Computer Science Department Alumni
Mike Simon
Chief Technical Officer
Creation Logic
Seattle, WA
Web site:
http://www.creationlogic.com/
Professional Profile: Mike received a BS in Computer
Science from the University of Idaho in 1990. Prior to graduation Mike began
his professional career as an Assistant Computer Scientist at the University
of Idaho, supporting the Computer Science department as it was becoming a regional
pioneer in computer security and one of the first NSA Centers of Excellence
in Information Assurance Education. He quickly recognized the problems and opportunities
the computing industry would face in computer security. Before leaving the University
of Idaho to pursue more global opportunities, Mike built the network laboratory
infrastructure used for research programs and taught senior and graduate courses
in computer networking and network topology.
The security of electronic information is a major
challege we all must face.
From 1993 through 2005 as Chief Scientist for a highly respected Seattle-based
security consulting company, Conjungi Corporation, Mike was involved in building
security awareness and improving the security posture for hundreds of companies.
In that role, Mike was responsible for designing the security policy that protects
companies in multiple industries, including health care, biotech, military,
streaming media, power infrastructure, water infrastructure, financial institutions,
e-commerce and aerospace.
Mike is currently the Chief Technical Officer for Creation Logic responsible
for establishing the company's technical direction. He is an adjunct faculty
member for the University of Washington and occasionally lectures on the subject
of information assurance and computer security at Seattle University, University
of Idaho, and several civic organizations. He is a member of the advisory board
for the Information Assurance certificate program for the University of Washington,
the technical advisory board for Goldfish Holdings, Inc., the Chair of University
of Idaho Computer Science Advisory Board, and on the Founders Board for the
Information School at the University of Washington.
Communicating, including writing, is important
in career success.
In addition to his activities helping companies implement security policies,
Mike has also found time to become an author. In 1994 he collaborated
with Adam Engst and Corwin Low to write The Internet Starter Kit for Windows
which went on to sell more than 400,000 copies. Collaboration with Peter
Gregory resulted in Blocking Spam and Spyware for Dummies which was
released in 2005, followed by Biometrics for Dummies scheduled for
release in mid-2008.
Along with one of his collaborators on The Internet Start Kit for Windows,
Corwin Low, they were able to transfer their publishing success into the start
up of Conjungi Corporation without additional funding. After the sale of Conjungi
in 2005, Mike went on to participate in the start up of Creation Logic, providing
infrastructure for pre-launch intellectual property which they position either
for direct sale or spin off.
With significant authoring experience under his belt from books, policies,
and professional papers, Mike offers these observations, "Speaking of writing,
it still amazes me how each time I overcome a new writing hurdle the earlier
ones seem almost trivial. In high school a five page paper was an onerous
task over a semester. In college, writing five pages was simple but documentation
for Senior Design [CS 481] was really challenging. Now thirty page chapters
are a week's work."
Success is built on a sound foundation of professionalism
and mutual trust.
In reflection on the work he enjoys, Mike says "On a daily basis I apply
knowledge and understanding of computer science concepts to gain a deep understanding
of the challenges and opportunities an organization faces, and then use that
understanding to bridge the institutional gap between technical, management,
and governance in organizations that I work with. Anything less than a deep
understanding of technical, organizational or business issues would cause my
work product to be dismissed by the associated group. Anything less than a deep
respect for the knowledge, expertise and wisdom of everyone I work with would
make my job lonely and unfulfilling. Helping companies enable their business
through information security is a process which requires trust between individuals
and I am honored daily by the trust which I share with so many."
February 2008
The views expressed on this page are those of the individual being
profiled and do not necessarily represent the views or opinions of the University
of Idaho or the employer. References to specific organizations and companies
does not constitute endorsement of their products or services by the University
of Idaho.
Copyright © 2008 University of Idaho Board of Regents
