From FBI Special Agent To Cybersecurity & GRC Evangelist
Greetings, cybersecurity enthusiasts and professionals! I’m Ryan Williams Sr., and today I bring you insights from a riveting discussion with Miguel Clarke , a retired Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Supervisory Special Agent and current cybersecurity evangelist at Armor Defense.
Miguel’s journey is a testament to the blend of dedication, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Starting in 1998 with the FBI, Miguel experienced the breadth of law enforcement, from tackling violent crimes to national security computer intrusions. His career trajectory is fascinating and offers valuable lessons for those transitioning between fields or aiming to break into cybersecurity.
The Transition from Law Enforcement to Cybersecurity
Miguel’s pivot to cybersecurity was not by happenstance but a calculated move rooted in his passion for technology. As he shared, “I used to build computers in my spare time. My Special Agent in Charge (SAIC) learned about this and transferred me to the cyber squad.” This anecdote underscores the importance of leveraging personal interests and skills to seize opportunities.
The Role of Experience and Continuous Learning
Miguel emphasized the significance of on-the-job training and real-world experience. “Experience builds competence, and competence builds confidence,” he noted. This principle is crucial for aspiring cybersecurity professionals. Hands-on experience, whether through building computers, engaging in simulations, or participating in cybersecurity challenges, is invaluable.
Better Security Is About Response
In our discussion, we highlighted the need for organizations to perceive cybersecurity not just as a technical challenge but as a critical business risk. Miguel advocates for translating technical risks into financial impacts to resonate with the C-suite. “We need to speak in the language of finance,” he stressed, emphasizing the necessity for cybersecurity leaders to bridge the gap between technical expertise and business acumen.
Moreover, Miguel shed light on the importance of response times in achieving better security. “Better security is about response time. It’s not just about detection but how quickly you can act,” he explained. The ability to quickly respond to threats can significantly mitigate potential damages and ensure business continuity.
The Future of Cybersecurity
Miguel’s current work at Armor Defense involves enhancing response times and improving overall security posture. With initiatives like Armor MDR, which leverages Microsoft’s advanced security technologies, the focus is on rapid and effective threat response. This aligns with the broader industry trend of shifting from prevention to proactive threat management.
Hobbies and Personal Interests
Outside his professional endeavors, Miguel is an avid gamer and photographer. He enjoys playing games like Final Fantasy and God of War on his PS5, and he has a keen interest in real-time strategy games like Command and Conquer on PC. Additionally, he finds joy in firearms and photography, often capturing the beauty of his surroundings with his Nikon camera. These hobbies not only provide a creative outlet but also contribute to his holistic approach to problem-solving in cybersecurity.
Advice for Aspiring Cybersecurity Professionals
For those looking to transition into cybersecurity, Miguel offers practical advice: embrace collaboration, seek continuous learning, and be prepared to adapt. For cybersecurity professionals eyeing a role in law enforcement, he suggests gaining experience in investigative techniques and understanding the intricacies of law enforcement protocols.
Miguel Clarke’s story is a powerful reminder of the dynamic nature of careers in cybersecurity and law enforcement. His journey from the FBI to becoming a cybersecurity leader is inspirational and provides a roadmap for professionals navigating these fields.
Stay tuned for more insights and stories from leading figures in cybersecurity. Remember, as Miguel aptly put it, “Better security is about response time. It’s not just about detection but how quickly you can act.”
Thank you for reading and stay tuned for more episodes of The Other Side of the Firewall podcast on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Fridays, as well as, the Ask A CISSP podcast every Thursday. Please like, share, and, subscribe.
Stay safe, stay secure!
Since September 2022, Miguel has brought over two decades of expertise in law enforcement and cybersecurity to Armor Defense in his role as Cybersecurity and GRC Evangelist. His mission focuses on augmenting the company’s cybersecurity resilience efforts, drawing from his extensive background in leading criminal investigations and tackling cybercrime. The skills Miguel honed during his tenure as a Supervisory Special Agent, including leadership and strategic planning, are now leveraged in his role as Cybersecurity and GRC Evangelist at Armor Defense.
Keynote speaking has become a cornerstone of Miguel’s professional identity, allowing him to share insights and foster industry-wide dialogues on pressing cybersecurity challenges. His recent transition to the private sector empowers him to contribute to Armor Defense not only through direct strategy enhancement but also by cultivating robust partnerships, echoing the collaborative spirit he once championed at the FBI.
Ryan is a retired Air Force veteran who brings over 20 years of experience in network infrastructure, project management, and cybersecurity consulting to his current role at BuddoBot. Buddobot’s mission is to support national security by transforming, empowering, and educating organizations to shift from reactive, diluted, automated, and high-cost IT and security practices to proactive, effective solutions that fortify their security.