Episode 16 - Marcus “Marc” Sachs: Cyber Pioneer, U.S. Army Veteran, and CIS Chief Engineer
Marcus “Marc” Sachs: Cyber Pioneer, U.S. Army Veteran, and CIS Chief Engineer
In this episode of Tipping Spears with Hannah Becker, I sit down with Marcus “Marc” Sachs – retired U.S. Army officer, cybersecurity pioneer, and current Senior Vice President and Chief Engineer at the Center for Internet Security.
With a career that bridges military service, national policymaking, and cutting-edge technology leadership, Marc has shaped the landscape of cyber defense in both the public and private sectors. His “boots on the digital ground” experiences bring unmatched insight to the challenges and opportunities facing our nation’s critical infrastructure.
In this episode, Marc shares:
His early fascination with ham radio and how it sparked a lifelong passion for technology
How his experiences as a military officer shaped his approach to cyber defense
Considering “how computers will assist soldiers” inspired his career in and out of uniform
Reflections on key cyber attacks and the lessons they taught
The importance of passion-driven career development and advice for the next generation of cyber professionals
Why cyber-informed engineering is essential for the future of national security and critical systems…plus so much more!
With clarity, humility, and a mission-focused mindset, Marc offers a rare blend of technical expertise and visionary thinking. Whether you're in cyber, defense, or simply care about the safety of the systems we all rely on, this conversation will leave you better informed and deeply inspired.
Don’t miss this fascinating conversation with one of the true architects of modern cybersecurity.
Catch the podcast episode online:
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About the Guest:
Marcus (Marc) Sachs is the Senior Vice President and Chief Engineer at the Center for Internet Security. Marc is a retired US Army Officer and was a White House appointee in the George W. Bush administration. His private sector experience includes senior leadership roles at SRI International, Verizon Communications, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, and Pattern Computer. Prior to joining CIS he was the Deputy Director for Research at Auburn University’s McCrary Institute for Cyber and Critical Infrastructure Security. He holds a joint appointment with the Idaho National Laboratory and is a registered Professional Engineer. Marc lives in Huntsville Alabama, also known as the Rocket City.