Michael VanPutte, Ph.D., CISSP, Lieutenant Colonel, U.S. Army (retired)

Some call me an award-winning expert on cyber warfare and a decorated combat veteran. After graduating from The Ohio State University, I kicked off my career as a Combat Engineer Officer, completing U.S. Army Airborne and Ranger schools and leading soldiers in the First Gulf War.

Over my 26 years of government service, I've had the chance to work alongside cyber experts, law enforcement, intelligence officers, and homeland security professionals, collaborating with commercial entities and foreign government experts. I’ve taught and learned at both public and military institutions, conducted offensive and defensive cyber warfare operations, and led groundbreaking research at DARPA. My career highlights include briefing the White House, Congress, and high-ranking officials across the Pentagon, Intelligence, and Homeland Security. I’ve also authored government policies, deployed technologies, planned workshops and exercises, and was commended by the Senate House Committee on Government Reform for “leading the way for the entire U.S. government.”

As a co-founder of Provatek LLC, I focus on advanced computer network operations research and development.

Now, as an avid writer, I’ve turned my attention to crafting stories. Since leaving government service, I’ve written *Walking Wounded* and co-authored *The Art of Cyberwar*. Up next are a military strategy manual for science fiction fans and some thrilling action adventures.

• Ph.D., Computer Science, Naval Postgraduate School, Monterey, CA.
• MS., University of Missouri, Columbia, MO.
• BS., The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH.

• Secretary of Defense Medal for Exceptional Public Service
• Secretary of Defense Information Assurance Individual Award
• Secretary of Defense Information Assurance Team Award
• Secretary of Defense Information Assurance Award
• Ranger Tab
• Parachutist Badge