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Burnaby tech leader gets recognized by BCIT

A Burnaby tech leader is getting recognized this month by the local college that launched his career.
derek manky
Derek Manky, currently the chief of security insights and global threats alliances at Fortinet,is getting recognized with a BCIT distinguished alumni award this month.

A Burnaby tech leader is getting recognized this month by the local college that launched his career.

Derek Manky, a BCIT graduate of the data communication systems diploma program in 2003 and currently the chief of security insights and global threats alliances at Fortinet, is getting the 2019 BCIT distinguished alumni award.

Manky, who does some of his work out of the Burnaby Fortinet office, works on cyber security strategy, and his “ultimate goal is to make a positive impact toward the global fight on cybercrime,” according to a news release.

“Within Fortinet, Mr. Manky has created a global program to enable deep learning of the threat landscape for technical security architects as well as threat researchers, to combine technical IT skills with valuable threat research knowledge,” the news release says.

In an email interview, Manky said he is “very proud” to receive the BCIT alumnus award.

“To be recognized from the organization where I learned so much is very special to me,” he said.

Manky notes that cybercrime is “global and has no borders,” so the work he does helps the local community every day, but he also notes some more locally focused work he’s proud of.

“I have worked hard to help build the future workforce in the area and help other aspiring techies or future cyber leaders of tomorrow find their footing and learn about the career,” he said. “I have enjoyed speaking with students and also talking about the cyber skill gap and sharing knowledge of how I achieved my own career path.”

Manky said Burnaby has a “strong base of cyber and technology talent” and is an area “well-known for innovation.”

“It is a great place to recruit future talent from,” he said, adding that BCIT helped him to translate his tech abilities into the business world.

“I thought I knew a lot about computer science and computers when I was young, but what I did not know was how important business skills and also communication skills would be in my future,” he said.

“BCIT helped me round out my skillset. BCIT prepares you through real-world regular presentations to peers and hands-on practical labs.”