Michael Jacobs
About Michael Jacobs
Michael Jacobs serves as the Deputy CISO and Director of Security Operations & Engineering at Mindbody, where he advocates for cybersecurity principles like security by design and zero trust architecture. With a background in IT security and systems development, he has held various roles in the cybersecurity field since 2003, including positions at TechStyle Fashion Group and Newport Group.
Current Role at Mindbody
Michael Jacobs serves as the Deputy CISO and Director of Security Operations & Engineering at Mindbody. He has held this position since 2024, contributing to the company's cybersecurity initiatives. His role involves overseeing security operations and engineering, ensuring that security measures align with organizational goals. Prior to this position, he worked as a Security Architect at Mindbody from 2018 to 2022, where he focused on enhancing the company's security posture.
Previous Experience in IT Security
Before joining Mindbody, Michael Jacobs held several roles in IT security. He worked at TechStyle Fashion Group as Manager of IT Security from 2015 to 2017, where he managed security protocols in Charlotte, North Carolina. He also served as a Systems Developer II at Steritech for one year in 2010, and as a Senior Network Engineer at Newport Group from 2017 to 2018. His extensive experience in various security roles has equipped him with a strong foundation in cybersecurity.
Educational Background
Michael Jacobs studied at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Graphic Design. This educational background has provided him with a unique perspective in his cybersecurity career, blending creative problem-solving with technical expertise.
Cybersecurity Advocacy and Philosophy
Michael Jacobs advocates for cybersecurity first principles, emphasizing concepts such as security by design, automation, and zero trust architecture. He believes in celebrating failures as a catalyst for future success, using them to enhance team outcomes. Additionally, he plays the devil’s advocate to provoke debate and combat confirmation bias, aiming to achieve better security outcomes.
Professional Skills and Domain Knowledge
Michael Jacobs possesses professional skills in strategic planning and roadmap development, particularly in the context of security portfolio strategy. He has domain knowledge in critical areas such as Identity & Access Management, Cryptography, and Cloud Security, which are essential for effective cybersecurity management.