Michael Farnum

Advisory CISO & Cybersecurity Leader

Michael Farnum is a cybersecurity executive, Advisory CISO, CTO, and seasoned practitioner with over 30 years of experience in IT and information security. He began his career in technical roles spanning systems administration, network engineering, and security architecture, and later advanced into senior leadership positions at cybersecurity vendors and leading VARs. This breadth gives him a unique ability to connect operational detail with strategic direction.

Michael is the founder of HOU.SEC.CON, one of the largest independently run cybersecurity conferences in the United States, drawing more than 2,000 attendees annually. He also created EXEC.SEC.CON and OT.SEC.CON to bring executive and operational cybersecurity conversations to the forefront, particularly in critical infrastructure and leadership alignment.

Through his independent consultancy, Michael advises cybersecurity vendors, channel partners, and enterprise security teams—assessing program maturity, advising go-to-market strategies, and helping align technology investments with business risk. He is also a frequent speaker, podcaster, and advocate for community-driven security collaboration.

A Gulf War veteran, he served over seven years in the U.S. Army and Army National Guard as an M1A1 tank crewman, combat engineer, and communications specialist. That experience continues to inform his mission-focused approach to cybersecurity leadership.