My Story

Cybersecurity Executive | Microsoft MVP | MCT Regional Lead | 200+ Certifications

Hi, I’m Matthew  and if there’s one constant in my career, it’s this: a relentless drive to secure the digital world while empowering others to thrive in it.

With over 15 years of hands-on experience in cybersecurity, cloud architecture, and enterprise transformation, I’ve had the opportunity to work at the intersection of technology, security, and strategy  , helping global organizations design secure, scalable solutions in complex, high-stakes environments.

Where I Am Today

I currently serve as a Security Engineering Associate Manager at Accenture, working within the AMBG Cybersecurity Division. My role focuses on architecting and implementing enterprise-grade security strategies using the Microsoft Security Stack, Zero Trust frameworks, and hybrid cloud infrastructure.

My work supports clients across industries  from healthcare and defense to financial services and the public sector aligning secure solutions with compliance needs, operational resilience, and long-term transformation goals.

My Technical Foundation

Over the years, I’ve amassed 300+ certifications from leading bodies such as Microsoft, CompTIA, ISC2, EC-Council, and others. These credentials span both vendor-specific and agnostic domains ,  a few notable ones include:

• Microsoft Certified: Cybersecurity Architect Expert (SC-100)

• Azure Solutions Architect Expert (AZ-305)

• Microsoft 365 Administrator Expert (MS-102)

• CompTIA Security+, CySA+, CASP+, Cloud+, and Project+

• ISC2 SSCP, ISO/IEC Lead Auditor, and more

These aren’t just titles they represent thousands of hours of study, implementation, problem-solving, and mentorship. They reflect my commitment to staying ahead of a fast-moving field and continuously evolving my craft.

Recognitions and Leadership

I’m honoured to be a four-time Microsoft MVP in both Security and Azure — a recognition of both technical depth and community contribution. I also proudly serve as the Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) Regional Lead for Ireland, helping shape the future of cybersecurity education.

Beyond that, I contribute as a BCS Chartered IT Professional (CITP) and Assessor, a CompTIA SME, and an active advocate for improving standards, training frameworks, and professional development across the industry.

How I Work

My career has spanned some of Ireland’s top technology providers and several Fortune 500 & 100 companies. Across these roles, I’ve gained 360-degree expertise in:

• Enterprise security design and remediation

• Cloud architecture across Azure, AWS, and hybrid environments

• Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) & automation (PowerShell, Azure templates)

• Behavioral analytics, threat detection, and incident response

• Compliance frameworks, governance, and audit readiness

I’m known for being the one you call when things get complex  the escalation point for high-impact incidents, the person behind the root cause analysis, the author of real-time troubleshooting guides and security playbooks.

What Drives Me

Knowledge-sharing is at the heart of everything I do. I created journeytothecloud.ie to pass on what I’ve learned not just the “what,” but the “how” and “why.” Whether you’re prepping for a certification, architecting a secure solution, or just exploring what’s next in your career, I want this space to be a guide and a springboard.

I believe that technical knowledge should be accessible, actionable, and human. Because at the end of the day, cybersecurity is about people , not just protocols.

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Let’s Build Together

I invite you to explore, comment, ask questions, and share what resonates. Whether you’re a student, practitioner, or fellow expert, you’re welcome here.

And if you’d like to take things further  coaching, collaboration, or just a good conversation  you can now schedule a session directly from the homepage. Let’s connect.