'Inside Security' with Victor Baddour (Head of Forward Deployed Engineering at Symmetry Systems)

The role of a Forward Deployed Engineer (FDE) has undergone significant evolution over the years, becoming increasingly critical within the software industry. This role is unique mix of autonomy and unpredictability, and as a result is problem/industry agnostic, so the breadth of projects that an FDE tackles is large and almost always evolving.

Initially, FDEs were seen as engineers with a knack for working closely with customers, ensuring the successful deployment and integration of complex products. However, as technology has advanced and customer needs have become more sophisticated, the role has expanded to encompass a broader range of responsibilities, particularly within the security industry.

The sixth edition of ‘Inside Security’ features Victor Baddour (Head of Forward Deployed Engineering at Symmetry Systems). Victor is a security and engineering leader who will shed light on what it’s like to be a Forward Deployed Engineer in the world of Data Security Posture Management (DSPM) and why this role is so crucial today.

Origins and evolution of the role

In its early days, the FDE role was primarily focused on deployment and implementation.

Companies developing complex software products needed skilled engineers who could bridge the gap between the technical capabilities of the product and the practical requirements of the customer. FDEs were the hands-on experts who traveled to customer sites, installed software, configured systems, and ensured that everything worked as intended.

These early FDEs were problem solvers. They understood the intricacies of the products they worked with and were adept at troubleshooting issues that arose during deployment. Their close proximity to customers meant that they could quickly identify and address challenges, ensuring that the software met the customer’s needs and performed reliably in real-world environments.

However, as software products got mature and complexities broadened, FDEs started to take on a more customer-centric approach.

If you look at the evolution, FDEs were becoming the voice of the customer within the engineering team, advocating for features and enhancements that would better serve the customer’s needs. They were no longer just deployment specialists. This was a critical point in the evolution of the role in my opinion.

This shift also saw FDEs becoming more deeply involved in the customization of products.

So instead of just installing and configuring softwares for customers, in my time, I've seen the role evolve into helping tailor-fit solutions to meet unique requirements of each customer. So you started seeing people in this role become not just highly technical but also develop a understanding of the customer’s business and how the software could be leveraged to drive outcomes.

FDE within the context of a DSPM

The effectiveness of any DSPM platform depends on how it is tailored to the customers environment and the challenges they face.

Customization ensures that the platform addresses customers' unique security needs, enabling proactive risk management and complete data protection.

One of the most valuable aspects of the FDE role is the ability to customize solutions on the fly. Customers often have needs that extend beyond the current features of our product, and this is where the engineering expertise of the FDE shines. By writing custom scripts or creating temporary solutions, FDEs can quickly address customer needs, often laying the groundwork for future product enhancements. This agility and responsiveness are key to maintaining strong, positive relationships with their customers.

With a DSPM, a one-size-fits-all approach to data security is rarely effective. FDEs in general are required to write custom scripts to automate certain processes, integrate the DSPM solution with other security tools in the customer’s environment, and/or develop new features to address unique use cases on an on-going basis. Whether it’s identifying dormant data, uncovering unauthorized access, or tightening up security controls, the role of the FDE is to make sure that these outcomes are not only achieved but are also clearly communicated to the customer. This level of engagement ensures that customers can point to specific, measurable benefits when it’s time to renew their subscription, reinforcing the value of our product. At the end of the day, the success of our customers is the ultimate goal.

Victor attributes his success to years of security training. Transitioning from a purely technical role to one involving daily customer interaction has its challenges, but it's also highly rewarding due to the quick feedback loop between developing solutions and witnessing their immediate impact.

The instant feedback of iterating hand-in-hand with a customer means you can create something super meaningful in a very short period of time.

Having also spent years in deep technical roles, the level of security awareness that Victor brings to the table is unmatched. He is able to leverage his experience to train his teams and also provide insights that go beyond the immediate problem, often advising customers on best practices that can help prevent future issues.

This security-focused mindset is especially valuable in DSPM, where the stakes are high, and the threats are constantly evolving. Our FDEs are not just implementing solutions; they’re also thinking ahead, considering how to protect customer environments from emerging threats. Whether it’s through the integration of threat intelligence or the carefully managing the data access, the FDE’s role is to ensure that our customers are not just secure today but are also prepared for the threats of tomorrow.

Future of FDEs

Looking ahead to the future, the role of the FDE in security is likely to continue evolving. As companies increasingly adopt cloud and AI-first products, FDEs will need drive the stickiness of many platforms.

As security challenges become more complex, customers will continue to look to FDEs not just as implementers, but as trusted advisors who can help them navigate the security threat landscape. For instance, an FDE could work with a customer to integrate an AI-driven threat detection system that can analyze network traffic in real-time, identify potential intrusions. They could then configure the system to the customer's unique network architecture, ensuring that it accurately detects threats while minimizing false positives. This level of customization will be key to maximizing the effectiveness of AI in security.

Their roles could also further extend to training teams on how to interpret AI-generated alerts, advising on how to respond to potential threats, and helping to refine AI models based on real-world feedback. And the converse will also be crucial. Their hands-on experience with customers will give them unique insights into how future trends (e.g.: AI in security) can be better tailored to meet the growing needs of different industries and environments.

One thing is pretty evident – the role of FDEs is here to stay and will continue to evolve. Victor and his team will be at the forefront, setting industry standards and demonstrating how to run an effective FDE function.

To connect with Victor, you can reach out to him via his LinkedIn.