homepage
Call Open menu
Request Info Apply Now

Frank Kim

Frank Kim is a SANS Fellow and Curriculum Lead for the Cloud Security and Cybersecurity Leadership programs at SANS Institute. Previously, he served as the organization's CISO where he led the information risk function for the most trusted source of cybersecurity training and certification in the world. He was also the CISO-in-Residence at YL Ventures where he supported cybersecurity entrepreneurs and guided emerging startups from concept to market fit.

As the founder of ThinkSec, Frank advises CISOs and up and coming cyber leaders on building business-driven security programs, is a venture advisor to security startups who are building the next wave of cloud and AI security solutions, and authors and teaches LDR512: Security Leadership Essentials for Managers, LDR514: Security Strategic Planning, Policy & Leadership, and co-authors SEC540: Cloud Native Security and DevSecOps Automation. 

More About Frank
Specialties
Headshot of Frank Kim

Profile

Frank is also the creator of the Cyber42 security leadership simulation game which is used across SANS Cybersecurity Leadership courses and provides a gamified approach to responding to cyber leadership challenges and honing executive decision-making skills.

Frank’s journey to leadership in cybersecurity began as a software developer, where his passion for secure coding and risk management quickly evolved into a career in enterprise defense. At Kaiser Permanente, he served as Executive Director of Cybersecurity, designing a comprehensive information security program to protect 10 million members and 175,000 employees across the United States.

Frank holds dual degrees from the University of California, Berkeley—in Business Administration (Haas School of Business) and Ethnic Studies—and has held a variety of industry credentials including the CISSP, GSLC, GCIH as well as various cloud security certifications. He is also a faculty member of the SANS Technology Institute, which is designated by the National Security Agency as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense and is a multi-year winner of the National Cyber League competition.

Frank loves hearing how students put class lessons into action—using techniques at work, advancing their careers, or facing familiar scenarios with greater confidence. His students describe his courses as “career-defining and action-oriented,” praised for connecting classroom learning to real-world impact. When he’s not teaching, Frank enjoys traveling with his family, exploring cocktail bars and restaurants, and staying physically fit.

Qualifications Summary

  • SANS Fellow & Curriculum Lead for Cloud Security & Cybersecurity Leadership
  • Founder & CISO, ThinkSec
  • Venture Advisor, YL Ventures
  • CISO Boot Camp Program Committee, RSAC Conference
  • Former CISO-in-Residence, YL Ventures
  • Former Executive Director of Cybersecurity, Kaiser Permanente
  • Certifications: CISSP, GSLC, GCIH
  • Courses authored/co-authored: LDR512, LDR514, SEC540
  • Creator of the Cyber42 leadership simulation game

Press & Media