LIVEcommunity created its Cyber Elite Program to recognize experts in our community from around the globe who demonstrate excellence in participation and contributions. This innovative program is part of Palo Alto Networks commitment to empower outstanding members who enrich our global online community.
About the Cyber Elite Program
Cyber Elite members are our LIVEcommunity experts! They are closely engaged with the community, share technical insights, knowledge, and assist fellow community members in elevating their security posture in an increasingly complicated world of cybersecurity. Their know-how and expertise helps others protect their companies and customers. Cyber Elite experts demonstrate characteristics we believe exhibit the values that make up a vibrant and interactive technical community.
Cyber Elite status is awarded for a one-year period. Ongoing participation will be reviewed annually, and membership will be extended based on positive, engaging, and shared contributions during that time.
Key Characteristics of a Cyber Elite Member
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Advocacy: Acts as a trustworthy and balanced representative for the community; fosters the spirit of collaboration and advancement of better security practices |
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Expertise: Displays a strong technical understanding of Palo Alto Networks products, and provides valuable solutions and recommendations to others |
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Tone: Engages in a supportive, positive, and collaborative style when helping community members learn and succeed |
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Responsiveness: Active and responsive with members in forums; clearly dedicated to sharing, supporting, and providing value to the community |
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Leadership: An advocate for all members of LIVEcommunity and consistent and their promotion best practices for Palo Alto Networks products, technologies, and solutions |
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Aleksandar
@Aleksandar.Astardzhiev
Aleksandar started his career as a network engineer before moving into the network security arena; he worked as Senior Support Engineer and later as a Project Implementation Engineer for different Managed Service Providers, where he was mainly responsible for data center and perimeter firewalls. In his current role, he provides security consulting and managed-security services working with Palo Alto Networks NGFW and EDR. In his spare time, he enjoys spending time with his family and cycling in the city or mountainside near his home. Check out the Spotlight interview with Aleksandar!
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Otakar
@OtakarKlier
As a Sr. Security Engineer, Otakar is focused on all things security and networking related. He is a seasoned security professional with more than a decade of experience in cybersecurity. Otakar holds PCNSE and ACE certifications from Palo Alto Networks and several others that help solidify his presence as a Cyber Elite expert. Watch the Spotlight interview with Otakar!
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Mahesh
@MP18
Mahesh is the System Administrator III and holds PCNSE and ACE certifications. He has spent the past 16 years becoming proficient in network security. His experience has helped him develop a knack for working with Palo Alto Networks technology including GlobalProtect and Next-Generation Firewall. Read the Spotlight interview with Mahesh!
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Brandon
@BPry
Brandon is a Senior Network and Security Engineer who has become an expert in deep-dive troubleshooting and debugging on Palo Alto Networks devices thanks to his years of experience in IT and cybersecurity. He holds several certifications including a PCNSE and an Accredited Configuration Engineer (ACE). When not engaged with day-to-day functions, Brandon can often be found sharing and gaining knowledge within LIVEcommunity. Watch the Spotlight Interview with Brandon!
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Bradley
@Claw4609
Bradley has worked in network security across a variety of industries including retail, banking, and now heavy equipment and agriculture. He currently works as a Network Security Engineer and holds his
PCNSA and PCNSE certifications. For the past four-plus years, he has been heavily dedicated to working with and managing Palo Alto Networks products. Most of his free time is taken up by homework, as he has elected to go back to school to pursue his MBA.
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Steven
@SCantwell_IM
With more than 23 years of experience in IT and cybersecurity, Steven is a Senior Security Architect who holds Palo Alto Networks certifications as a PCNSA, PCNSE, and PCNSC. He has spent the past eight years working for Elite ATPs as a certified instructor for all Palo Alto Networks EDU classes. In his current role, Steven also focuses on implementations and migrations to Palo Alto Networks Strata, Prisma, and Cortex branded solutions. Read the Spotlight interview with Steven!
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Pavel
@PavelK
Pavel, who hails from Czech Republic, started his career as a System Administrator before becoming a Network Engineer and focusing on cybersecurity. In his current role, he works as a Security Engineer, mostly focusing on NGFW, EDR, and SIEM. He has more than 15 years of IT experience and holds his CCIE. He enjoys helping others and answering questions in LIVEcommunity. In his spare time, he loves to snowboard, ski, and go on long runs. Read the Spotlight interview with Pavel!
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Tom P.
@reaper
Tom was Palo Alto Networks' first international support engineer in 2010 supporting the EMEA timezone. He became part of the LIVEcommunity in 2015 and, despite leaving Palo Alto Networks in 2020 to become a freelance consultant, has continued to be a highly involved member in the community. Tom is a Palo Alto Networks Certified Network Security Engineer (PCNSE), is PSE-P Strata certified and a Palo Alto Networks Micro-Credential Remote Consultant (PMRC). He runs PANgurus, a Palo Alto Networks VAR and Partner bringing value to PAN customers. He is the author of both Mastering Palo Alto Networks and Securing Remote Access in Palo Alto Networks. Watch the Spotlight Interview with Tom!
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Raido
@Raido_Rattameister
Raido has over two decades of hands-on experience in configuring, operating, and securing entire infrastructure stacks, including networking, storage, virtualization, operating systems, and backup. In his current role, he serves as an Enterprise Architect. Raido's extensive experience with Palo Alto Networks firewalls dates back to 2011; Raido's passion for sharing his knowledge has led him to engage in various activities, including lecturing students and working as a Palo Alto Networks instructor. During his free time, Raido enjoys Latin dancing and taking to the tennis court. Read the Spotlight interview with Raido!
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Tom Y.
@TomYoung
Tom is the Principal Network Architect who has worked in IT for three decades. He earned his Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert certification three times, as well as a CCDE and his PCNSE. He helps his customers with routing/switching, security (including firewalls), wireless, and data center design, implementation, and troubleshooting. In his spare time, he likes to hike, ski, and enjoy nature—especially with his wife by his side. Check out the Spotlight interview with Tom!
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Member Benefits
From a unique LIVEcommunity badge to special Ignite benefits, members will be awarded, recognized, and assigned the Cyber Elite title within the LIVEcommunity.
Some of the member-only benefits include:
- Access to a private forum to enable deeper discussions about advanced topics and answers (the “Cyber Elite Members Lounge”)
- A Cyber Elite badge that clearly differentiates a member as a top contributor and trusted advisor
- Promotion within LIVEcommunity and Palo Alto Networks at company events
- Exclusive access to technical information, experiences, and resources that help Cyber Elite experts do more with Palo Alto Networks technology
- May include options to meet privately with Palo Alto Networks team and executives in a roundtable format
- Plus, a fantastic Cyber Elite appreciation package and Award that members can proudly display
How to Become a Cyber Elite Member
To begin your Cyber Elite journey, register in LIVEcommunity, share your knowledge and expertise, engage in discussions, provide answers, and help your peers in the community. Cyber Elite members are hand-selected by Palo Alto Networks based on positive contributions in the community, demonstrating a laser focus on bringing value, being helpful, sharing your know-how, and providing your unique expert perspective.
We want to reward and recognize community members that contribute high value and go above and beyond in assisting our vibrant community.
Start your journey today!
