James Shank
About James Shank
James Shank serves as the Director of Data Product Strategy at SpyCloud and is the CEO and Co-Founder of Acutis Ventures, LLC. With a background in internet security and engineering, he has held various roles at Team Cymru and is a passionate advocate for global internet security collaboration.
Work at SpyCloud
James Shank serves as the Director of Data Product Strategy at SpyCloud, a role he has held since 2023. In this position, he focuses on tracking infostealers and enhancing data product strategies. His expertise in reversing malware families contributes to SpyCloud's efforts in improving cybersecurity measures.
Current Roles and Responsibilities
In addition to his role at SpyCloud, James Shank is the CEO and Co-Founder of Acutis Ventures, LLC, a position he has held since 2022. He is also a Co-Founder and Board Member at the Internet Fire Brigade Society, where he has served since 2021. Additionally, he holds the position of Chairperson of the Board at the same organization, emphasizing his commitment to global internet security.
Previous Experience at Team Cymru
James Shank has extensive experience at Team Cymru, where he worked in various capacities from 2010 to 2023. His roles included Systems Engineer, Chief Architect for Community Services, Senior Security Evangelist, and Engineering Team Lead. He also served as a Senior Technical Advisor to the CEO and Executive team, contributing to the company's reputation in internet security.
Education and Expertise
James Shank earned a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Philosophy with a minor in Computer Science from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, studying from 1999 to 2003. He is a self-taught reverse engineer with experience in reversing malware, including notable families like Emotet and IcedID. His work has been recognized in publications such as ZDNet, ThreatPost, and BleepingComputer.
Achievements and Recognition
In 2023, James Shank received the President's Volunteer Services Award for his public reversing work. His commitment to improving global security through collaboration with network operators and security teams reflects his belief in the importance of cooperative efforts in cybersecurity.