Michael Hyndman uses his knowledge and passion for cyber security to help keep children safe online

Michael has been our Head of Security & Engineering Manager for just under a year. But he says how he came to work with us is simply fortuitous.

“I was a consumer customer of Linewize by Qoria safety technology long before I became employed with them. When the opportunity arose to work here, I felt incredibly honoured to work for a company who has one of the most important charters in the 21st century.”

Michael’s interest in cyber security projects and strategies was piqued after being exposed to ethical hacking earlier in his career. Now he’s brought his keen interest and skills to us.

Each day, he collaborates across multiple departments to continuously improve the security posture of our company and our products.

“My teams involve a group of people across a variety of disciplines and time zones, from Cyber Security, Information Technology, Site Reliability Engineering, Quality Assurance and more. I work with them to create and execute plans that will strengthen the security of our company and the resilience of our products. It’s incredibly inspiring to think that the plans and systems I develop will help protect the safety of children all over the world!”

Before joining us, Michael worked predominantly as a Bug Bounty Hunter – also known as an ethical hacker. Being one of his main passions, he still works in the field, and to date he’s ethically hacked more than 50 companies. He provides advice on how they can best improve their online security systems. 

“I love working as an ethical hacker because I can explore my curiosity, learn about technology and people, and improve the security posture of companies and their products. Product Security is a complex and diverse field that is constantly evolving. It’s particularly meaningful for me because by securing our products, I’m protecting families that are much like my own.”

Michael feels certain of his mission to help families keep their kids safe online… And for this, he credits the three most important things in his life: his daughter and two sons. He feels great pride knowing he’s contributing to a safer online environment for his own children, as they grow up in a world that is increasingly reliant on the Internet.

“I believe we provide a service that is essential for our digital society. Our products are keeping children safe – they have improved and in some cases actually saved the lives of children. My kids inspire me, and I work with them in mind. I see them using our products, and I know they’re safer because it exists. As a father, I really believe in what we are doing for families and schools – and as a Security leader and hacker, I wanted to contribute by improving the security of the business. I’m delighted to work here!”

After just under a year with us, Michael is certain he’s found a place where he belongs. He says he’s incredibly grateful to use his creativity and curiosity to provide security leadership to our business. 

“My favourite part of the role is that I get to apply my vision for projects while working with the IT, Security and Engineering teams to execute on that vision. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see projects come together”

Michael is excited to see how he can keep growing and improving his strategic security skills with us. He’s learnt that the best way to tackle a challenge is head-on, and laughs as he shares that his personal motto has been adopted by his son.

“I’ve learnt that no task is ever too big to achieve. When faced with a challenge, I’ll often tell my son: where there’s a will, there’s a way. Now he says it back to me – although at the most inopportune moments! I believe if a person holds this attitude, coupled with initiative and commitment, they’re likely to succeed at whatever they put their hand to.”