Michael Hacker, Principle

I’m Michael Hacker (real last name), Principle at Hacker Security, a small, boutique intelligence service. I combine decades of experience in intelligence, information security, language, and education to help organizations understand risk, protect sensitive information, and make informed decisions.

I spent eleven years in the United States Air Force, working in intelligence collection, analysis, reporting, and linguistic roles (Russian and Japanese). My assignments included work supporting the National Security Agency, Defense Intelligence Agency, and Federal Bureau of Investigation, with responsibilities spanning translation, interpretation, interrogation, intelligence reporting, and investigations.

After military service, I worked across technology and education before moving into information security. Most recently, I served as Information Security Officer for Arizona State University’s Knowledge Enterprise, where I was responsible for security for approximately $1 billion in research expenditure. My responsibilities there included developing and reviewing information security policies, reviewing research activities for security risks, investigating security incidents, and evaluating and authorizing proposed AI use from an information security perspective. I have also served on the Board of Directors of the Arizona InfraGard Members Alliance.

I hold a BS in Information Technology and an MA in English with a focus on Applied Linguistics. Other professional qualifications include GIAC Security Essentials (GSEC) and ISO 27001 Auditor certifications.

Teaching runs through much of my career. I’ve developed curricula and taught technology, language, and martial arts. That experience shapes my approach to advisory work: explain the reasoning, connect unfamiliar ideas to what people already understand, and make recommendations they can put into practice.

I’m developing Hacker Security as an independent intelligence and security advisory practice. My work begins with clear questions and pays close attention to evidence, assumptions, uncertainty, and practical consequences.

The Hacker Security blog explores intelligence, operational security, human behavior, deception, and cybersecurity. Expect practical examples, careful reasoning, and occasional irreverence. Serious subjects can withstand a little humor.

Outside this work, I write non-fiction books, play guitar, and practice and teach martial arts. Curiosity and communication connect most of what I do.