreneurs

From Richmond Roots to Global Impact: Anthony Green’s Journey in Tech & Cybersecurity

Anthony Green, a Vancouver-based cybersecurity professional, is a leader and innovator shaping the tech industry. Raised in Richmond, he developed a passion for technology early, building computers and exploring software before pivoting into IT and cybersecurity.

anthony green, portfolioyvr, helen siwak, cybersecurity, vancouver, bc, business and entrepreneurs

As co-founder of Green Hat Security and Green Hat Assurance, Anthony helps organizations strengthen security from readiness through audit. Green Hat Security delivers fractional CISO support, product and code development, penetration testing, and hands-on remediation. Green Hat Assurance is a SOC 2 auditing firm that also helps clients become compliant, bridging the gap between preparation and a successful SOC 2 audit. Over the past year, Anthony has worked with more than 100 companies, adapting to each team’s needs and maturity. Green Hat Security also uses AI agents in its internal workflows and in the tools it develops.

Previously, he built an award-winning security operations at the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC), where he now fractionally manages a team of cybersecurity specialists while mentoring emerging talent.

As a long-time instructor at UBC’s Extended Learning department, he developed a micro-credential in Cloud Security Fundamentals.

At Vancouver Community College, he leads curriculum development for the Governance, Risk, and Compliance program. His global impact includes training instructors at the Blackberry Cybersecurity Centre in Malaysia.

In addition to his educational work, Anthony drives growth as Western Canada Ambassador of the Canadian Cybersecurity Cluster and has revitalized the ISACA Vancouver, making it Western Canada’s largest cybersecurity community.

He championed initiatives like One In Tech and youth scholarships, fostering diversity and mentorship.

Whether mentoring professionals, building communities, or driving innovation, he is dedicated to advancing the cybersecurity ecosystem locally and internationally.

anthony green, portfolioyvr, helen siwak, cybersecurity, vancouver, bc, business and entrepreneurs

IN HIS WORDS

Not every venture I pursued led to success. In 2018, I took a deep dive into cryptocurrency, initially watching my investments soar by over 1000%. However, like many, I fell into the trap of greed, pouring my gains into speculative meme coins and ultimately losing nearly everything. Though the experience was painful, it taught me critical lessons about discipline, risk management, and distinguishing between technological fundamentals and market hype. Despite my skepticism toward crypto-speculation, I remain a believer in blockchain‘s transformative potential. Each setback has taught me caution, and every success has fueled my ambition.

Over time, my entrepreneurial journey merged with my passion for cybersecurity. My early interests were in psychology and kinesiology. For nearly a decade, I coached senior boys’ basketball, a role that taught me how to lead, mentor, and inspire. Those skills have been invaluable in my transition to the technology sector. When I shifted focus and enrolled at BCIT, I discovered that cybersecurity perfectly aligned with my analytical mindset, love for continuous learning, and drive to make a community impact.

My earliest cybersecurity role was at London Drugs. I started in a technical support position, working closely with hardware, but quickly transitioned into a full-time security analyst role. I led major initiatives like Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) compliance, projects that required strategy, precision, and foresight. This role gave me a solid foundation in corporate security culture and the ability to influence it from within.

It also proved that effective security solutions could come from local talent, not just global consulting firms. By the time I left, I had gained a nuanced understanding of how to integrate security into a company’s operations while maintaining its business objectives.

Today, I lead security operations and compliance for the Chartered Professional Accountants of British Columbia (CPABC). When I joined, there was no formal cybersecurity team. It was just me. Over the past five years, I have built a dedicated security unit from the ground up. We are now a team of four specialists tackling complex security challenges. Under my leadership, CPABC does more than meet compliance standards; we set new benchmarks, demonstrating that professional membership organizations can have robust and scalable cybersecurity strategies. Mentoring is a key part of my approach, and I take pride in helping junior team members grow into skilled professionals who can navigate the rapidly evolving threat landscape.

ALONG THE WAY

I owe a lot to individuals who shaped my path. In cybersecurity, professionals like Justin Malzewski, Michael Argast, Mary Carmichael, and Ritchie Po provided mentorship, guidance, and support. They encouraged me when challenges arose and offered invaluable feedback on strategy and growth.

On the business front, mentors like Jonathan Niednagel and Sergey Bhukarov taught me how to pitch more effectively. Their advice on approaching investors and articulating my vision in a concise, compelling manner was transformative. Without their belief in my capabilities, I might not have had the confidence to take these big leaps.

When I took leadership at ISACA Vancouver, the group had been diminished by the pandemic. Initially, our events had 20-30 attendees, but by the end of my term, we saw nearly 300 at our AGM on Amazon’s Post rooftop. This was not just a numerical achievement; it represented a cultural shift in how Vancouver’s cybersecurity professionals viewed their potential.

Under my leadership, ISACA Vancouver embraced inclusivity, mentorship, and diversity. Initiatives like One In Tech, CyberSci (Canadas Cybersecurity Hackathon) and youth scholarships inspired the next generation to pursue cybersecurity careers. By fostering networking, workshops, and events, I helped transform ISACA Vancouver into a vibrant hub in Western Canada’s cybersecurity ecosystem.

My passion for education is equally evident in my teaching roles. I was the first dedicated cybersecurity instructor at UBC’s Extended Learning department, where I have been teaching for over three years. I developed a micro-credential program in Cloud Security Fundamentals and the Attacker’s Mindset, ensuring students receive cutting-edge training aligned with industry needs. At Vancouver Community College (VCC), I serve as Lead Curriculum Developer for the Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) program, the first of its kind in BC.

By integrating business principles into cybersecurity education, the GRC program offers a comprehensive approach that prepares graduates to excel in both strategic and technical aspects of the field.

My influence is not confined to the local cybersecurity scene. My teaching work has taken me internationally, including training instructors at the BlackBerry Cybersecurity Centre in Malaysia.

As an as an ambassador for the Canadian Cybersecurity Cluster, where I help connect Canada-based cybersecurity startups and scale-ups with international markets and opportunities. Through trade missions, advisory roles, and thought leadership, I work tirelessly to ensure that Vancouver’s cybersecurity sector earns its rightful place on the global stage.

This multifaceted involvement in cybersecurity, spanning technical leadership, community building, curriculum development, and global advocacy, underscores my commitment to empowerment. I believe Vancouver, often overshadowed by larger tech hubs, can shine as a beacon of cybersecurity innovation. By mentoring new talent, guiding seasoned professionals, and creating educational frameworks for diverse communities, I have helped elevate Vancouver’s security profile, making it a place where cutting-edge ideas thrive.

anthony green, portfolioyvr, helen siwak, cybersecurity, vancouver, bc, business and entrepreneurs

BEYOND CYBERSECURITY

However, my ambitions extend beyond cybersecurity. I am a co-founder of Green Hat Security and Green Hat Assurance, two organizations built to help companies get secure and prove it.

Green Hat Security is a cybersecurity services company that meets teams where they are. We provide fractional CISO leadership, penetration testing, secure product and code development, and hands-on remediation to reduce real risk.

Green Hat Assurance is our assurance practice. We are a SOC 2 auditing firm that helps clients become compliant for SOC 2, from readiness and control design through evidence collection and the audit itself.

Over the past year, I have worked with more than 100 companies across different industries and maturity levels. Some need strategic governance and a security program, others need engineering help or testing, and many need a clear path from readiness to audit. I step in where it is most valuable.

We also invest heavily in how we work. Green Hat Security uses AI agents in our internal workflows to speed up repeatable tasks like evidence organization, control mapping, and reporting. We also build AI-assisted tools that make security work easier for our clients.

Our goal is simple: build a world-class cybersecurity and assurance brand out of Canada. By year-end, we aim for Green Hat Security to be one of the most well-known cybersecurity brands in the country, while Green Hat Assurance continues to help teams achieve clean, efficient SOC 2 outcomes.

This blend of entrepreneurial vision, technical expertise, and community focus reflects the synergy of my entire career. My journey is about more than personal achievements; it demonstrates how individuals can help shape entire ecosystems.

In cybersecurity, I helped transform Vancouver’s community from a modest gathering of professionals into a thriving, recognized entity that supports its members and influences industry trends.

In education, I have developed cutting-edge curricula, built talent pipelines, and equipped rising professionals with the tools and knowledge they need to secure our digital future.

As a business leader, I am focused on making security and assurance practical, high-quality, and accessible, especially for companies that do not have a large in-house team.

Vancouver is on the verge of significant growth in technology and cybersecurity, and I am proud to have contributed to laying the groundwork.

THE FUTURE IS GREEN

Today, the city’s cybersecurity events draw large crowds, top-tier speakers, and a strong sense of excitement. Local startups no longer need to rely on Silicon Valley or Toronto for mentorship; these resources are increasingly available here, supported by leaders who believe in Vancouver’s potential as a global cybersecurity hub. Students graduating from UBC and VCC now enter the workforce with both technical skills and a comprehensive understanding of success in complex, regulated industries. Companies that once struggled to build security internally can partner with local teams like Green Hat Security and Green Hat Assurance to move from readiness to audit with confidence.

My journey, from teenage side hustles to building an early digital marketing firm, from setting cybersecurity standards at CPABC to revitalizing Vancouver’s largest cybersecurity association, from teaching international audiences to co-founding Green Hat Security and Green Hat Assurance, has been a continuous evolution. It is a story of rising to challenges, finding ways to innovate, and sharing knowledge so others can do the same.

As this year unfolds, my goals are clear. I want Green Hat Security to become one of the most recognized cybersecurity brands in Canada by year-end. I want Green Hat Assurance to keep helping clients go from readiness to audit in a way that is rigorous, efficient, and human. I want Vancouver’s cybersecurity scene to continue flourishing, attracting more talent, investments, and recognition. I want my students and mentees to step confidently into their futures, armed with the wisdom and skills I have helped them develop. Ultimately, I want to prove that a city like Vancouver, often overshadowed by larger tech hubs, can produce world-class leaders, educators, innovators, and entrepreneurs who leave a lasting mark on the global stage!

This is a revised version of the original story published in Portfolio.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine, Issue #05.

Author Profile

Helen Siwak, Collaborator: This story is created in collaboration between Helen Siwak and the featured subject. As the founder and publisher of Portfolio.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine, Helen works closely with entrepreneurs to share their paths of innovation, resilience, and growth. Each story in this series is co-developed through interviews and first-person insights, blending authentic voices with Helen’s editorial expertise to highlight the remarkable individuals shaping British Columbia’s business landscape.