Behind the scenes with CDL cybersecurity: Meet Kurt Ewoldsen
October 21, 2025 •
By the UCOP Information Security Team
UC’s impressive California Digital Library system is renowned worldwide for the breadth of information it contains for researchers and members of the public alike. Unfortunately, its global popularity puts the CDL at risk for ransomware and other cybersecurity threats. CDL Support Services Manager and Unit Information Security Liaison Kurt Ewoldsen shares how he and his team are working to thwart hackers and protect CDL users.
A passion for making a difference and securing UC resources
Kurt joined UCOP over a decade ago, after more than 30 years working for Fortune 500 corporations within the insurance and financial services industries. In addition to tiring of extensive travel and constant stress, he was ready to contribute towards something more meaningful than company profits. Kurt found what he was looking for at UCOP — people who are passionate about their work, want to make a difference and are willing to put in the time and effort required to be successful as a team.
Today, Kurt manages support services for CDL, UC’s systemwide digital library. The CDL’s primary mission is to support and amplify UC’s teaching, research and public service mission through innovative digital infrastructure and services. Many CDL staff use their own time to participate in broader organizations and initiatives within the library and research domains, such as authoring journal articles and participating on boards, committees and organizations that support the scholarly community.
Kurt is also his unit’s information security liaison, which means that he spends 70% of his time focused on cybersecurity initiatives and problem-solving. “I serve as the conduit for information sharing and collaborative projects between my business unit and central UCOP IT security. I’m responsible for ensuring that my unit is aware of, and compliant with, all UCOP security policies and procedures,” he says.
Ransomware is Kurt’s biggest cybersecurity concern, because people around the world rely on CDL resources, including Calisphere, DMPTool and eScholarship. He and his team have implemented many processes and controls to try to prevent it from happening. He keeps colleagues informed about current security threats, helps them to reduce associated risks and works to resolve security issues that arise, communicating with UCOP IT security to keep everyone on the same page. As the CDL launches more AI-related activities, Kurt is working to ensure safe and secure engagement with this new technology, while encouraging exploration and innovation in this new space.
“I have the ability to apply my experience in cybersecurity to the needs of my business unit and UCOP, while also identifying the places where compromise is necessary to ensure our goals are reasonable and achievable,” he says.
This Cybersecurity Awareness month, Kurt shares advice for UCOP staff: “Make security part of your normal operations and intentionally build it into your systems and your processes. Figure out what the reasonable amount of security is for your situation, then try to build it in from day one.”
Learn more about cybersecurity
- 5 easy steps to protect yourself against cyber threats at work
- UC Information Security website
- Report an Incident or Vulnerability
- UCOP Unit Information Security Lead Directory
- Cybersecurity Awareness Month Zoom background
- Celebrate National Cybersecurity Awareness with UCÂ (message from CISO April Sather)
Register for Cybersecurity Awareness Month events
Tags: CDL, cybersecurity, Kurt Ewoldsen, National Cybersecurity Awareness Month
