fwd:cloudsec 2023

Damien Burks (he/him) is an accomplished cybersecurity expert and software developer based in the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) Metroplex. With an analytical mind and a talent for problem-solving, he is an established leader in Cloud Security and DevOps. He has held various roles in his career, with the most recent being Cloud Security Engineer - VP at Citi. At Citi, he designed and built CLI tools to enhance custom security frameworks within AWS. In addition, he has designed and built a CLI tool using boto3 libraries to improve the user experience of the custom security framework, formally known as the Cloud Containment Automation Framework.

Damien maintains DataCop and AWSome-Honey-Pot as an open-source developer while contributing to Open Policy Agent (OPA) and Python Fire. As an AWS Community Builder, he also creates and publishes cloud security content such as articles, YouTube videos, and blog posts. In addition to community contributions, he has spoken at several conferences throughout his career, which include DevOpsDays Dallas, BSides DFW, and FS-ISAC FinCyber Today.

Excelling in his studies and professional training, Damien holds a Master of Science in Cybersecurity Technology from the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC). In addition, he has several licenses and certifications across multiple cloud service providers such as AWS and GCP. When not working, or studying, Damien is a mentor to BIPOC LGBTQ+ tech professionals who wish to break into the tech industry. His hobbies include playing video games, attending local car meets within the DFW Metroplex, and spending time with his partner, and their two cats.