Taylor Banks

Extensive background in all aspects of the computer networking and information security industries. Over 10 years designing, implementing, teaching and selling secure information systems to Federal Government, US Military, private universities and public companies, from start-ups to Fortune 100.
Currently focusing on virtualization and its impact on information security, specifically VMware and Xen implementations.
Through KnowThreat, I provide contract training for "VMware: Installation and Configuration," "VMware: Deploy, Secure and Analyze," and "VMware: FastTrack" courses and am actively developing vendor-neutral courseware on effective security for enterprise virtualization infrastructure.

Specialties
Background in IS and IT security consulting, education, and courseware development; focus on and specialize in virtualization, virtualization security, and VMware and Xen in the enterprise. I also have significant experience in business development and partnerships, security sales, technology research and development, and sales engineering management.

Experiences

• kaos.theory/security.research : 02/2005 - Present
  founder
  k.t/s.r was formed to bring together the brightest minds in the information technology and security communities, willing to contribute their ideas and dedicate their free time and energy, to create and innovate in an effort to organically and holistically improve the state of information and network security worldwide.
• DC404 : 08/2003 - Present
  PoC / Organizer
  The DEF CON Groups (DCGs or DC-Groups) are a gathering point for folks interested in the alternate applications of modern technology. DCG meetings are open to anyone, regardless of skill, age, job, gender, etc.
• KnowThreat : 03/2002 - Present
  Owner
  KnowThreat is the product of extensive collaborative experience providing network and information security architecture, design, research, development, implementation, consultation, and training to individuals, businesses and governments, large and small.
  
  KnowThreat provides VMware Certified Training as well as virtualization infrastructure design, architecture, implementation, performance and business continuity consulting.
• InfoWeapons, Inc. : 09/2006 - 06/2007
  Chief Security Architect and Director of Sales Engineering
  As Chief Security Architect and Chief Security Officer, my responsibilities included defining, managing and enforcing information and network security processes and procedures (to exceed the requirements of ISO 27001) as well as analyzing and architecting our own network infrastructure and network security products to meet stringent guidelines and requirements (including but not limited to those of the JITC PKI, JITC IPv6 and FIPS 140 test suites).
  
  Simultaneously, as acting Director of Sales Engineering, I established and defined a Sales Engineering Practice and provided day-to-day management of all Technical Pre-Sales processes including product demonstrations, customer evaluations, network integration assistance, and ongoing customer relationship management. As a result of these efforts, I was further enlisted to take a lead role in Product Management by defining road maps, creating PRDs and working with Engineering to streamline and structure software development.
• Caymas Systems : 10/2004 - 09/2006
  SE Manager
  Caymas Systems was founded to help organizations control access to critical information and applications, and in so doing control their business.
  
  As Southeast Sales Systems Engineering Manager, I was responsible for all Technical Pre-Sales processes, including warm introductions, product demonstrations, customer evaluations, and relationship management. Working with Regional RSMs and the Channel Management Team, I was instrumental in recruiting all of Caymas' channel partners across the Southeastern US, and took a lead role in providing both Sales and Sales Engineering training to new partners.
• Metro Atlanta ISSA : 2005 - 2006
  Board Member
  The Metro Atlanta Information Systems Security Association (GAISSA) is a non-profit group dedicated to providing educational and networking opportunities to promote the exchange of ideas, knowledge, and member's growth within the information security profession.
  
  As the Director of Web Operations, I deployed a content management portal to establish the chapter's first interactive member forum, career resource board and membership information portal. I was responsible for all web-facing infrastructure, content, updates and management.
• REDvolution Technologies : 01/2003 - 06/2004
  Owner
  ReDvolution's team of seasoned professionals focused on developing, implementing and securing solutions that delivered immediate operational impact, while providing the flexibility needed to remain competitive in a fast-paced market.
  
  As ReDvolution's Director of Security Services and acting Co-CEO, I oversaw all aspects of Sales, Marketing, and Professional Services Delivery. I defined and delivered all Security Service offerings, including Vulnerability Assessment, Penetration Testing, Security Architecture and Security Integration services, and I authored and delivered all security courseware including "Applied Penetration Testing," "Applied Computer Forensics," and "Advanced Open Source Security" courses.
  
  Our technology partners included ISECOM, (ISC)^2, and TechAssist, and within 6 months of establishment we had over 50 enterprise and federal customers, including Bristol-Myers Squibb, FedEx, VeriSign, and the United States Marine Corps.
• Vigilar, Inc. : 08/2002 - 12/2002
  Practice Manager, Information Assurance and Forensic Services
  Vigilar is dedicated to the delivery of security solutions of exceptional quality, design and value that enable customers to mitigate and manage security risks that threaten their competitive advantage or market position.
• VeriSign, Inc. : 06/1999 - 07/2002
  Senior Security Engineer
  Designed and Developed Open Source Security course
  Co-developed Applied Hacking and Countermeasures course
  Certified VeriSign PKI Engineer/Instructor
  Certified CheckPoint Engineer/Instructor
  Certified Nokia Engineer/Instructor
  Certified NAI Engineer/Instructor
• Self-employed : 1992 - 1999
  Independent Consultant
  As an independent consultant, provided network and security engineering to organizations including Sodex'ho Marriott, SunTrust Equitable Securities, Georgia Institute of Technology, Georgia State University, Benedict College, and the Gwinnet County Board of Education.