Kyle Gaertner
Kyle Gaertner is a seasoned cybersecurity professional that joined Fortra when Digital Defense was acquired in 2021. As the Manager of the Offensive Security Operations team, Kyle leads a highly skilled group of ethical hackers dedicated to identifying and mitigating security vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by malicious actors. In his role, Kyle is responsible for overseeing penetration testing activities, ensuring that his team delivers comprehensive, accurate, and actionable security assessments.
Kyle holds a strong background in network security, application security, systems administration, and vulnerability assessment, having started on the defensive side of information technology before moving to penetration testing. His expertise spans a wide array of penetration testing methodologies, from external network assessments to in-depth web application testing and social engineering.
Kyle is passionate about staying ahead of emerging threats and continuously improving the team's skills and methodologies. He holds numerous industry-recognized certifications, including the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP), Certified Red Team Operator (CRTO), GIAC Penetration Tester (GPEN), and GIAC Web Application Penetration Tester (GWAPT). He holds a Master of Science in Cybersecurity and Information Assurance and a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology - Security from Western Governors University.
Outside of work, Kyle is an advocate for cybersecurity awareness and speaks at colleges and security conferences. He volunteers his time mentoring students and those wanting to break into cybersecurity. He also participates in the Cyber Collegiate Defense Competition as a Red Team volunteer.