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Rich Greene

Certified InstructorSenior Solutions Engineer at SANS Institute

Specialities

Cyber Defense, Cybersecurity and IT Essentials

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Rich Greene

About Rich Greene

Rich Greene believes cybersecurity isn’t just a career—it’s a calling. From the battlefield to the classroom, he’s dedicated his life to defending, teaching, and inspiring others to do the same. As a SANS Instructor and author of SEC301: Introduction to Cyber Security, one of SANS’s most widely attended foundational courses, Rich transforms complex concepts into engaging, real-world lessons that connect with students from all backgrounds. His mission is simple yet profound: to make cybersecurity accessible, exciting, and achievable for anyone willing to take up the challenge.

That sense of purpose was forged over more than two decades in military, intelligence, and cybersecurity operations. Rich’s journey began in the U.S. Army Special Forces, where he served as a Communications Sergeant before transitioning into cyber and intelligence roles supporting operations in more than 17 countries. These experiences—where seconds mattered and missions depended on secure communications—shaped his belief that true defense begins by thinking like the adversary.

After leaving the military, Rich transitioned into cyber training and consulting, eventually founding SITH2, LLC, where he helps organizations strengthen detection and incident response capabilities. These experiences directly inform the labs in SEC301, where students move beyond theory into tactical application—learning not only what to do, but why it matters.

Rich holds more than a dozen Global Information Assurance Certifications (GIAC) spanning incident handling, penetration testing, forensics, and leadership—including GIAC Cyber Threat Intelligence (GCTI), GIAC Certified Incident Handler (GCIH), GIAC Response and Industrial Defense (GRID), and GIAC Strategic Planning, Policy, and Leadership (GSTRT)—as well as the CISSP credential. He earned both his Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Cybersecurity and Master of Science in Information Security Engineering from the SANS Technology Institute, an NSA Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense and multi-year winner of the National Cyber League competition.

Rich’s teaching philosophy is simple: make cybersecurity human, hands-on, and habit-forming. Students describe him as “the most engaging instructor I’ve ever had,” praising his energy, humor, and ability to make cybersecurity approachable. Many credit his teaching with transforming how they view network defense, turning intimidation into inspiration. With thousands of SEC301 alumni around the world, Rich continues to shape the next generation of defenders—equipping them to interpret threats, think critically, and apply defensive principles immediately in their work.

Beyond SANS, Rich amplifies his impact through podcasts, livestreams, and conference talks—including appearances on the Blueprint Podcast, Security Halt!, and Wait Just an Infosec—where he shares lessons on leadership, mindset, and creative problem solving. Away from the classroom, he embraces his inner “Cybersecurity Dungeon Master,” blending creativity, storytelling, and teamwork in everything he does—from tabletop games to teaching defenders how to think several moves ahead of the adversary.

Qualifications Summary
  • Senior Solutions Engineer & Instructor, SANS Institute
  • Author of SEC301: Introduction to Cyber Security
  • Owner/Principal, SITH2, LLC
  • Faculty Member, SANS Technology Institute
  • Master of Science (MS) – Information Security Engineering, SANS Technology Institute
  • Bachelor’s Degree–Applied Cybersecurity, SANS Institute
  • Former U.S. Army Special Forces Communications Sergeant with cyber and intelligence experience in 17+ countries
  • Recipient of the 2024 SANS Difference Maker Award for contributions to cybersecurity education
  • GIAC Certifications: GISF, GFACT, GSEC, GCIH, GWAPT, GPYC, GCIA, GPEN, GSTRT, SSAP, GDSA, GCPM, GICSP, GRID, GCTI, GX-CS
  • CISSP certified

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