Ken Perkins

Ken Perkins is a seasoned Lead Architect for Cyber Research and Response at Difenda, characterized by his passion for learning and a client-centric approach to solution development. He is driven by the desire to provide better customer outcomes in every facet of the experience and passionate about helping them stay protected and productive. 

Thinking of the cybersecurity industry as a game of wits, where the rules keep changing, he’s committed to continuously leveling up his skills to stay ahead. Ken’s dedication to agile and DevSecOps practices ensures rapid, secure software delivery. 

Ken’s journey in cybersecurity began with the US Navy, where he managed lab information systems. He then further developed his cybersecurity expertise at the Midmark Corporation, Woolpert and NuHarbor Security before join Difenda. As a Senior Cybersecurity Analyst and then a Cyber Threat Intelligence Analyst, Ken honed his leadership and technical skills, to now create and develop end-to-end managed security solutions. 

An expert in Azure Data Factory, SQL, Power BI, and Microsoft Fabric, Ken is proud of his achievements in leading his team to develop an innovative reporting and data analytics platform, transforming client interactions with data and contributing to improved security outcomes. Another significant accomplishment is the design of a state-of-the-art platform for the Security Operations Center (SOC), providing a consolidated view of incidents across customer environments. 

“I love playing with data, turning numbers into insights with some data engineering magic. I get a kick out of bringing data to life, using machine learning to spot patterns, and leveraging AI to stay steps ahead of the bad guys.”  

Always at the forefront of emerging threats, technologies, and techniques in the cybersecurity landscape, Ken maintains an exhaustive and proactive learning approach.  He holds many certifications such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP), Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) and Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH), validating his expertise in designing, implementing, and managing best-in-class cybersecurity programs. His commitment to continuous learning is evident as he continues to pursue further education and training such as the GIAC Machine Learning Engineer (GMLE) certification. 

Outside of work, Ken enjoys spending quality time with his family, often embarking on camping trips to unwind and recharge. Although not currently involved in philanthropy due to career and family commitments, giving back to the community is a value he holds dear and sees as part of his future. 

When it’s time to clock out and ditch the screens, Ken loves nothing more than hanging out with his wife and three children. For Ken, there is nothing better than going outdoors. He enjoys camping to recharge his batteries and get him ready for the next challenge.