Faculty Spotlight: Derrick Shaw

CFCC Cybersecurity Instructor Derrick Shaw recently achieved top honors in the National Cyber League (NCL) Spring 2024 Cybersecurity Competition, placing in the top 1% in both individual and team categories. Shaw’s impressive performance not only earned him a $10,000 scholarship but also reinforced his commitment to leading by example in the classroom.

A Harvard University graduate, Shaw’s journey in cybersecurity is fueled by a deep passion for education and a desire to continually hone his skills. His dedication to the field and his students is evident as he balances teaching, studying, and participating in competitions. Shaw plans to use his scholarship to further his education at the SANS Technology Institute, underscoring his belief in lifelong learning.

In this Q&A, Shaw shares insights about his career, influences, and personal interests, offering a glimpse into the experiences and motivations that drive his success.

What year did you start working at CFCC, and what brought you here?

2023: I love Academia. I hope to get a double PhD in Philosophy and Cybersecurity. I had a few job offers at the time, but CFCC seemed like the best place for me. I get to be completely immersed in technology and cyber security all day.

What do you enjoy most about your work?

I enjoy being able to learn from students and faculty. Cyber is a very vast field and you simply just can’t know it all. Some people know Information Technology, some Cyber Security, Windows, Linux, Forensics, it could go on for pages. Everyone, student or instructor, has their own niche interest. I enjoy learning about the various niches divergent from my own.

When you’re not working, what do you do?

I am almost always working, studying, or spending time with family. I study a lot.

Who had the greatest influence on your education and/or career path?

Although I doubt he will ever see this, Professor Scott Bradner. I took two of his classes at university (during Covid so he definitely has no idea who I am probably). In my eyes he was/is a pioneer of the internet. He knew so much about anything internet-related and had the stories and experience to back it up. After those classes, I thought, “I want to be like that one day.”

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

Not really advice, but a mindset I suppose. Many people have congratulated me for doing well in this competition; 52nd individually and 7th in teams. To many that is a job well done, but I see the mountain that needs to be climbed to become better. There’s countless people better and smarter than me, all I can do is try to be better than yesterday’s self.

What is something not many people know about you?

In 2023 I anonymously reported vulnerabilities to 37 companies (at least the ones who acknowledged the vulnerability).

Degrees & certificates

Degrees

• Harvard University ALB in Humanities; Computer Science
• SANS Technology Institute Penetration Testing/ Ethical Hacking Graduate Certificate

Certifications

• CompTIA: Pentest+, Security+, CySA+, CASP+
• TCM Security: PNPT (Practical Network Penetration Tester)
• Offensive Security: OSWP (OffSec Wireless Professional)
• ZeroPoint Security: CRTO (Certified Red Team Operator)
• GIAC: GCIH (GIAC Certified Incident Handler), GPEN (GIAC Penetration Tester), GWAPT (GIAC Web Application Penetration Tester)
• EC-Council: Certified Ethical Hacker