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About K.O.
K.O. is the CEO and Podcast host at Astro Information Security, a San Francisco-based cybersecurity firm specializing in penetration testing and MDR. He is a servant leader with a track record of enhancing the security programs of multibillion-dollar organizations while at Cisco and leading security operations at NASA.
As a former Toastmaster’s Club President and Chipotle General Manager, K.O. refined his leadership and communication skills to build dynamic teams which he blends with his passion for mentoring — now having guided over 20 professionals from entry-level to high-earning roles. With over $13 million in sales and a strong foundation in strategic problem-solving, K.O. excels in technical delivery, customer service, and business development.
K.O. has earned over a dozen industry-acclaimed certifications, most notably the ISC2 CISSP and multiple GIAC/SANS certs such as the GCIH, GCIA, and GCFA. He holds a BS in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance from WGU and has deferred completion of the UC Berkeley MICS graduate program to focus on building Astro and the ISSA Student Chapters.
Outside of cybersecurity, K.O. is passionate about rock climbing, Bay Area sports, MMA, traveling, and his two pups.
K.O. Launchpad
Podcast
K.O. Launchpad is the podcast launched by Astro’s Founder & CEO in September 2024 in the wake of quitting his full-time corporate career with Cisco.
With a mission to change the cybersecurity industry and how it is understood today, K.O. travels around the U.S. interviewing cybersecurity professionals who share their stories and lessons learned in their journeys. Featured on the podcast are such guests as David Rudd, Mindy Schlueter, Rob Gresham, Simeon Kakpovi, Kyu Jin Lee, Ismael Valenzuela and many other inspiring leaders.
Book a call with K.O.
Hop on a call with K.O. to talk about your cybersecurity needs and how we at Astro can help address them.
Astro Information Security is a cybersecurity company specializing in penetration testing and 24x7x365 MXDR solutions.
