Charles Heinen, DIA, CCISO

Lead a team of cyber threat analysts supporting federal and DoD missions, setting intelligence priorities, managing production workflows, and aligning outputs to operational and strategic objectives. Direct the end-to-end threat intelligence lifecycle, from collection and analysis through dissemination, ensuring timely delivery of actionable intelligence to mission partners. Coordinate interagency efforts with organizations including the Federal Bureau of Investigation, National Security Agency, and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency to synchronize responses to phishing, malware, and nation-state cyber campaigns. Oversee intelligence production for the Defense Industrial Base (DIB), enforcing analytic standards, quality control, and alignment with MITRE ATT&CK to support detection and defensive operations. Provide technical oversight on threat actor tracking, malware analysis, and infrastructure mapping to ensure analytical rigor across the team. Engage senior stakeholders to translate intelligence into operational decisions, defensive priorities, and risk mitigation strategies. Contributed to “Exceeding Expectations” performance under the program’s Signature Level Agreement (SLA) by improving intelligence quality, responsiveness, and mission impact.

As a Senior Cyber Threat Analyst supporting the Department of Defense Cyber Crime Center (DC3) through Peraton, I lead advanced threat intelligence initiatives to identify, analyze, and mitigate sophisticated cyber threats targeting national security assets. I specialize in tracking advanced persistent threats (APTs), conducting in-depth malware and behavioral analysis, and producing actionable intelligence to support cyber defense operations across DoD components. My responsibilities include: • Developing and disseminating high-confidence threat reports and indicators of compromise (IOCs) to support tactical and strategic decision-making. • Collaborating with federal partners and internal stakeholders to strengthen cyber threat detection and attribution. • Supporting cybercrime investigations through intelligence correlation and technical assessments. This role allows me to apply my deep experience in threat intelligence, incident response, and cyber risk management to protect critical infrastructure and enhance national cybersecurity posture.

At the University of Maryland Global Campus, I have developed a Master's level Cloud and Forensic Course and guided over 80 students in various topics of Cybersecurity. In this role, I have been instrumental in shaping the curriculum to meet current industry standards and ensuring that students are well-prepared for the challenges of the cybersecurity field.

Tasked with molding the upcoming cohort of cyber defenders, this role carries a multifaceted responsibility for overseeing a range of cybersecurity and cyber defense courses, acting as the gateway to knowledge and empowerment. These courses, including but not limited to Advanced Defense and Countermeasures, as well as Principles of Cybersecurity, furnish students with the essential skills and knowledge required to confront the continuously changing threats within our digital environment. The primary focus is on directing students towards mastery while preparing them for real-world challenges and future educational endeavors. This approach guarantees their position as guardians of security in an ever-more interconnected global landscape.

Empowering the next wave of cyber defenders, my role entails a rich portfolio of cyber security and defense courses that serve as pathways to knowledge and empowerment. Courses span Advanced Network Defense, Security Automation, Network Defense, Operating System Security, Cyber Threat Intelligence, Incident Handling/Response, Wireless and Mobile Security, and Cloud Virtualization and Security, endowing students with vital tools to counter dynamic digital threats. Guiding their journey to mastery and readiness for real-world challenges and future educational goals stands as a core objective, ensuring their role as guardians of security in our interconnected world.

Showcasing exemplary leadership in ensuring the training and readiness of the entire 10th Fleet unit. Directed comprehensive Job Qualification Standards and Requirements while overseeing diverse classroom offerings. Successfully managed a dedicated team of six Sailors and civilians, instrumental in achieving mission-ready forces aligned with strategic training goals. Key role in coordinating multiple cyber teams, ensuring rigorous compliance with certifications and training standards. Pioneered alignment of Navy code developers/programmers, reinforcing Navy's prowess in the dynamic cyber landscape. Led collaborative efforts for Defensive Cyber Operations curriculum, resulting in pivotal developments of Cyber Defense Analyst-Basic, Host Analyst, Network Analyst, and Network Technician Job Qualification Requirements.

Led ongoing operations across 10 Task Forces/Groups, spanning 27 echelon II commands worldwide with 14,000 personnel. Accountable for Navy Networks, Communications, and Space defense; tailored SIGINT; delivered Cyber, EW, IO warfighting capabilities; provided certified Cyber Mission Forces to U.S. Cyber Command. Real-time awareness ensured by updating Commander Fleet Cyber Command on force status. Conducted impactful situational briefs, sharing critical insights with Fleet Cyber Command and subordinates. Dedicated over 100 hours to senior enlisted and junior officer training, chairing 5 boards and qualifying 12 personnel—showcasing my commitment to excellence.

Chosen for Applied Cyber Operations, I explored the integration of deception methods into traditional domains of warfare, extending to the dynamic realm of cyberspace. In this evolving landscape, I focused on studying how deception could be optimally employed. As cyberspace operations emerge as a critical domain within the Department of Defense (DOD), I undertook the challenge of enhancing training exercises and courses to equip cyber operators with effective responses to cyberspace threats. Collaborating with Soar Technologies, I evaluated their Cyberspace Course of Action Tool (CCAT), a decision support tool assessing defensive deception's impact on local-area network attacks. Notably, results underscored the efficacy of defensive deception methods such as decoys and bait in cyberspace conflict scenarios.

I led Computer Network Defense planning and Incident Response, demonstrating unwavering dedication to national security. As a Mission Element Lead, I orchestrated mission planning and execution, ensuring seamless day-to-day operations through comprehensive training and personnel qualification. Employing advanced techniques, I conducted detailed network analysis, processing 5GBs of network traffic through Wireshark to extract vital insights. By leveraging EnCase/FTK tools, I meticulously examined memory images, unveiling specific indicators of compromise (IOCs) that unveiled advanced persistent threat groups. I adeptly managed a dynamic team of 43 professionals, meticulously overseeing their readiness and technical prowess to uphold rigorous mission standards.

Ensured real-time vigilance within an unrelenting 24/7 security operations center (SOC), leveraging NetIQ Sentinel SIEM and SPLUNK. Vigilant oversight facilitated rapid identification and escalation of security events, furnishing leadership with decisive insights. Commanded network-based defenses, meticulously curated McAfee and Sourcefire policies for elevated security measures. Orchestrated high-level situational briefings, complemented by procedural documentation for intrusion detection. Forged custom Snort signatures bolstered intrusion detection against APT attacks. Impact extended to tailored signatures for McAfee NSM and Sourcefire IPS, alongside dynamic Splunk queries, reports, and dashboards for trend analysis. Seamless collaboration with Media Malware Analysis (MMA) and Threat Intelligence Analysis unveiled intrusions through meticulous packet analysis, fortifying Naval network security with potent Cyber Event Reports (CER). Proactively escalated events, led open-source research, prompting heightened vigilance and multiple incident escalations. Imparted transformative technical training through immersive methods, empowering personnel.

Course completion encompasses robust skills, from computer components to Windows/UNIX management, object-oriented programming, and security measures. Proficient in router security, advanced packet analysis, wireless networks, and intrusion analysis. Diverse subjects like C Programming, Cisco Routers, and more, offer a well-rounded foundation for growth.

Excelled in organizational and intermediate maintenance for combat control systems, ensuring operational efficiency. Tracked contacts via combat control system for ship safety. Pivotal LAN administrator role led to network-wide communication through installation of 500ft CAT5 ethernet cable. Managed LAN drops, workstation configuration, and network troubleshooting. Executed virus scans, software updates, and precise data record packages. Achieved outstanding Tactical Readiness Evaluation scores, showcasing dedication to high operational standards.

Lead Cybersecurity Instructor @ Columbia University | Substitute Lecturer & TA Mentor Directed one 6-month cybersecurity bootcamps, leading over 30 students to professional readiness and working with a team of 2-4 teaching assistants to facilitate a comprehensive learning experience. Served as a substitute lecturer for more than 20 cohorts, tailoring instruction to various academic environments within a standardized 6-month curriculum.

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