I am Information & Security Professional with 22 Years Experience
I am a person with extensive experience in the Security profession whereby I was a professional trained & active police officer with 15 years experience at the highest level (Uniform policing but mainly Detective teams, Drugs unit, Forensic teams as well as other specialist units). I have a primary degree in Software engineering, an equivalent degree in Policing, Law and Psychotherapy. As well as having an honorary master's (1.1) in Computer Forensics and Cybercrime from University College Dublin which I came in the top 1% of my international class.
I am Specialized in
Courses
- 504 SANS – Hacking Tools and Techniques
- Advanced Malware investigations
- Data Protection Practioner
- Fraud investigation
- Standard Xry Mobile Phone Forensic Course – Trained by Irish Police Force
- Advanced Mobile Phone Forensic Course Training – Trained by the United Kingdom Police Force
- Child First Protection Course
Languages
- English
- French(Basic)
- German(Basic)
- Spanish(Basic)
- Gaelic (Basic)
Honours & Awards
Lecturing to the Abu Dhabi Police Force honour Sep 2014
Request to lecture the Abu Dhabi Police force in IT certifications which required the building & designing of course content and delivering the course to multiple sets of police officers. The course was met with hugely positive feedback with a request for further courses.
Commendations for Excellent Police Work honour date June 2014 honour issuer Chief Superintendent DMR North.
On the month I took my career break from An Garda Siochana, I was awarded 7 separate certificates whereby I demonstrated excellent police work. Through hard work and detective skills ranging from the capture, solving and arrests related to burglaries to tiger kidnappings & other headline crime.
Teaching/Lecturing honour date from Jan 1997 – Present day
Teaching students one on one in the field of Information Technology, Programming & Information Security for over 20 years around the world.
Top 1%
Masters in Computer Forensics & Cybercrime
Taken on Sep 2014 1.1 (First Class Hon) Masters in Computer Forensics & Cybercrime.
Hobbies
- Running
- Swimming
- Boxing
- Martial Arts
- Motor Biking
- Walking
- Reading
Crypto Ransomware the Ebola Virus of the Internet
A number of weeks ago I was asked by a friend who owns a small accountancy firm in Ireland who told me he had ``a bit of a computer problem``.
Read moreDigital Forensic – A Smart Key to Unlock the Intricacies of Crime
Over the past few years, there has been tremendous growth in the number of digital devices that are primarily ...
ReadmoreRansomware, its variants and preventive measures
This malware has been commonly used for the purpose of data kidnapping, in which the attacker encrypts the victim’s data and asks for payment for the decryption ..
ReadmoreEducation
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE OF DEGREE IN COMMERCIAL SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT
SEPTEMBER 1999 | WATERFORD INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY – 2.1 GRADE
DIPLOMA (Now Degree Equivalent) IN POLICING STUDIES
JUNE 2001 | TEMPLEMORE NATIONAL TRAINING COLLEGE – 2.1 GRADE
HIGHER DIPLOMA IN PSYCHOTHERAPY AND COUNSELLING (Degree Equivalent)
SEPTEMBER 2011 | DUBLIN BUSINESS SCHOOL – 2.1 GRADE
MASTERS IN COMPUTER FORENSICS & CYBER CRIME FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT
JUNE 2014 | UNIVERSITY COLLEGE DUBLIN – 1.1 GRADE
Career Timeline
CEO McHugo Consulting Ltd.
Lecture in Information Security National College of Ireland
Security Operations Centre Lead Member, Electric Supply Board (ESB) of Ireland
Lead Cyber Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) for EMEA Region, DocuSign
Security Administrator National Treasury
Lecturer to the Abu Dhabi Police Force
Lead Mobile Phone Forensic Officer Northern Division, Dublin
Detective Units
- Criminal Law Training Courses
- Firearms Course
- Sergeants Examinations
Drugs Unit
Community Policing
Uniformed Police Officer (Garda)
Skills
Information Security
90%Cyber Security Incident Response
90%Forensic Analysis
75%Teamwork
85%Law Enforcement
80%Investigator
80%Public Speaking
80%Lecturing
75%Peoples Review
Ciara CostelloeCiara Costelloe
Management Information Systems Officer at Dublin Simon CommunityColin has extensive knowledge of Cyber Security and technology. He keeps up to date with the industry and has a genuine interest in IT. He approaches tasks with a positive attitude which leads to great solutions.
Cara Byrne
Founder and Psychotherapist at Hike PsychColin is the most knowledgeable and trustworthy individual you could meet. What better attributes could you ask for from someone in cyber security. He is smart, insightful and helpful to a fault as well as being a true gentleman. I cannot recommend him highly enough.
Ed Boland
Director Kingstown CollegeColin is a fantastic coach and is a very good listener
Joe Hanley
Meath county council - Water Services - Drinking water operations - TechnicianColin is very trustworthy and highly motivated. His knowledge and attention to detail in providing specialist outcomes is second to none. I would definitely recommend him as a leading professional in this increasingly important business sector
Robert Kearns
Associate at WILLIAM FRYColin has extensive knowledge of cybersecurity and technology and has a genuine interest in IT. He is also highly approachable and always happy to share his knowledge or offer assistance.
Sam Reilly
Key Accounts Manager / IT Contracting/Business Development Consultant at Vantage ResourcesColin is an outstanding Cyber Security Analyst and is one of the foremost authorities in his area of expertise. He is a diligent, trustworthy, and a technically excellent candidate. Colin would always address our client's concerns promptly and in a satisfactory manner.
Alan Oates
Lecturer at Dublin Business SchoolI have studied with Colin in the area of counseling and psychotherapy for two years. Not only is he one of the most compassionate men I have ever met, but he also has a fantastic ability to motivate people in such a supportive and empowering way. I am looking forward to seeing the great things that I am sure he will accomplish in the future
Declan Dooney
Managing Director Excel Aviation Managing Director Excel AviationI have had cause to use Colin's services on a number of occasions and can testify to his integrity, quality of work, discretion, and extremely customer-friendly approach. Best wishes Colin
Leanne Keegan
Legal Counsel at DocuSign International (EMEA) LimitedColin was the person I always went to if I had questions, needed to understand something better relating to cyber, or if needed a general pick-me-up. So helpful, approachable, truly genuine, and makes things easier to understand for a non-cyber mind.