About Charles ‘Chuck’ Danley: A Veteran Pursuing a Cybersecurity Degree
There are quite a few inspirational stories of people finding their career purpose and thriving in the cybersecurity industry. A notable example is that of Charles Danley, who served in the U.S. Military before going on to build a successful cybersecurity career that now spans nearly four decades. From his early days ensuring computer availability in the 1980s to becoming an Information Systems Security Manager (ISSM) at Technology Service Corporation (TSC), Charles’s ascendance to cybersecurity leadership is an endorsement of lifelong learning, adaptability, and the power of high-quality cybersecurity education.
A Career Driven by a Need to Protect
Charles’s passion for technology began long before “cybersecurity” became common parlance. Since the early days of his career, his objective has been clear: to make computer systems more secure, available, and useful to users while protecting them from their own mistakes. Over time, he witnessed firsthand how user behavior contributed to the majority of security breaches—an insight that would shape his entire career.
“Somewhere around 80–90% of all breaches are because of something the user has done. Understanding that has been central to how I approach cybersecurity.”
The Turning Point: From Military Member to Cybersecurity Professional
After retiring from active duty in the military, Charles faced a new challenge: entering the civilian workforce. His strong interest in securing computer networks guided his decision to pursue a career in IT, where he soon realized that cybersecurity certifications were the key to unlocking job opportunities. He worked hard and earned several certifications, including EC-Council’s Certified Ethical Hacker (C|EH) and Certified Hacking Forensic Investigator (C|HFI), among others.
But his desire for comprehensive cybersecurity education motivated him to enroll in EC-Council University’s Master of Science in Cyber Security (MSCS) program, a decision that truly accelerated his career growth.
“What caught my attention was that EC-Council University gave me advanced credit for my certifications. That meant I could finish the degree faster—and I did, in just 18 months.”
Cybersecurity Knowledge That Drives Real-World Impact
The Master of Science in Cyber Security program didn’t just validate Charles’s existing knowledge; it expanded it. He dove deeper into ethical hacking and penetration testing, earning more advanced certifications like Licensed Penetration Tester (LPT). His Capstone project focused on a critical theme: technology alone can’t prevent cybercrime. Users must be educated and empowered to avoid cyber-breaches.
“I learned how easy it is to gain access to a system by exploiting predictable human behavior. That’s why user awareness is just as important as firewalls and encryption.”
Career Growth and Recognition in Cybersecurity Leadership
Charles’s career trajectory soared thanks to his master’s degree in cybersecurity. He gradually went from being a cybersecurity team member to managing teams himself, boosting his earning potential along the way.
His current employer values the scope of knowledge, skills, and strategic thinking he brings, qualities honed through his time at EC-Council University.
Mentorship and Community Engagement
Charles’s commitment to cybersecurity extends beyond the workplace. At various points over the years, he has volunteered to teach the basics of cybersecurity to young students in Colorado.
He also advocates for professionals from other industries, like healthcare and law, to embrace cybersecurity education and best practices.
“Cybersecurity needs diverse perspectives. Doctors, lawyers, engineers—they all have something valuable to contribute.”
Words of Wisdom for Future Cybersecurity Professionals
Charles’s advice to aspiring cybersecurity professionals is rooted in experience and humility, as he encourages those keen on following this career path to never stop learning, embrace challenges, and always keep growing.
“If you’ve found your passion in cybersecurity, let that drive you. Resilience comes from curiosity. When you hit a wall, step back, take a breath, and look at the bigger picture.”
His Appreciation for EC-Council University
Charles credits EC-Council University and the Master of Science in Cyber Security program for playing a pivotal role in his success. “I’m grateful for the certifications and the degree,” he says. “They helped me reinforce what I knew, expand my knowledge, and see the bigger picture.”
His story is more than a career retrospective. It’s a roadmap for anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in cybersecurity. Charles’s journey to cybersecurity leadership proves that with the right mindset, continuous learning, and a robust cybersecurity education, success goes from a possibility to an inevitability.
Conclusion
Like Charles, you too can discover your path to success in the cybersecurity industry at EC-Council University. No matter what career stage you’re at, our world-renowned online cybersecurity programs can help you achieve your goals and propel you towards highly rewarding cybersecurity leadership roles. Connect with us to know more – [email protected]
