Dr. Eric Cole's career began in the shadowy corridors of the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), where he served as a professional hacker and later rose to the director of the Internet Program Team.
The CIA tasked Dr. Cole with exploiting highly advanced internet technologies. He developed secure communication systems, conducted expert-level penetration testing, and identified vulnerabilities in critical systems. His performance earned him accolades, including letters of appreciation from the director of Central Intelligence and several Exceptional Performance Awards.
The Security Posture of Cyberspace
Reflecting on his early days at the CIA, Dr. Cole recalls, "It was about understanding how attackers think. To defend effectively, you must first learn to attack."
His philosophy became the foundation of his career as he moved from government service to the private sector, where he worked with tech giants like McAfee and Lockheed Martin, eventually founding Secure Anchor Consulting.
After leaving government service, Dr. Eric Cole brought his skills to McAfee as chief technology officer. He played a central role in shaping the company's technical direction and driving its growth as a global leader in digital security solutions.
At Lockheed Martin, he served as chief scientist and senior fellow, focusing on advanced research and development in information systems security. His work included secure network design, vulnerability discovery, and intrusion detection systems for high-profile federal projects like FBI Sentinel and DHS Eagle.
Dr. Cole's career from CIA operative to cybersecurity entrepreneur is more than a simple story of personal achievement. Rather, it outlines a path—one where Dr. Cole has focused on making cyberspace safer for everyone.
The mission? To provide businesses, governments, and individuals with the tools and knowledge to protect themselves in a digital world under constant threat.
A World Under Siege
Cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities in systems we rely on daily, constantly attacking the modern world. From ransomware attacks that paralyze hospitals to supply chain breaches that compromise global businesses, cyberthreats are more common than ever. According to recent reports, ransomware activity surged by 50% in 2024 alone, while cloud intrusions increased by 75%. Yet many people remain unaware of the risks lurking behind their screens.
Dr. Eric Cole explains that no one is immune: "Cybercriminals target you whether you have $5 or $5 million in your bank account."
He says attackers often rely on human error—such as clicking on malicious links or opening suspicious attachments—to infiltrate systems. "The biggest threat isn't some sophisticated malware; it's a user making a bad decision. That's why the best defense isn't anti-malware systems or air-gapped systems, but education," he says.
Secure Anchor was born out of this growing need for awareness and education. The company provides customized cybersecurity solutions that help organizations prevent breaches, detect intrusions, and respond to threats effectively. However, Dr. Cole's mission does not solely concern corporate clients. True to his altruistic nature, the self-titled "Cyber Czar" wants to educate the masses on how to stay safe online.
Empowering People Through Education
In agreement with Dr. Cole, many other cybersecurity experts acknowledge that awareness is the first defense against cybercrime. "Most people think they're not a target," Dr. Cole says, "but that mindset needs to change."
Through Secure Anchor's training programs, books, and keynotes, Dr. Cole simplifies complex cybersecurity concepts so anyone can understand them. His Wall Street Journal bestseller "Cyber Crisis" is a prime example of his talent for distilling technical jargon into digestible advice for everyday users.
He stresses that the first step to protecting oneself is recognizing that everyone is a target. Awareness of this fact is vital, as cybercriminals do not discriminate based on wealth or status.
Dr. Eric Cole also advises caution when dealing with emails or browsing the web, urging people to avoid clicking on links or downloading attachments from unknown sources. For high-risk activities like checking emails or casual browsing, he recommends using devices such as iPads rather than Windows systems, which are more frequently targeted by malware.
Dr. Cole's advice reflects his belief that cybersecurity is everyone's responsibility: "You don't need to be a tech expert to protect yourself; you just need to be informed."
A Mission for Safer Cyberspace
Through Secure Anchor Consulting and his public outreach efforts, Dr. Cole has trained over 50,000 professionals and worked with Fortune 500 companies, international banks, and even figures like Bill Gates. Yet, his mission remains deeply personal: to make cyberspace safe for families, businesses, and future generations.
With the introduction of quantum computing and artificial intelligence making cyberthreats increasingly sophisticated, Dr. Eric Cole's work has become even more critical. With a mixture of technical mastery and passion for education, Dr. Eric Cole is one of the most influential voices in cybersecurity today—an actual "Cyber Czar" committed to saving the world.
