With over 700 talented professionals on the Altenar team, we believe in celebrating those who make a significant impact.
Our 'Getting To Know You' series highlights the great work of all our departments and in this edition, our Malta-based Information Security Manager Keith Barbara discusses his role and expertise.
How long have you been a member of the Altenar team and what made you want to join the company?
I have been part of the Altenar team for just over two years now. When I was exploring new opportunities, I came across the opening at Altenar and noticed that a few acquaintances of mine were already part of the company. That gave me a good initial impression and made me curious enough to apply. As I went through the interview process, what really stood out was the company’s forward-thinking approach, especially the use of modern technologies and the mindset around innovation. That was incredibly motivating for me. Just as important was the sense I got from the people I interacted with. It was clear that I would be joining a team with the right mentality; collaborative, open, and aligned with the way I like to work.
What are your main roles and responsibilities here at Altenar?
My role primarily focuses on developing and implementing security strategies, policies, and procedures to safeguard the company’s systems and data from potential threats. I work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure that security best practices are integrated into daily operations and that the company remains compliant with relevant regulations. A key part of my responsibilities includes conducting security assessments of our product architecture, performing risk analyses, and supporting the broader team in promoting a strong culture of security awareness across the organisation.
What do you think makes you good at your job/what you do?
I would say that one of my strengths is being an all-rounder who is highly adaptable. I began my career as a Systems and Networks Engineer with one of the largest telecommunications companies on the island, and over time I transitioned into management roles. That early exposure to a range of technologies gave me a strong technical foundation, while the shift into leadership helped me develop a broader business mindset. This combination allows me to understand technical requirements in depth, while also considering the bigger picture and aligning outcomes with business goals. I am also constantly focused on improvement, whether that is in processes, systems, or the way teams collaborate. I believe that this mindset has been key to my growth and success.
How does your department help the company reach its overall targets and goals?
Our department is responsible for the security of the company’s assets, with the ultimate goal of safeguarding the interests of both the company and our customers. By ensuring that these assets are properly protected, we instill confidence in the products we offer, which in turn helps improve the overall business.
What are the key skills you need to be a success in your team/department?
In many organisations, Information Security teams can sometimes be viewed as showstoppers or blockers. That is why it is essential for anyone in this team to actively work to prove the opposite. A successful team member needs to be a good listener, someone who takes the time to understand the context before responding. They should also be able to explain risks in a way that is clear and tangible, without relying on overly technical language. It is important to be down to earth and empathetic, especially when working with different departments. At the same time, there are moments when being assertive is necessary, especially when something is clearly not in line with best practices or poses a real risk. Striking that balance is what makes someone effective in this field.
How do you expect your role in this industry to change and develop in the future?
Technology is evolving rapidly, and in our industry, it's crucial to stay informed about these changes to avoid falling behind. As new technologies emerge, we need to ensure we’re adapting quickly enough to support innovation and maintain competitiveness. At the same time, we must be mindful of the increasing number of regulatory frameworks that are being introduced. The challenge lies in balancing the fast pace of technological advancements with compliance to these regulations. Our role will continue to evolve as we learn how to integrate cutting-edge solutions without stalling progress, all while staying aligned with the regulatory landscape that governs how we operate.
Tell us about your career prior to joining Altenar?
I am an electrical engineer by profession, with a focus on computer and communication engineering. My career began at a telecommunications company, where I worked as a Systems and Networks Engineer, responsible for ISP services. Over time, I transitioned into IT operations management roles, which gave me valuable insight into the broader business operations. Wanting to deepen my understanding of security, I pursued a Master's degree in Information Security, which marked a key turning point in my career. Security had always been an integral part of my work, but after completing my Master's, I fully transitioned into Information Security roles. Since then, I have worked in various industries, including banking, fintech, and now iGaming.
What’s the one thing you’d love to change about your role/industry?
One thing I would like to see change in the cybersecurity industry is the tendency to rely heavily on jargon, acronyms, and sometimes even fear-based messaging to push initiatives forward. While the threats are very real and the potential consequences can be serious, I believe that security should be viewed as an integral part of the quality of a product or service, not something separate or imposed. If we focus on improving other areas of the business that have clear and tangible outcomes, such as process efficiency, user experience, or operational resilience, we naturally raise the security posture as well.
What did you want to do as a job/career when you were a child?
As a child, I was very fond of planes and dreamed of becoming a pilot. Unfortunately, I knew early on that this would not be possible due to my poor eyesight. So, from a very young age, I decided I wanted to pursue engineering. Initially, I wanted to work on planes, but when I got to university, I became increasingly interested in computer engineering, which ultimately led me to where I am today.
Away from work do you have any hidden talents?
Not that I know of, but from feedback I have received, it seems that I am particularly good at managing time. I tend to be quite a 'time freak'. I like to plan everything down to the minute. On a day-to-day basis, I have a lot going on, and I think being in control of my time is what allows me to manage it all effectively. It is not necessarily a 'hidden' talent, but it is definitely something that helps me stay organised and productive in both my personal and professional life.
What's your biggest achievement away from your work career?
Aside from the obvious, which is being a parent to my daughters, an experience that is invaluable, I am also deeply involved in education. Over the years, I have taught a number of students, and it is always a pleasure to see them succeed in their careers. Some of them are now colleagues, and that is incredibly rewarding. Seeing individuals you once taught progress and achieve success is something I truly value, and it reminds me of the impact we can have on others' professional journeys.
