Three decades of computers, a cockpit over enemy airspace, and a rescue diver certification in progress. Meet Don Alexandre, C3’s newest cybersecurity engineer, and one of the most versatile professionals we’ve ever had the privilege of welcoming aboard.
Don Alexandre brings 30 years of deep experience in computers and electronics, a career that began in the skies as a fighter pilot and evolved into one of the most respected paths in cyber warfare and commercial cybersecurity. Today, he continues to serve his country as a reservist in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, bringing mission-ready discipline to everything he does.
CAREER TIMELINE
Fighter Pilot: 3 years flying for the USAF, developing precision decision-making under pressure at speed.
Cyber Warfare Officer + Commercial Cybersecurity: 15 years spanning aggressor operations, incident response, penetration testing, and vCISO engagements.
USAF Reserve: Currently serving as a reservist, balancing mission-critical military responsibilities alongside his civilian career.
Don holds a degree in Computers and Electronics from Cal State Long Beach, where he graduated Cum Laude, and an Associate’s Degree from Rio Hondo College. His academic foundation, paired with decades of real-world application, makes him a formidable force in any cybersecurity conversation.
At C3, Don will focus on what he does best: cyber defense and incident response. His background in aggressor operations gives him a rare attacker’s perspective that sharpens every defensive strategy he builds. If something is trying to get in, Don has probably already thought of it first.
When it comes to technology, Don is currently captivated by software-defined radios, the fascinating intersection of laptops and the high-frequency domain. It is exactly the kind of hands-on, boundary-pushing curiosity you would expect from someone who spent years in the cockpit.
Off the clock, Don is happily married and has called beautiful northern Michigan home since 2019, a move that followed his active-duty days in San Antonio, where he met his wife. When he is not thinking about cyber threats, you can find him under his truck with a wrench in hand or gearing up for his latest challenge: rescue diver training.
THREE THINGS YOU MIGHT NOT EXPECT
|
13 Age when Don built his first computer from scratch |
16 Age of his first hack, a friendly experiment on a buddy's machine |
Now Training to become a certified rescue diver |
It is safe to say the curiosity that drove a teenager to crack open a computer and tinker is the same drive that has built an extraordinary career. We could not be more excited to have that energy on the C3 team.
Don, welcome aboard. We are glad you are here.