Cybersecurity Leader is Running for Congress

I began my professional career as a systems and networking engineer who earned my first IT cert (Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) Exam (70-063, Implementing and Supporting Microsoft Windows 95) in 1998. I've successfully sat for the CCIE , CISA, CISM and about 20 other exams. I've made a career out of designing, building and securing global networks, then leading Fortune 500 Information security teams and later consulting with international businesses, academic organizations and government entities on cybersecurity policy.

What's next... running for U.S. Congress.

Why?

Well, there's lots of reasons, but I'll give you one that will resonate with many of my LinkedIn colleagues very well. Less than one percent of our current Congress has any background in Information Technology and we don’t have a single Congressman or Senator with a working background in Cybersecurity. It has never been more critical to have someone within the legislative body of our federal government who actually understands these issues. Our businesses, our citizens and even, our own democracy is currently being attacked by foreign adversaries. Yet, our current Congress is paralyzed on the issue and clearly unsure how to create or update legislation needed to identify, defend and protect us from these threats.

We need a generational leap forward in experience and worldview that our current members of Congress just cannot provide. I understand the issues and opportunities. I'm ready. Cyber-theft, cyber-warfare and cyber-espionage are no longer hypothetical, fringe topics. Outside of coronavirus, cybersecurity presents one of the largest threat to our national security and the largest threat to small businesses.

Status quo politics must end and turn-of-the-century policies must be updated. Old school rules don’t apply to new school challenges.  

We need a Congressperson who understands the threats, opportunities and challenges that we are facing today and is willing to do something about it. There are relentless assaults on our election systems, our electrical grid and our social media platforms. The attacks on Equifax, Sony, Target, OPM and the DNC all highlight the need for elected officials with expertise in this area.

I have never been the one to run away from challenges. I'm a 3rd generation veteran who has always heeded the call for action. I'm a proven leader who understands the challenges of today, tomorrow. 

I understand it. I’m heeding the call. I’m ready.

"I'm asking the information technology and information security communities across the country to support our campaign and to stand with me to defend our democracy and our country by helping me get to Congress and providing a voice us."

We have the unique opportunity to help shape legislation that needs our input.

 You can join us and help me by making a donation today and sharing information about our campaign.

Regards,

-Michael Owens