We are pleased to announce Shown Epley as our Head of Business Development at Cogility, where he leads strategic efforts to foster customer and partner relationships. With more than 20 years of experience in cybersecurity, Shown has an expert understanding of the value of information, the technologies for using and protecting that information, and the statecraft involved in subverting these technical security controls.
In Shown’s previous role with the Department of the Air Force (DAF), he served as Chief of Infrastructure for the Secretariat in the Pentagon, responsible for hardening and securing over 30 custom software solutions. In addition, Shown spent several years participating in Offensive Cyber Operations to better understand the adversary. This led to Shown becoming an Offensive Security Certified Professional, when he was asked to put his unique experiences to use by developing the DAF Counter Insider Threat program into the premier DoD program (1st to IOC, first to include LE and HR data, and lead on inclusion of International Military Students, to name a few). In his final position, Shown Epley served as the Deputy Director for Research and Advanced Analytics where his job was to solve the most difficult problems in the DoD using a collaborative applied research approach merging academia with innovative small business solutions to rapidly operationalize them for the warfighter.
Comment from Shown Epley:
I'm thrilled to join the Cogility team at such a pivotal time for our nation. My 15 years in civil service have provided me with invaluable insights into the Department of Defense's digital modernization efforts and their profound impact on our understanding of risk management.
In today's landscape, much like in cybersecurity, the evaluation of security personnel and insider threats has evolved from periodic assessments to a model of continuous evaluation. This shift is not just a trend; it’s a necessity for a more secure infrastructure.
Reflecting on my experience during the 2014 OPM breach, where I was part of the team assessing the compromised information systems, one critical lesson emerged: continuous evaluation and vetting significantly bolster our security posture.
As the former Program Manager for the Air Force’s counter insider threat initiative, I've witnessed firsthand how Cogynt effectively addresses these challenges for the Air Force.
With escalating national security concerns and the current administration's emphasis on fostering a trusted workforce, Cogility is uniquely positioned to support the Department of Defense in meeting these complex challenges. I am excited to be part of this innovative team and contribute to solutions that enhance our national security.
