CyberWire Daily – "Derek Manky: Putting the Rubber to the Road"

Podcast: CyberWire Daily
Host: N2K Networks
Guest: Derek Manky (Chief Security Strategist & VP of Global Threat Intelligence, FortiGuard Labs)
Date: October 26, 2025

Overview

In this episode, Derek Manky from FortiGuard Labs shares his journey into cybersecurity, his evolution from programmer to threat intelligence leader, and the importance of collaboration, adaptability, and passion in the battle against cybercrime. Through candid storytelling, Manky highlights not just the technical demands, but also the human aspects—leadership, teamwork, and a drive to make a real-world impact—at the heart of today’s dynamic threat landscape.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Early Inspirations and Career Path

• Derek recounts his first experiences with computers, sparking his passion for technology:
  • "My father bought me a 286 system when I was about 7 years old and I was the only kid on the block with a computer at the time and I loved it." (02:37)
• He originally dreamed of working at NASA mission control, drawn to high-stress, mission-critical environments.
• Through college, Derek fell in love with programming—working in languages like C, C++, assembler, and even x86 code—before discovering an interest in debugging and reverse engineering.

2. Serendipitous Shift to Security

• Transition from teaching programming to a cybersecurity career came through a friend’s recommendation to join Fortinet.
  • "I got a phone call from a friend who was hired at Fortinet and suggested that I apply. And that's how I started my journey here." (04:07)
• Initially worked as a software engineer before joining FortiGuard Labs, applying programming and debugging expertise directly to real-world threats.

3. Evolution of Threat Intelligence

• On the early days at FortiGuard Labs:
  • "When I started in FortiGuard Labs, we had only a handful of researchers and analysts... If you looked at the threat landscape, it wasn't incredibly complex like it is today." (05:04)
• Derek emphasizes how the field has grown in complexity and specialization—expanding from strict malware analysis to a broad ecosystem including data science and machine learning.

4. Pathways into Cybersecurity

• Encourages those interested in cybersecurity by debunking the myth that it’s only for senior experts:
  • "You don't have to enter as a very senior level... My career path started as a developer. I didn't even start as a cybersecurity expert. There are a lot of entryways." (06:00)
• Highlights the diversity of roles now available, including data science, threat hunting, and more.

5. Leadership & Team Culture

• Derek discusses his leadership style as one focused on cross-functional teamwork and interoperability—both within his team and across external partners.
  • "A big part of my leadership style is about interoperability, being able to have true teamwork between not only my team ... but between other organizations at Fortinet too." (07:02)
• Stresses empowering team members to own their domains and emphasizes self-sufficiency and independence, united by a common mission.

6. The Broad Scope of Cyber Threat Work

• As a leader, Derek wears many hats: overseeing malware analysis, threat intelligence, and industry partnerships.
  • "I'm actually wearing multiple hats... so making sense of all that data coming in, how can we actually separate the signal from the noise?" (07:49)
• He describes his industry involvement: creating the Cyber Threat Alliance’s bylaws, co-founding industry partnerships, and setting up zero-day research programs.

7. Mission-Driven Impact and Ongoing Challenges

• Derek’s motivation centers around making tangible dents in cybercrime:

  • "When I walk away I would like to really see a reduction, like a dent if you will or hopefully a crater in cybercrime itself." (09:12)

• Expresses concern over the persistent profits fueling cybercrime and stress the need for real disruption—including more arrests and greater cost for cybercriminals.

• On working with international efforts:

  • "I'm on an expert working group with [the police in] Liverpool and seeing more impacts like that... just going to make me with a more rosy feeling in my stomach." (09:48)

Memorable Quotes

• On starting with passion, not expertise:
  "You don't have to enter as a very senior level... My career path started as a developer. I didn't even start as a cybersecurity expert." (06:00, Derek Manky)

• On leadership:
  "I like to empower people so that they can step up to the plate, own different aspects because again we’re juggling multiple things..." (08:27, Derek Manky)

• On industry impact:
  "There's a lot of things that have had an impact but when I walk away I would like to really see a reduction, like a dent if you will or hopefully a crater in cybercrime itself." (09:12, Derek Manky)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 02:15: Derek’s introduction & early career inspiration
• 03:40: Deep dive into programming background
• 04:07: Entry into Fortinet and Fortiguard Labs journey
• 05:04: Early threat intelligence work and evolution
• 06:00: Advice for cybersecurity career entrants
• 07:02: Leadership style and cross-team cooperation
• 07:49: Managing multiple roles and industry engagement
• 09:12: Motivation for impact and fighting cybercrime
• 09:48: International collaboration and the future outlook

Summary

This episode presents an engaging personal and professional story of Derek Manky, offering practical advice for those considering or advancing in cybersecurity, and honest reflection on what it takes to evolve with and lead in an ever-changing threat world. His message is clear: start with curiosity, foster teamwork, and always aim to make a meaningful impact.