Marco Beretta

Marco Palacios Beretta is a prominent figure in the cybersecurity field, currently serving as a Senior Tactical Threat Analyst at Fortinet since December 2020. His career spans over a decade in IT operations before transitioning into cybersecurity, where he has specialized in defending organizations through modern Security Operations. He is also the Vice President and Co-Founder of the Pacific Hackers Association, a non-profit organization aimed at mentoring and supporting veterans and underrepresented communities in finding careers in cybersecurity.1 2

Background and Education

Marco Palacios holds a Master’s degree in Cybersecurity from the University of Maryland University College, completed between 2014 and 2016. He has earned multiple industry certifications, including GCIH (GIAC Certified Incident Handler), GNFA (GIAC Network Forensic Analyst), and CySA+ (CompTIA Cybersecurity Analyst), among others. His educational background is complemented by extensive experience working with various organizations, including NASA, where he served as a Cyber Security Analyst at their Security Operations Center.1 2

Professional Experience

Fortinet: Senior Tactical Threat Analyst (Dec 2020 - Present)
Fortinet: SOC Analyst / Incident Handler (Oct 2018 - Dec 2020)
NASA: Cyber Security Analyst (Feb 2017 - Oct 2018)
IGT: System Engineer (July 2013 - June 2016)

Throughout his career, Palacios has focused on incident monitoring, handling security incidents, and providing guidance to other analysts. His work has involved significant collaboration with various teams to ensure robust cybersecurity practices.1 2

Contributions to Cybersecurity

As President of the Pacific Hackers Association, Marco Palacios plays a vital role in fostering success for veterans and underserved communities by providing mentorship, technical training, and job placement assistance within the cybersecurity industry. His commitment to advocacy and education highlights his dedication to increasing diversity in tech fields.1 2