Until I joined the Marines roughly 30 years ago, I’d never even been on a computer. But my aptitude test indicated I’d make a good communications specialist. So, it was in the Marines where I learned to install and configure networking infrastructure. Eventually, I found my way into the cybersecurity realm. After retiring from the military, I found my first civilian job working at a data center. Then a conversation with a former contact led me to an opportunity in cybersecurity. I had previous experience with endpoint management, anti-virus software, and vulnerability management. It turned out to be the perfect role. Once I settled in, I was eager to expand my networking expertise, so getting certified seemed like the obvious thing to do.

Cybersecurity involves so many different things. Especially when you don't have the staff to keep up with every alert. Because of that, I'm also somewhat of a part-time network engineer. I'll tune the equipment. I’ll conduct risk assessments. I’ll audit policies. If there's an individual that company employees know they can reach out to for answers, I'm usually that guy. Which means I spend a fair amount of time in meetings and chat rooms.