Shawn Tolley
About Shawn Tolley
Shawn Tolley is the Chief Security Engineer at Cyber Defense Labs with over 25 years of experience in cybersecurity, specializing in threat research, penetration testing, and incident investigation.
Title and Role
Shawn Tolley is currently serving as the Chief Security Engineer at Cyber Defense Labs. In this role, he leads technology integration and platform development, focusing on infrastructure supporting managed and professional offensive security services. He has been with Cyber Defense Labs since 2011.
Professional Background
Shawn Tolley has accumulated over 25 years of experience in the cybersecurity field. Previously, he worked at Accretive Solutions as a Senior IT Security Consultant from 2007 to 2011. Prior to that, he served as a Senior Security Engineer at Managed Network Security from 2002 to 2007. His early career included roles at Affiliated Computer Services, Metromedia Restaurant Group, and BankOne, where he specialized as a Network Engineer and IT Consultant.
Education and Expertise
Shawn Tolley studied Computer Science at The University of Texas at Dallas. With a deep and broad set of technical skills and certifications, his expertise spans across various domains including threat and vulnerability research, penetration testing, cyber incident investigation, detection, and remediation advisory.
Entrepreneurial Initiatives
In addition to his corporate roles, Shawn Tolley has co-founded two security service organizations. He partners with various educational and research organizations, contributing to advancements in cybersecurity. His mission emphasizes delivering high-quality, innovative, and effective cybersecurity solutions.
Technical and Hands-On Approach
Despite his senior roles, Shawn Tolley remains technical and hands-on. He is passionate about technology, development, problem-solving, and tinkering. This approach allows him to stay deeply engaged in practical cybersecurity challenges while also taking on entrepreneurial and mentorship roles.