Chanaka S.

About Chanaka S.

AboutMy journey into cybersecurity began with a spark of curiosity, an accidental OS crash during high school that turned a hobby into a lifelong vocation. Originally preparing for medical school, I was immersed in biology, mathematics, logic, and statistics. But one moment of digital experimentation led me to explore web design, programming, system engineering, and eventually network security through Cisco’s advanced certification path.Over the past 25 years, I’ve built a global career rooted in information security, 18+ years of it dedicated to protecting systems, data, and people. I’ve led security operations for more than 12 years, specializing in digital forensics, investigations, incident response and threat intelligence. I’ve also spent 5+ years in governance, risk, and compliance (GRC), with foundational experience in network security and infrastructure engineering.I hold dual postgraduate degrees from Cardiff Metropolitan University- Master of Laws (LL.M) in International Business with specialization in Information Technology and Intellectual Property (Distinction)- Master of Science (MSc) in Information Technology (Merit)I’m recognized as a Chartered Engineer (CEng) by the Engineering Council UK, a CISSP by (ISC)², and a National INFOSEC Professional by the U.S. NSA, credentials that reflect my commitment to excellence across both engineering and information security domains.Today, I’m ready to lead and contribute at the highest levels, bringing clarity to complexity, resilience to risk, and integrity to every decision. I aspire to shape global cybersecurity policy, mentor emerging leaders, and embed ethical security practices into the core of enterprise strategy.With a rare fusion of investigative experience, legal insight, and strategic leadership, I bridge gaps between compliance and innovation, law and logic, risk and resilience. And I still get paid to do what I love.

Experience

1. Manager Security Operations

   Pearson

   Feb 2026 — Present · Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill, NC, US

   Manager, Security Operations (Digital Forensics, Investigations & Incident Response)Role Overview- Lead the organization’s digital forensics, investigations, and incident response capability, working closely with Security Operations, Legal, Compliance, Privacy, HR, and technology teams- Accountable for managing high‑severity security incidents, complex investigations, and forensic readiness across cloud and hybrid environments, while ensuring defensible outcomes aligned with legal and regulatory expectations.Key Responsibilities- Lead end‑to‑end digital forensic investigations supporting cybersecurity incidents and sensitive corporate matters, including insider risk, fraud, and policy violations- Act as an escalation point for high‑severity security incidents, supporting coordinated response and containment efforts- Conduct investigations in partnership with Legal, Compliance, Privacy, and HR, serving as a trusted subject‑matter authority for complex and sensitive cases- Manage eDiscovery and litigation hold activities, ensuring evidence integrity, proper handling, and defensibility- Establish and maintain forensic readiness practices to support consistent, repeatable, and legally sound investigations- Design and improve investigative processes and documentation to support global security operations- Provide direct line management and mentoring for security operations staff, supporting professional development and investigative quality.Impact & Scope- Supports investigations and incident response activities across global environments- Acts as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders on investigation strategy, risk, and response- Strengthens collaboration across security, legal, and business functions to improve incident outcomes and reduce operational friction.

Education

• Ananda College

  GCE Advanced Level, BIO SCIENCE; Physics, Chemistry, Zoology; New Mathematics (Double Maths, Statistics and Logic)

  1997 — 1999

• Cardiff Metropolitan University

  Master of Laws - LLM, LLM International Business (Information Technology and Intellectual Property)

  2017 — 2018

• Cardiff Metropolitan University

  Master of Science - MS, Information Technology

  2014 — 2016

• Wesley College, Colombo

  GCE Ordinary Level, Mathematics, Science, English, Commerce & Accounts, Buddhism, Social Studies, Sinhala, Art

  1986 — 1996

Skills

• Business Continuity
• Communications Security
• Ceh
• Servers
• Itil
• Ips
• Cisco Technologies
• Vulnerability Assessment
• Cisco Systems Products
• Networking
• IT Security Assessments
• Asset Security
• Penetration Testing
• Cisco Security
• Threat & Vulnerability Management
• Security Compliance
• Security Testing
• Linux
• Security Operations
• Vulnerability Management
• Information Security
• Ccna
• Risk Management
• Security Management
• Cisco Networking
• Information Technology
• IT Security Policies
• Firewalls
• Information Security Governance
• Cisco Firewall Security
• Network Security
• IT Service Management
• Web Application Security Assessment
• Iso 20000
• Security Engineering
• Business Continuity Management
• IT Audit
• IT Management
• Quality Management
• Access Management