M. K. Palmore serves as VP and Field CSO (Americas) for Palo Alto Networks. His responsibilities include support of the initiatives headed up by the office of the global Chief Security Officer and providing thought leadership in the cybersecurity arena through both writing and speaking engagements.

Prior to joining Palo Alto Networks, M. K. served as the Head of the Cyber Security Branch for FBI San Francisco, capping a career of public service spanning 32 years. His leadership and investigative experiences while in the FBI included: Cybersecurity, Crisis Response/Management, Risk Management Advisory Services, and Counter-Terrorism Investigations. 

M.K.’s cybersecurity certifications include the CISM, CISSP, GCCC, and the Carnegie Mellon University CISO Certification.  He earned a BS from the United States Naval Academy and an MBA from Pepperdine University, where he currently serves as an adjunct instructor in the Information Systems department for graduate studies. M. K. began his professional career as a commissioned officer in the US Marine Corps.