The VTS team consists of folks with a diverse set of personalities, talents, and perspectives, and we want you to meet them! That’s why we’ve created this #WeAreVTS blog series to highlight some of the many outstanding people we have at VTS, get a closer look at the dynamic lives they have, and continue to create an environment where each VTSer can be their authentic self.
Without further ado, here's our interview with Renan Dias, Engineering Manager for Security Engineering!
In a sentence or two, can you explain what you do here at VTS?
Hi Louisa! I’m the Engineering Manager of the Security Engineering team. My team is responsible for working with other Engineering teams to reduce Application, Cloud Infrastructure, and Data security risks.
On any given day, we could be:
- Rolling out new security tools and improving our DevSecOps processes.
- Triaging or remediating vulnerabilities with other teams.
- Responding to alerts generated by our monitoring tools.
- Setting the long-term vision, planning quarterly projects, and implementing Cloud and Application security programs.
Where are you based right now?
I’m based in Toronto, Canada.
Can you describe your professional journey and how it led you to VTS?
I started as a software developer, but in my first year of University, I read Digital Fortress by Dan Brown. The book was about cryptography, and I was instantly fascinated by security concepts. As I progressed, I focused on secure coding techniques and web vulnerabilities.
Later, I moved into infrastructure, which introduced me to building networks and managing operating systems. My first big experience with compliance was leading a startup to become a PCI DSS Level 1 Service Provider.
What brought me to VTS was my passion for bridging the gap between top-down security data and the "bottom-up" reality of engineering. I saw how VTS was thinking about this intently. It was an opportunity to help bring a robust security layer to the market that mirrors the same precision found in our commercial real estate lease management software.
What excites you about your work and what makes you proud to be a VTSer?
I love solving challenging problems in application, infrastructure, and data security all at once. At VTS, I have the opportunity to build things from scratch. For example, when I joined, we formed the team and set up an application security program from the ground up.
What makes me proud is the trust leadership has in their Engineering teams to lead the charge. It’s an environment where you are truly empowered to ship secure products to our customers.
On to more personal topics, what was your dream job growing up?
I had the dream of almost every Brazilian kid: to be a world-famous football player. I grew up when our national team reached three World Cup finals in a row (1994, 1998, 2002). I played on my school's team and competed in various championships. While that career didn't pan out, I still play for fun with friends!
What do you like to do in your free time?
- The One-Man Band: I play four instruments—classical/electric guitar, drums, and bass. I even have a small music studio at home.
- Staying Active: I enjoy cycling, basketball, and football (soccer).
- Kung Fu: I am a black belt and have been practicing for over 14 years.
- Travel: My family and I enjoy exploring Canada and the world together.
If you could solve any problem in the world with a magic wand, what would it be?
I would eradicate world hunger. I believe food should be a basic human right. Everyone should have equal access to it, which unfortunately isn’t the case in many countries, including where I come from.
What’s your advice for someone who wants to be in a role similar to yours?
- Integrate Security Everywhere: Whatever you're learning, think about the security aspect. If you’re a developer, learn secure coding. If you’re in operations, focus on network hardening and IAM (Identity and Access Management).
- Don’t Restrict Yourself: There is a lot of value in exploring different areas. I started in iOS development, moved through front-end and back-end, then into infrastructure and databases. This broad foundation makes it easier to master the security aspect of any domain.
- Commit to Continuous Learning: Information in security can be outdated in a week. Stay curious through platforms like Udemy, Udacity, and podcasts.
Questions:
1. How does security engineering impact the performance of commercial real estate lease management software?
Security engineering ensures that sensitive data—from tenant profiles to financial terms—is protected from vulnerabilities. By hardening cloud infrastructure and implementing secure coding techniques, engineers like Renan Dias create a stable foundation that allows leasing platforms to operate reliably and safely at scale.
2. Why is "not restricting your specialty" important for career growth in CRE technology?
As Renan suggests, being exposed to multiple domains—from iOS development to backend infrastructure—provides a strong foundation. In a complex commercial real estate marketing platform, understanding the interplay between different systems makes it easier to master the security and operational aspects of the entire asset lifecycle.
3. What role does DevSecOps play in improving a commercial tenant engagement app?
DevSecOps integrates security into every stage of the development process. This allows teams to ship secure products faster, ensuring that features like amenity reservations or building access within a commercial tenant engagement app are triaged and remediated for risks before they ever reach the tenant.
Feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn to follow my learning journey!
