Today, Derek Harp is excited to be talking with Sean McGurk, the Executive Director of Global Cyber Security Operations at Las Vegas Sands Corp.
Sean McGurk is a man of many talents! He has walked a long and interesting road with many different stops in the world of cybersecurity! He has served in various roles in the federal government, military, and private sector, focusing on information assurance and cybersecurity. He has more than 40 years of experience in advanced systems operation, cyber threat intelligence, and information systems security.
Sean was born and raised in the greater Philadelphia area. He is a military veteran, sailor, scuba diver, speaker, brewmaster, cyclist, and author.
In this episode of the (CS)²AI Podcast, he shares his modern-day superhero backstory and talks about his career path. He talks about what he learned about cybersecurity in the Navy, his transition from a career in the Navy to the civilian sector, mentorship, team management, and risk-taking.
You will definitely gain a lot from today’s fascinating conversation with Sean McGurk! Especially if you are new to the cybersecurity field or considering transitioning from the military to a career in cybersecurity. Stay tuned for more!
Show highlights:
Sean’s first computer was a Zilog Z80A. He wanted to learn how to program it so that he could copy games and swap them with his friends. (3:20)
In the Navy, Sean was a Fire Control Technician: Ballistic Missile. The technologies associated with operating within that environment jumpstarted his interest in the field of cyber-physical. (6:39)
Throughout the inception of power control and nuclear engineering, the focus was primarily on safety. So it was one of the safest industries ever developed. (8:37)
The complexities associated with the systems for preparing a missile for launch on a submerged submarine made an impression on Sean about the importance of cybersecurity. (10:33)
Sean culminated his Navy career in one of the most senior enlisted positions- working directly for the Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy. (11:26)
Sean talks about his opportunity in the Navy to use technology in a reverse engineering process in the Soviet Union. (12:19)
The things Sean considered and did when he transitioned from a career in the Navy to the civilian sector. (14:29)
Sean got exposed to control systems cybersecurity after joining the Department of Homeland Security as the Director of Controls Systems Security Program in December of 2007. (16:31)
Get out of your comfort zone and learn new ways to translate things and express them without using technical language if you get promoted to leadership management. (18:58)
Sean shares some lessons he learned about mentorship. (21:40)
What can mentees do to find a mentor in the world of cybersecurity? (23:49)
Some advice for managing teams effectively. (26:19)
The importance of taking risks. (28:37)
Sean talks about the security systems in modern-day casinos. (32:58)
About what should new engineers learn more? (38:01)
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