Personal Web

Emil Chukalov

🛡️ Transformative Security Leader | Strategic Visionary | AI-Powered Automation Advocate

About me

For over 18 years I've been deciphering complexities in the Enterprise Security trenches, from fortifying defenses to designing proactive measures against threats.


My journey is driven by a passion for leading transformative security initiatives through strategic vision and intelligent automation, ensuring robust protection while empowering agile business operations.


If you're curious to dive deeper into my work, you can follow me:

Work experience

VP DIRECTOR, INFORMATION SECURITY ENGINEERING
Fifth Third Bank, Cincinnati OH (Remote)
5/2022 – 12/2024

Spearheaded Enterprise Vulnerability Management program with a vision of innovation and automation that outpaces adversaries, by providing strategic leadership, cultivating key partnerships, and developing top talent to deliver excellence.

DIRECTOR, INFORMATION SECURITY
Freddie Mac, McLean VA
9/2017 – 5/2022

Established and matured comprehensive Vulnerability Management program, strengthening security posture across people, process, and technology. Drove transformation through automated innovative solutions, continuous improvement and strategic talent development.

INFORMATION SECURITY CONSULTANT
Axxum Technologies, Herndon, VA
02/2016 – 09/2017

Served as Vulnerability Management SME for Freddie Mac, providing strategic guidance that accelerated their enterprise security program maturity, enhanced risk visibility, and delivered measurable cost savings through optimized security operations.

PENETRATION TESTER, RED TEAM
Booz Allen Hamilton, McLean, VA
08/2015 -02/2016

Led comprehensive security assessments across multiple technology platforms, identifying vulnerabilities and providing actionable remediation guidance to protect organizational assets.

LEAD, VULNERABILITY MANAGEMENT
Booz Allen Hamilton, McLean, VA
09/2013 – 08/2015

Led Vulnerability Management for Booz Allen Hamilton's internal Information Assurance program, implementing innovative solutions and automation to identify, assess, and mitigate security vulnerabilities across the organization.

TECH LEAD, SYSTEMS ENGINEER
CompuCom, Herndon, VA
04/2007- 09/2013

Led enterprise IT support operations for 25,000+ users, serving as primary technical escalation point for complex issues, executive support, and special initiatives.

CONSULTANT, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Self-Employed, Bulgaria
04/2007- 09/2013

Established own IT consultancy as an early career professional, serving government and educational clients including a National Forestry branch and local high school. Provided comprehensive technical services including software and hardware maintenance, network troubleshooting, system builds, and security services.

Education

Master of Science (MS) in Computer Forensics, Concentration in Penetration Testing & Malware Reverse Engineering
George Mason University
2016 - 2018, Summa Cum Laude

Bachelor of Science (BS) in Information Security
George Mason University
2012 - 2015, Summa Cum Laude

Professional Certifications

Cybersecurity Skills & Passion, Igniting Transformative Cybersecurity Innovation

CISSP

ISC2 Certified Information Systems Security Professional

GSLC

GIAC Security Leadership

GCSA

GIAC Cloud Security and DevOps Automation

GCPN

GIAC Cloud Penetration Tester

GXPN

GIAC Exploit Researcher and Advanced Penetration Tester

OSCP

Offensive Security Certified Professional

CEH

Certified Ethical Hacker

Security+

CompTIA

Secure Infrastructure Specialist

CompTIA

IT Operations Specialist

CompTIA

A+

CompTIA

NET+

CompTIA

MCP

Microsoft Certified Professional

MCTS

Microsoft Certified Technical Specialist

CCNA

Cisco Certified Network Associate

Discover My Latest Insights on My Blog

View all posts »

Get practical tips, effective practices and actionable insights for information security and technology.