Byron Thatcher
About Byron Thatcher
Byron Thatcher serves as the Red Team Lead at SWIFT, where he facilitates knowledge transfers in purple teaming to enhance cybersecurity strategies. With a career spanning over three decades in cybersecurity and military operations, he has held various leadership roles in organizations such as the Air Force Information Warfare Center and Computer Sciences Corporation.
Work at SWIFT
Byron Thatcher has served as the Red Team Lead at SWIFT since 2015. In this role, he leads the Red Team in conducting both covert and overt cybersecurity operations. His responsibilities include facilitating knowledge transfers in purple teaming to enhance the organization's cybersecurity strategies. Prior to his current position, he worked as the Lead Security Management Specialist at SWIFT from 2014 to 2015, where he contributed to security management efforts.
Previous Experience in Cybersecurity
Before joining SWIFT, Byron Thatcher held several significant positions in the cybersecurity field. He worked at the Air Force Information Warfare Center at Kelly AFB, TX, as Chief of Operations from 1996 to 2000. He also served as Technical Director at CSC from 2006 to 2014 and as Technical Director for IA Operations at Computer Sciences Corp. from 2000 to 2002. Additionally, he was the Technical Director at SecureInfo Corporation from 2002 to 2006.
Education and Expertise
Byron Thatcher holds a Master's degree in Computer Sciences from New Mexico State University, which he completed from 1986 to 1988. He also earned a Bachelor's degree in Oceanographic Technology (Engineering) from Lamar University, studying there from 1978 to 1981. His educational background supports his extensive experience in cybersecurity and information warfare.
Background in the Military
Byron Thatcher has a notable background in the military, having served in the US Air Force from 1981 to 2001 for a total of 20 years. His military experience includes various roles related to information security, which laid the foundation for his subsequent career in cybersecurity.
Contributions to Cybersecurity Operations
In his current role at SWIFT, Byron Thatcher is involved in mitigation activities as part of the Red Team operations. His leadership in these activities aims to strengthen the organization's cybersecurity posture and improve overall security strategies.