Kristopher Russo

About Kristopher Russo

Information Security is a discipline of talent. Our field is inundated with solutions that promise to \"solve the security problem\". Still, no machine can yet establish that personal connection with people to explain how risk impacts their ability to do business. AI doesn’t get a gut feeling when something just isn’t right. Software tools don\'t wake up passionate every day to master cutting-edge technologies. Dashboards will never care about your organization.My career has spanned more than two decades, from Infrastructure to Development to Information Security, with domains spanning Threat Intelligence, Incident Response, Security Architecture, Risk & Compliance, Penetration Testing, and Forensics. I\'ve mastered countless technologies such as Palo Alto XDR, XSIAM, XSOAR, ServiceNow, Qualys, FTK, and many others. Along the way, I’ve picked up a BS in Information Security and Intelligence with plenty of certifications such as GCIH, GSEC, MCITP, and ACE to go with it. I’ve studied frameworks and processes such as ISO, NIST, CIS & PCI. As a Threat Researcher, I\'ve worked to unravel the hidden world of cybercrime, dragging threat actors and their tradecraft out into the light to guide organizations in implementing effective defenses against today\'s threats. My work has been featured in multiple mainstream media outlets and presented to audiences spanning the globe.As a leader I have built teams to champion vulnerability, threat, and risk treatment as it applies to the organization\'s core mission by using the lens of business risk to make security partners out of business leaders. Guided by meaningful metrics, we measured meaningful risk reduction and grew the organizations security maturity.I believe we have a duty to introduce a little good to the world each and every day, and we do it through the perfect balance of talent, passion, and expertise.

Experience

1. Principal Threat Researcher

   Palo Alto Networks Unit 42

   May 2024 — Present

Education

• Ferris State University

  Bachelor of Science (BS), Information Security and Intelligence

  2014 — 2016

• Grand Rapids Community College

  Associate of Arts (AA), Computer and Information Sciences

  2010 — 2015

Skills

• Information Security
• Computer Security
• Bit9
• Carbon Black
• Risk Assessment
• Vulnerability Management
• Vbscript
• Windows
• Windows 7
• Windows Server
• Servers
• Troubleshooting
• Active Directory
• Wise Packaging Studio
• Enterprise Software
• Altiris
• Penetration Testing
• Pc Building
• Networking
• Data Center
• Vmware
• Html
• Java
• Sharepoint
• Iis
• Security
• Network Security
• Information Technology
• Leadership
• Software Installation
• Computer Forensics