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Waterloo-led unicorn, 1Password, is a leader in human-centric security
1Password’s global cybersecurity leadership protects more than 150,000 businesses and millions of consumers, enabling safe online experiences around the world
1Password’s global cybersecurity leadership protects more than 150,000 businesses and millions of consumers, enabling safe online experiences around the world
By Jordan Flemming University RelationsJeff Shiner (BMath ’92)
Alum, Mathematics
> CEO, 1Password
From its beginnings as a small startup of just 20 employees, 1Password has grown under the leadership of CEO Jeff Shiner into a global powerhouse.
During his co-op terms at IBM, Shiner discovered his passion for solving real-world problems. “The co-op program was by far the most rewarding part of my time at Waterloo,” he recalls. “It not only provided me with a world-class education but also allowed me to work at a global technology innovator like IBM on projects that had a tangible impact.”
This hands-on experience was crucial in shaping Shiner's career, providing him with both technical and business expertise. Today, he leads 1Password, a cybersecurity company that has grown to more than 1,400 employees, with a valuation of $9 billion. The company’s human-centric approach to cybersecurity helps more than 150,000 businesses and millions of individuals navigate the online world safely and with confidence.
“At 1Password, we’re committed to making security simple and accessible for everyone,” Shiner says. "Our goal is to remove the fear and friction often associated with online safety, enabling people to focus on what matters without worrying about their personal or professional information being compromised.”
A key part of 1Password’s success has been its dedication to remote work culture and innovative security solutions. The company earned a spot on the Forbes Cloud 100 list for three consecutive years and Quartz’s Best Companies for Remote Workers list.
In May 2024, 1Password launched its latest innovation: 1Password Extended Access Management (XAM). This new offering is designed to help businesses secure every sign-in to every application from every device — even unmanaged devices such as employee-owned phones and computers, which are not typically set up or managed by IT and security teams.
XAM works alongside 1Password’s flagship enterprise password manager solution, offering real-time device trust detection and contextual access management to help users resolve security issues.
Shiner’s journey from a Waterloo student to the head of a tech unicorn highlights the strength of the University’s co-operative education program. Waterloo’s emphasis on blending education with industry experience has helped produce top tech leaders like Shiner, who are making significant impacts globally.
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