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Jason Passwaters
COO & Cofounder @ Intel 471
Professional Background
Jason Passwaters is an accomplished cyber threat intelligence leader with a wealth of experience in managing complex threat landscapes. As the Chief Operating Officer and Co-founder of Intel 471, he has demonstrated a remarkable ability to merge technology with strategic business leadership, ensuring that his organization is at the forefront of cybersecurity. His previous role as Vice President of Intelligence at Intel 471 underscores his strategic mind and his capability to develop innovative solutions against evolving cyber threats.
Prior to his tenure at Intel 471, Jason served as the Senior Director of Global Research at iSIGHT Partners where he honed his skills in building and managing multidisciplinary teams. His work included significant engagements that addressed some of the most pressing cyber threats to organizations, particularly those posed by cyber espionage groups and criminal enterprises. Jason’s commitment to fostering collaboration among diverse teams is a hallmark of his leadership style, and he has consistently united researchers from various cultural backgrounds to produce actionable intelligence.
Throughout his career, Jason has evolved from being a practitioner to a leader, comfortably straddling both worlds. In his earlier roles as a Group Leader within the Digital Analysis Group at Crucial Security and as a Network Forensic Analyst, he played a pivotal role in understanding cyber threats from a ground-level perspective. His technical expertise allowed him to engage deeply with the intricacies of cyber threats, making him a well-respected figure in the realm of cybersecurity.
Education and Achievements
Jason Passwaters earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Liberty University, laying a solid foundation for his leadership and operational strategy skills. His educational background, combined with his extensive hands-on experience in the field, has equipped him with the knowledge and insight to execute robust cybersecurity strategies effectively.
Among his numerous achievements, Jason is particularly recognized for leading the build-out of globally dispersed Cyber Threat Research teams spanning over 12 countries. He has proven exceptional at crafting a principled culture and implementing processes that allow for increased collaboration and intelligence production across multinational teams. This ability to create a sense of unity and shared purpose among individuals from various backgrounds is a testament to his leadership skills and commitment to excellence.
In addition to his leadership roles, Jason has made significant contributions as an individual contributor in various research and collection operations, further establishing his dual prowess as both a manager and an expert in his field. Notably, his work led to the discovery of CVE-2014-4114, highlighting his capability to identify and address critical vulnerabilities that affect national and corporate security.
Notable Contributions
Jason Passwaters has made notable contributions to the field of cybersecurity, particularly in the areas of cyber espionage, cyber crime, and hacktivism. His efforts in developing and implementing global threat intelligence collection strategies have not only safeguarded organizations but have also contributed to the broader cybersecurity landscape.
His expertise in collecting intelligence against sophisticated cyber criminals in underground marketplaces and cyber espionage groups underscores his hands-on technical abilities and his dedication to combating cyber threats effectively. His support of federal law-enforcement cyber investigations targeting top-tier cyber criminals exemplifies his commitment to cooperation between private and public sectors in addressing cybersecurity challenges.
An accomplished speaker and expert witness, Jason's ability to articulate complex cybersecurity issues has earned him respect in both technical and legal communities. His testimony in federal court as an expert witness in high-level cyber cases is a notable highlight, demonstrating his depth of knowledge and credibility in the field.
Moreover, Jason has experience conducting Human Intelligence (HUMINT) collection operations in combat and tactical situations, further enhancing his skill set as a multifaceted cybersecurity professional. His military background as a Counterintelligence/HUMINT & Technical Surveillance Counter-Measures (TSCM) Specialist in the United States Marine Corps provided him with a unique perspective on the operational aspects of national security and cyber defense.
Conclusion
With a career anchored in expertise, leadership, and a unique ability to unite diverse teams globally, Jason Passwaters is a prominent figure in the realm of cyber threat intelligence. His strategic vision, combined with extensive hands-on experience addressing cyber threats, positions him as a sought-after leader and practitioner. His ongoing commitment to developing effective strategies and his drive to promote a cooperative culture among cybersecurity professionals solidify his influence in the cybersecurity community.