Information Security Professionals understand the threats that exist and the risks we face within our organizations. Not everyone in the organization understands or think the same way we do. While preparing to lead soldiers in combat in Iraq, I assumed everyone would embrace the same sense of security. After conducting combat operations in Iraq, I learned this was not the case. Through this I learned several important lessons about establishing a secure environment and imparting a security mindset in others. These lessons can help Information Security Professionals as we work to secure our organizations with the help of all employees and coworkers.
Patrick works for Assurity River Group as an Information Security Consultant conducting vulnerability assessments and penetration tests. He first started in security consulting at LarsonAllen. Patrick also served as an Infantry Officer in the Minnesota National Guard. While in the National Guard he served 16 months in Iraq as an Infantry Platoon Leader. During that time he was awarded a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, two Army Commendation medals, and the Combat Infantry Badge.