What you did in the military does not have to define what you do afterward. In this edition of VetSec Impact Stories, Brian shares his journey from software developer to cybersecurity, and how connecting with others who also swore an oath, wore the uniform, and are now part of cybersecurity has opened doors for growth and opportunity.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background before joining VetSec?
I’m Brian Davidson. When I joined VetSec, I was starting my transition from software developer to cybersecurity subject matter expert. I had just been promoted to Director of Software Engineering at Refinitiv and decided to obtain domain expertise in cybersecurity to sharpen my technical depth. I also did two combat tours in Operation Iraqi Freedom and earned a Combat Action Ribbon in the Marines as a 0311.
How did you first learn about VetSec, and what motivated you to get involved?
As a digital native, I searched for online communities of veterans interested in cybersecurity. I joined VetSec in its earlier days when it was 10% of its current size. The community has been and will always be the biggest draw of VetSec. We have experts willing to share candid advice on nearly anything you might professionally encounter.
The incredibly brilliant minds in the community keep me coming back to learn and share with them. Seeing fellow members at DefCon and even forming CTF teams with them have been the highlights of my experience.
What were some of the biggest challenges or obstacles you faced in transitioning to a cybersecurity career before joining VetSec?
The entire cybersecurity training industry is hard to navigate regarding knowing what is trustworthy. What is worth spending my limited time on? What programs are legit?
Can you describe your experience with VetSec’s training and mentorship programs?
I’ve served as a mentor for those interested in pursuing a nontraditional computer science education and sharpening their software development skills. I’ve also been keen to share how to navigate the senior end of the career field.
I recognize not everyone is as blessed as I have been with rich mentorship in tech, and I seek to pass that on to other veterans.
What specific resources or support did you find most valuable?
On my most recent job search, some members served as references to Google for an employment application as a Security Engineer. This was a big shift in my career trajectory from a security-focused shift-left software development perspective to a full-on security role. Their encouragement and guidance helped seal the deal for what I’m hoping to be a long and fruitful new career trajectory.
How has the VetSec community impacted you personally and professionally?
I completed my SANS MSISE degree at light speed, often taking one class a month. The community’s congratulations helped me keep up the brutal pace for over a year.
When I went through the OSCP, I found a buddy going through the labs simultaneously. We traded perspectives and kept each other on top of popping boxes a few times per day for a month straight. Doing it alone would have been much harder just from a morale perspective.
Can you share a specific moment or achievement during your time with VetSec that you are particularly proud of?
We created an all USMC CTF team called
for a DefCon Blue Team Village CTF and smoked the competition. The teamwork and rigor of all the teammates was
.Where are you currently in your cybersecurity career, and how did VetSec contribute to your success?
I’m just pivoting from a privacy-focused Software Engineer at Facebook to a Security Engineer role at Google. VetSec 100% opened the doors with references and education/ training guidance throughout the journey. The community has been pivotal to my success.
Reflecting on your journey, how do you think your career and personal growth would have been different without VetSec?
I would have achieved a small percentage of my success in cybersecurity and technology. Cybersecurity has been my secret weapon for understanding systems at a greater depth than other engineers, and engineering has been my secret weapon for understanding cybersecurity at the lowest possible levels.
What are your future aspirations in the field of cybersecurity?
I teach malware analysis at Pace University and would like to continue teaching for many years. I also have a patent for a Human Interface Device Firewall that I’d like to release a commercial product for or possibly open source. Meanwhile, I’m studying for a computer science degree at Georgie Tech and am working on open-sourcing a Generative AI CTF generator that I collaborated on with a fellow VetSec member.
What advice would you give to other veterans considering a career in cybersecurity and thinking about joining VetSec?
Do it—the advice of those who have been there and done that is immeasurable in worth.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience with VetSec or a message to the community?
Cybersecurity is one of the most challenging fields to get into. Vendors, content creators, and ads constantly sell us snake oil. You need someone on your side who will tell you the real deal, and veterans will do that without pulling punches. Come with an open mind, and we will save you so much grief.