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John Yater
Threat Intelligence & Detection Engineering, Sr Manager
Professional Background
John Yater is a distinguished security leader specializing in the development of cutting-edge threat detection programs tailored to combat malicious behavior in enterprise environments. With a robust career spanning multiple notable positions, John has spearheaded the building of sophisticated detection systems and security frameworks designed to enhance the overall security posture of organizations. His journey in the cybersecurity realm is marked by his tenure at leading tech companies, where he has successfully built strong teams focused on threat intelligence and detection engineering.
John's expertise extends beyond mere technology implementation; he firmly believes in the necessity of cultivating strong interpersonal relationships within the security space. His philosophy emphasizes that effective communication and collaborative processes are as pivotal to success as the technology itself. By ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned, he fosters a proactive culture of security awareness and diligence.
John currently serves as the Senior Manager of Threat Intelligence and Detection Engineering at ServiceNow, where he continues to lead initiatives that enhance the security framework and operational efficiency of the organization. Before taking on this pivotal role, John held several key positions within the company, climbing the ranks from Security Incident Response Engineer to Threat Intelligence and Detection Engineering Manager. His breadth of experience has endowed him with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities involved in security operations and incident response.
Before his tenure at ServiceNow, John honed his skills at Hewlett-Packard, where he served as both an Advanced Threat Detection Analyst and Network Security Analyst. His work at HP was instrumental in developing advanced detection capabilities that helped safeguard the organization against emerging threats. Additionally, he began his career at Dell Technologies as a SOC Tier 2 Analyst, where he gained valuable insights into operational security monitoring and threat response.
John's journey in security also includes a foundational role at Stinger Ghaffarian Technologies (SGT) as a Control Room Support Specialist (Contractor) and SOC Tier 1 Analyst, where he acquired hands-on experience in dealing with security incidents in real-time. He began his career in an unconventional path as an Exercise Therapist at SCI-FIT, which initially imparted him with an understanding of human movement science before he pivoted towards the dynamic field of cybersecurity.
Education and Achievements
John graduated from San Jose State University with a degree in Kinesiology, with a focus on Movement Science. This unique educational background provides him with an advantageous perspective when analyzing threats, allowing him to incorporate insights about human behavior into his security strategies. His academic foundation in movement science complements his current role in cybersecurity, enabling him to appreciate the importance of user behavior in the detection of potential security threats.
Throughout his career, John has been recognized for his outstanding contributions to the field of cybersecurity. His leadership in threat detection and incident response, along with his ability to forge strong relationships across departments, is widely acknowledged. John’s approach not only focuses on technological advancements but also cultivates an organizational culture that prioritizes security and vigilance amongst all employees.
Achievements
- Senior Manager, Threat Intelligence and Detection Engineering, ServiceNow: In this pivotal role, John has successfully implemented comprehensive threat detection programs that have significantly improved ServiceNow’s security infrastructure. By leading a dedicated team of security professionals, he has driven key initiatives that meet and address emerging threats in real-time.
- Security Incident Response Engineer, ServiceNow: During this position, John played a crucial role in investigating and responding to security incidents, helping to mitigate risks and protect sensitive information. His quick decision-making skills and analytical approach have been essential in minimizing the impact of incidents.
- Advanced Threat Detection Analyst, Hewlett-Packard: At HP, John was instrumental in developing advanced detection measures for complex threats, providing a robust defense against cyber threats that could compromise company assets. His expert analysis led to improved threat intelligence protocols that enhanced the overall security efforts of the organization.
- Network Security Analyst, Hewlett-Packard: In this capacity, John was responsible for monitoring and analyzing network traffic, ensuring the integrity and security of network systems. His proactive stance on identifying vulnerabilities has contributed to safeguarding critical infrastructure.
- SOC Tier 2 Analyst, Dell Technologies: At Dell, John excelled in threat detection and incident response, dealing with security alerts and providing actionable insights to improve security operations. His analytical skills were vital in refining processes that supported a more efficient security operation.
- Control Room Support Specialist/SOC Tier 1 Analyst, Stinger Ghaffarian Technologies: As a foundational member of the security operations team, John gained practical experience in real-time monitoring and threat response. His work in the control room provided him with a solid grounding in operational security practices.
- Exercise Therapist, SCI-FIT: Before delving into the cybersecurity field, John worked as an Exercise Therapist. This unique role contributed to his understanding of human behavior, which he has seamlessly integrated into his current focus on threat detection within the security landscape.