SD ISSA InfoSec Networking Lunch (October)
Topic: From Battlefields to Breaches - DFIR Trends and the Veteran Pathway into Cybersecurity
Lunch will be provided
Overview:
Join GuidePoint Security's Tony Cook and Paul Keener for a dynamic session that bridges the front lines of Digital Forensics & Incident Response (DFIR) with the untapped potential of military veterans in cybersecurity.
The session kicks off with a look at the latest DFIR trends shaping the threat landscape, including a live walkthrough of a recent case leveraging AI. From ransomware evolution to AI-assisted investigations, attendees will gain firsthand insight into how today's incident responders are adapting to an increasingly complex battlefield.
The conversation then shifts to one of cybersecurity's greatest force multipliers: military veterans. The transition from military service to a civilian cybersecurity career is one of the most disorienting, and rewarding journeys a veteran can take. Tony and Paul will share their own transition stories, the lessons learned, and why veterans bring a built-in competitive edge: mission focus, composure under pressure, team-first mentality, and a security mindset forged in environments where the stakes are real.
Whether you're a transitioning service member exploring your options, a hiring manager looking to tap into veteran talent, or a cybersecurity professional curious about the veteran-to-cyber pipeline, this session delivers actionable insights and real-world perspective. Attendees will also learn about the VetSec program and community, a mentorship-driven network of veterans helping veterans accelerate their path into cybersecurity careers.
Speaker Bios & Photos:
Tony Cook —
Vice President, DFIR & Threat Intelligence, GuidePoint Security Tony Cook is a U.S. Navy veteran and seasoned cybersecurity leader with deep expertise in digital forensics, incident response, threat intelligence, and malware analysis. He began his career as Lead System Administrator aboard the USS Enterprise and went on to hold critical roles at the Naval Cyber Defense Operations Command, SPAWAR, U.S. Joint Forces Command, Raytheon/NASA, RSA NetWitness, and Palo Alto Networks/The Crypsis Group. Tony holds an M.S. in Cyber Security from Georgia Tech and numerous industry certifications including CISSP, OSCP, OSCE, GCFA, and GREM.
Paul Keener —
CISO & VP of Engineering, GuidePoint Security Paul Keener is a cybersecurity executive, educator, and U.S. Marine Corps veteran with more than 20 years of experience spanning academia, industry, and national defense. His leadership roles include CISO of the Gemological Institute of America, SVP and Head of Cybersecurity Operations at City National Bank, and Director of Cybersecurity Operations at Viasat. Paul has also served as an Adjunct Professor at the University of San Diego, where he developed Cyber Intelligence curriculum and taught Incident Response, Digital Forensics, and Capstone courses. He serves on cybersecurity advisory boards for both USD and UNLV.
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