Ridley Watson is a Staff Audit Consultant who joined AARC-360 in July 2026 after earning a Bachelor of Science in Business Cybersecurity from The University of Alabama. Based in Cumming, Georgia, he is committed to helping clients strengthen their control environments through professionalism, collaboration, and attention to detail.

Before joining AARC-360, Ridley gained experience as a Web and Marketing Developer for a confidential startup, where he built and maintained secure websites and digital platforms, managed email infrastructure, and implemented security-focused solutions designed to protect business operations and sensitive information. He is CompTIA Security+ certified and completed a Microsoft authorized Cybersecurity Solutions and Microsoft Defender certificate program focused on threat detection, incident response, endpoint security, and security operations.

While attending The University of Alabama, Ridley was actively involved in campus organizations, including Kappa Sigma Fraternity and the Alabama Information Management Society (AIMS). These experiences helped strengthen his leadership, communication, teamwork, and professional development skills while building meaningful connections within the university and business communities.

At AARC-360, Ridley supports regulatory compliance and assurance engagements across a variety of frameworks including, but not limited to, SSAE 18 (SOC 1, SOC 2, and SOC 3) and HITRUST. He assists engagement teams by reviewing client documentation, evaluating evidence, supporting risk assessments and control testing, preparing workpapers, and participating in client meetings. Through these engagements, Ridley helps organizations enhance their control environments, strengthen governance and compliance programs and build trust.

Outside of work, Ridley enjoys spending time outdoors, fishing, and continuously expanding his technical knowledge.