Russell Eubanks

As founder and owner of Security Ever After, Russell is responsible for assessing the cyber security of many diverse organizations and increasing their maturity while decreasing the probability of a breach. He wrote the first paper on how to implement the Critical Security Controls and serves on the editorial panel for the Critical Security Controls. As a current handler for the SANS Internet Storm Center and a former chief information security officer (CISO) of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, he's especially passionate about helping new or aspiring cyber leaders increase their influence. Russell is a SANS Certified Instructor and co-author of MGT521: Leading Cybersecurity Change: Building A Security-Based Culture and the SEC405: Business Finance Essentials course for SANS Technology Institute.

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From factory worker to owner of Security Ever After, Russell Eubanks' career trajectory has been anything but traditional. Years ago, while working a factory, Russell realized he wanted more. He learned about his company's tuition reimbursement program and promptly signed up for computer classes at his local community college. He worked in the factory until early morning and attended classes during the day.

"My employer paid for all of my tuition and expenses," says Russell. "I remain amazed and grateful for that benefit." The Y2K crisis was looming back then and companies were desperate for cybersecurity talent. Russell secured his first position before he'd even finished his degree.

Russell is a principal instructor for SANS, teaching MGT415: A Practical Introduction to Cyber Security Risk Management; MGT514: Security Strategic Planning, Policy, and Leadership; and SEC566: Implementing and Auditing the Critical Security Controls - In-Depth, MGT521: Leading Cybersecurity Change: Building a Security-Based Culture, and SEC405: Business Finance Essentials.

Russell has found the best part of teaching is the ongoing education he gets from his students. "I know they have something to share that will make me a better cyber security professional," he says. Russell encourages students to prepare for their SANS courses as they would a college class, eliminate distractions and arrive ready to engage with the instructor and fellow students. "I intentionally focus on key takeaways each day that the students can apply when they get back to work," he says.

"I love when students apply them while they are still in class!" Perhaps most importantly, Russell brings his heart to what he teaches. "I want those I have mentored to know that I gave my all to help them become the absolute best version of themselves. I want them to have every single advantage that I always longed for and did not see or act upon until much, much later," he says.

Russell holds a bachelor's degree in computer science from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. In his free time, Russell studies leadership, keeps up with his wife, son, and daughter, and loves to smoke pork on his Big Green Egg. "Only recently I learned about the importance of disconnecting from technology on a regular basis," he says. "I have my best ideas when I am away from a screen." Russell also stays busy with his recently discovered passion for running and just recently ran his fifth marathon.

Over the years, Russell has earned an impressive number of professional certifications including: