Chris Baker
About Chris Baker
Chris Baker is an experienced cybersecurity professional and instructor, currently serving as an Instructor at SANS Institute and as Director of Cybersecurity Operations at Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals. He has held various leadership roles in cybersecurity across several organizations, including Takeda and GlaxoSmithKline, and possesses a strong background in application security, insider threat protection, and Active Directory security.
Work at SANS Institute
Chris Baker has been an instructor at SANS Institute since 2016. Over the course of eight years, he has contributed to the education and training of cybersecurity professionals in the Greater Philadelphia Area. SANS Institute is known for its rigorous training programs and focus on practical skills in cybersecurity.
Current Role at Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals
Since 2022, Chris Baker has served as the Director of Cybersecurity Operations at Thomas Jefferson University Hospitals in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. In this role, he oversees the cybersecurity strategy and operations, ensuring the protection of sensitive healthcare data and compliance with industry standards.
Previous Experience in Cybersecurity Operations
Chris Baker held the position of Head of Cybersecurity Operations at Takeda from 2020 to 2022. Prior to that, he worked at The Chemours Company in the same capacity for a brief period in 2020. His extensive experience in cybersecurity operations has equipped him with a strong foundation in managing security risks and implementing effective security measures.
Education and Expertise
Chris Baker earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Minnesota in 1990. He later achieved a Master of Business Administration (MBA) with a focus on Management Information Systems and Finance from Drexel University in 2001. His educational background supports his expertise in cybersecurity, particularly in areas such as application security testing, insider threat protection, and Active Directory security.
Professional Skills and Specializations
Chris Baker possesses a diverse skill set in cybersecurity, including application security testing and remediation, insider threat protection, and data loss prevention (DLP). He specializes in Active Directory (AD) security and has a strong background in red team operations and advanced threat emulation. Additionally, he has expertise in Six Sigma process improvement and facilitation.