Manuel Del Rio
This instance of our Q&A interview series features Manuel Del Rio, a cybersecurity professional whose journey into the field began with an unexpected wake-up call during his college years. Since then, Manuel has built a dynamic career working across industries—from medical devices and banking to IoT and emerging AI technologies. We enjoyed exploring his perspective on staying curious, embracing new challenges, and navigating the rapidly evolving world of cybersecurity.
Can you tell us about your journey into the field of cybersecurity? What inspired you to pursue a career in this industry?
My entry into the world of cybersecurity was completely unintentional. As a Computer Science student, I knew nothing about security until I was caught pirating movies on my college campus(2010). The security department gave me a thorough interrogation, presenting the extensive data they had gathered on my activities. This experience, which scared me into giving up pirating, simultaneously sparked my curiosity. I was fascinated and asked how they managed to collect such detailed information, down to the specific software and operating system on my computer. This led to another hour of conversation about security in general, it was amazing. This was the conversation that changed my life. It completely opened my eyes to the field of cybersecurity. The very next day, I enrolled in the InfoSec club.
What do you find most exciting about working in cybersecurity? Are there any specific aspects or challenges that keep you engaged?
I'm seriously stoked about cybersecurity because it's absolutely essential and touches everything. I've jumped around a bunch in my career—from GPS systems, medical devices, banks, huge tech firms, IoT devices, and now I'm diving into Generative AI and Agentic AI agents. That huge variety is a massive perk. Sure, switching gears between all these sectors keeps you on your toes and has its own unique challenges, but honestly, that stimulating challenge is exactly what keeps me hooked.
As a millennial in the cybersecurity field, what do you think sets your generation apart in terms of approach or perspective towards cyber threats?
This is an intriguing question! As millennials, we were the first generation to mature alongside ubiquitous technology, including the World Wide Web, widespread cell phone adoption, social media, and the cloud. Growing up with this continuously evolving technological landscape has uniquely equipped us. It allows us to not only adapt quickly to new tech but also to benchmark it against the older systems we used, creating a distinctive perspective that I apply when problem-solving or engaging with emerging technologies.
How do you stay updated with the latest trends and developments in cybersecurity? Are there any specific resources or communities you rely on?
I stay current with the latest cybersecurity trends and threats by starting each day with various blogs, where I read about new threats, CVEs (Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures), and recent hacks. My go-to sources include The Hacker News, Google's Security Blog, and MalwareTech, among others. I also follow numerous hackers and cybersecurity professionals on Bluesky.
What role do you see artificial intelligence and machine learning playing in the future of cybersecurity?
My father was a printing press mechanic his whole life and that industry was rocked by the release of the World Wide Web. I see that massive change back then as a lot like what's happening now. That's why I'm really focused on learning about Generative AI (GenAI), Agentic AI, and all the threats these models face. I see AI as this huge force changing our whole industry. So far AI is embedding itself in everything, from appliances, coding applications, and the arts. If we're not paying close attention to how it's used—or misused— it could seriously endanger our security. So we've got to be on top of these threats and roll with how the AI landscape is changing.
Have you ever experienced a cybersecurity or online privacy issue?
Yes. My information has been breached/leaked multiple times in my career. From Equifax, OPM, Target and others. My information was still leaked despite my efforts to follow safety precautions. Fortunately, I have not yet suffered true identity theft or a major privacy crisis. To mitigate this risk, I now subscribe to an identity theft protection service and maintain cautious digital habits daily. This includes verifying unknown emails, phone numbers, and links. Carefully vetting companies before sharing my data, and using multiple email addresses for different purposes.
What advice would you give to other millennials aspiring to pursue a career in cybersecurity?
In the security community, which is surprisingly small and interconnected, building connections is key. Don't hesitate to put yourself out there. This means applying for jobs that seem out of reach and engaging with people you might consider to be "too famous." Attend industry conventions such as Bsides or Defcon, and commit to continuous learning through side research. Importantly, never be afraid to admit when you don't know something; viewing it as an opportunity to learn is crucial for growth.
