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Mike Convertino
Owner and Independent InfoSec Consultant at Speck North Consulting LLC
Professional Background
Mike Convertino is a highly esteemed independent information security consultant and the proud owner of Speck North Consulting, a consultancy that deftly navigates the complex landscape of information security. With a sharp focus on capital investments in information security companies, Mike has established himself as a thought leader in the security domain. His career has spanned over three decades, encompassing pivotal roles in prominent organizations where he has laid the groundwork for innovative security methodologies that have become industry standards.
Before founding Speck North Consulting, Mike served as the Chief Security Officer at Resilience Insurance, where he developed robust strategies to provide accurate assessments of security postures for insurance and security professionals alike. His tenure included significant contributions in advancing the understanding of security dynamics, enhancing corporate security measures, and fostering a culture of safety and vigilance.
One of his most notable achievements was serving as the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Twitter, a role that placed him at the forefront of protecting the Twitter platform. Here, he implemented cutting-edge strategies to improve the safety, data privacy, and security of conversations on the platform, harnessing advanced technologies such as machine learning to automate security processes. His leadership in this high-stakes environment underscored the critical importance of effective cyber defense strategies in safeguarding information.
Previously, Mike was the Vice President and Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Security Products at F5 Networks, where he played a vital role in driving the invention of groundbreaking intellectual property related to security products, setting a benchmark for product innovation in the digital security landscape. Mike's initial foray into the tech world began as one of the early employees at CrowdStrike, a revolutionary cloud-based endpoint detection and response company that recently celebrated a successful IPO and boasts a market capitalization exceeding $15 billion. There, he excelled as the CISO and Vice President for Information Security, cultivating a corporate ethos centered around proactive risk management and innovative threat detection.
In addition to these roles, Mike honed his expertise during his time at Microsoft as the Senior Director of Network Security. Here, he led the development of security automation, intrusion detection, and internal digital forensic investigations. Mike's impressive career trajectory can also be attributed to his esteemed military service as a highly decorated retired Air Force Colonel. His final command assignment was as the Commander of the 318th Information Operations Group, where he was responsible for developing and executing vital US Air Force information operations capabilities worldwide.
Education and Achievements
Mike Convertino's educational journey laid the foundation for his impressive career in information security. He holds a Master of Arts degree in Computer Resources and Information Management from Webster University, equipping him with strategic insights into the effective management of technology in various organizational contexts. Furthermore, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Union College, which provided him with the technical acumen necessary to navigate and mitigate complex security challenges.
Throughout his illustrious career, Mike has amassed a wealth of knowledge and expertise, contributing significantly to both organizational security and public safety initiatives. His proficiency spans agile software development, machine learning applications, cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity strategies, intrusion detection and mitigation, risk analysis, and digital forensics. He has become an industry leader in developing new security technologies and frameworks that meld traditional IT security practices with cutting-edge SecDevOps models tailored for cloud environments.
Notable Contributions
Mike Convertino's contributions to the information security field have been transformative. As an innovator, he has filed multiple patents that focus on enhancing security technologies and streamlining security protocols within corporate operations. His work underscores not only the importance of protecting organizational data and practices but also emphasizes the evolution of security practices in alignment with modern technological advancements.
He continues to influence the landscape of information security as a sought-after consultant, helping organizations navigate the intricacies of cybersecurity investments and providing insights that align with their long-term strategic goals. Mike is also known for engaging with various industry bodies and advisory panels, sharing his wealth of knowledge and experience to help shape best practices and regulatory frameworks in the sector.
Achievements
- Developed cutting-edge security strategies as CISO at Twitter, enhancing user safety and data privacy.
- Successfully led security product innovation at F5 Networks, pushing the boundaries of technology in security.
- Contributed significantly to the growth of CrowdStrike, guiding it from inception to a $15 billion public company.
- Honored with multiple commendations as a retired Colonel with the US Air Force, including serving in high-level command roles in information operations.
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Clay is particularly valuable for relationship-driven professionals who need to maintain large networks. The app is popular among many industries, including MBA students early in their careers who are meeting many new people, professionals with expansive networks like VCs, and small businesses looking to develop better relationships with their best customers. Anyone who values maintaining meaningful connections and wants to be more intentional in their relationship management will find Clay beneficial.
Clay offers competitive pricing in the personal CRM market. Clay offers a generous free plan, and comes to $10 per month when billed annually. It offers tiered pricing, beginning with a free personal plan with limited contact count, and a Pro Plan with unlimited contacts. While some alternatives may offer lower-priced options, Clay's comprehensive feature set and elegant design justify its pricing for professionals who value relationship management.
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