Foster’s career began in the military, where he developed discipline, operational awareness, and a deep appreciation for structured problem-solving under pressure. After transitioning into cybersecurity, he held roles spanning threat analysis, investigative operations, and security consulting, including positions as a Cyber Security Intelligence and Threat Analyst and later as a Professional Security Analyst. He also served as Director of Investigative Operations, leading efforts in cyber investigations and risk-based analysis. These experiences directly shaped the course, where students explore how offensive teams leverage automation and AI to scale attacks and bypass traditional defenses.
He holds a Master of Science in Information Security Engineering (MSISE) with a specialization in Digital Forensics from the SANS Technology Institute and a Bachelor of Information Technology and Security. Foster has earned over 25 industry certifications, including the GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA) and GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware Certification (GREM), demonstrating deep expertise across penetration testing, incident response, and secure development. His graduate research focused on using artificial intelligence to generate novel malware capable of evading traditional security controls—work that directly informs the labs and methodologies taught in the course. Foster is also a faculty member of the SANS Technology Institute - an NSA Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense, and a multi-year winner of the National Cyber League competition.
Today, Foster helps professionals understand both sides of offensive security in AI: how practitioners can use AI to improve offensive operations and how to assess, attack, and secure AI-enabled systems. Known for his structured yet approachable teaching style, he emphasizes hands-on learning, critical thinking, and real-world application. Students value his ability to connect complex concepts to operational outcomes, leaving them better prepared to identify, emulate, and defend against emerging AI-driven threats.
Qualifications Summary
- SANS course author of SEC535: Offensive AI – Attack Tools and Techniques and co-author of SEC536: Adversarial AI – Penetration Testing AI Systems.
- Founder and owner of Fortisec (security consulting firm)
- Former Professional Security Analyst and Director of Investigative Operations
- Master of Science in Information Security Engineering (MSISE), SANS Technology Institute
- Bachelor of Information Technology and Security
- GIAC Certified Forensic Analyst (GCFA) and GIAC Reverse Engineering Malware Certification (GREM)
- 25+ certifications across penetration testing, digital forensics, incident response, and programming
