I build and lead empowered teams infused with the ability to scale, adapt, and succeed in today’s competitive cybersecurity landscape.
Currently – I run the Attack Surface Analysis program at Cortex by Palo Alto Networks. My distributed teams specialize in Attack Surface Management (ASM). I have successfully transitioned Xpanse’s most critical program in a high-profile acquisition and scaled the program 3x while simultaneously collaborating with other crucial groups (machine learning, engineering, product, and sales [post and pre]). Our SaaS solution is pioneering ASM.
The Attack Surface Analysis program consists of four teams: pre-sales, post-sales, research, and development. I am building the program to support 100M+ in sales by embracing automation, ML, and threat intelligence.
I also serve as a member of the Board of Advisors to another cybersecurity company, otto.
Previously – Before jumping to the private sector, I was a part of the world’s finest law enforcement agency—the FBI. I started my career as an FBI Special Agent in Los Angeles, CA. There I addressed complex cyber matters, during which time I led numerous, expansive investigations, including one that resulted in the first federal conviction of a U.S. person for the use of a peer-to-peer botnet.
I then was named a Supervisory Special Agent for the Leadership Development Program in Washington, D.C., charged with bringing together disparate divisions of the FBI focused on a workforce development program. This resulted in a more balanced and inclusive program. After the implementation of the program, I went on to lead a cyber squad in Atlanta, GA.
I led a diverse group of Agents, Intel Analysts, and Computer Scientists in neutralizing nation-state and criminal threats. I built a top-tier intelligence program, business email compromise taskforce, and international threat hunting operation. Collectively, the Atlanta program became one of the top five in the FBI.
Speaker – I have 500+ speaking appearances, and I am an FBI Certified Adjunct Faculty Instructor in all cyber matters. I have designed and delivered both technical and business-centric presentations for large groups, C-suite executives, and Boards of Directors—regarded as one of the FBI’s most talented speakers. If you would like to learn more, please visit – https://www.mfdanaya.com/.