Professional Overview
Marlin Craig is an accomplished Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) with over 15 years of experience in the technology and cybersecurity sectors. As a CISSP-certified security expert, he specializes in developing and implementing comprehensive information security strategies to protect critical systems and data. Marlin's industry focus is on the public sector, where he has played a pivotal role in safeguarding government agencies and their constituents.
Experience Summary
Current Role
Marlin currently serves as the Chief Information Security Officer for the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, a role he has held since August 2022. In this position, he is responsible for overseeing the agency's information security program, including the development and execution of policies, standards, and controls to mitigate cyber threats. Marlin's leadership has been instrumental in enhancing the department's overall security posture and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
Career Progression
Prior to his current role, Marlin held several security-focused positions within the Texas Office of the Secretary of State, where he progressively took on increasing responsibilities. He began as a Security Analyst II in 2014 and was promoted to Information Security Officer in 2016, a role he held until 2022. In this capacity, Marlin played a pivotal role in strengthening the agency's cybersecurity infrastructure and incident response capabilities. Earlier in his career, Marlin gained valuable experience in the private sector, working as an Enterprise Engineer at Dell and a Test/Product Development Engineer at AMD.
Academic Background
Marlin holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin. He is also a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), demonstrating his deep expertise in information security principles and best practices.
Areas of Expertise
- Information security strategy and risk management
- Cybersecurity program development and implementation
- Vulnerability assessment and penetration testing
- Incident response and disaster recovery planning
- Compliance and regulatory framework implementation
- Security technology integration and optimization
- Team management and cross-functional collaboration
Professional Impact
During his tenure at the Texas Office of the Secretary of State, Marlin spearheaded several high-impact initiatives that enhanced the agency's overall security posture. He led the implementation of a comprehensive data loss prevention (DLP) solution, which resulted in a 35% reduction in the number of data breaches within the first year. Additionally, Marlin's leadership in the deployment of a next-generation Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system enabled the agency to detect and respond to cyber threats more efficiently, leading to a 45% decrease in the average time to identify and contain security incidents.
Conclusion
Marlin Craig is a seasoned cybersecurity professional with a proven track record of safeguarding critical systems and data in the public sector. His extensive experience, technical expertise, and strategic leadership make him a valuable asset in his current role as the Chief Information Security Officer at the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles. Marlin's commitment to continual improvement and his ability to drive meaningful security outcomes position him as a trusted adviser and an influential player in the cybersecurity landscape.