Robert Thomas

Robert Thomas is the Head of Engineering at the Global Cyber Alliance. Rob joined GCA in 2019 as a Software Engineer, specializing in backend development and software architecture, before moving into his current leadership role in 2023. He guides a geographically dispersed engineering team while remaining actively involved in development work himself. He collaborates with internal teams to identify suitable engineering approaches for both internal and external projects.

At GCA, Rob has significantly contributed to the organization’s technical capabilities through several key initiatives. He developed tooling to drastically improve the deployment strategy for GCA’s proprietary honeypot technology ProxyPot, enabling global scalability of this important cybersecurity solution. He has elevated the level of technical documentation as well as infrastructure and software maintainability throughout the organization, establishing practices that enhance both reliability and sustainability. His work supports GCA’s mission of reducing cyber risk and making the Internet a safer place by ensuring robust, scalable technical foundations for the organization’s cybersecurity offerings.

Prior to joining GCA, Rob ran his own software development and hosting company, where he developed a Platform as a Service (PaaS) web hosting solution and led engineers on contract projects for other companies. With over 10 years of experience in software engineering and systems administration, he brings comprehensive expertise to his role at GCA, where he continues to architect innovative solutions while connecting the engineering team with the larger organization.

What brought you to GCA, and what does GCA’s mission mean to you?

I was drawn to the Global Cyber Alliance because of its unique approach to cybersecurity as a public benefit. The organization’s mission to make the Internet safer and more secure for everyone resonates deeply with my personal values. I care deeply about creating a fair and equal Internet where people can navigate online spaces without falling victim to scams or cybercrime.

Working at GCA allows me to apply my technical skills toward a meaningful purpose that extends beyond commercial interests. The collaborative nature of GCA’s work creates an environment where innovation can truly make a positive impact on people’s lives. I find our work incredibly fulfilling, and greatly enjoy every day I get to work with these incredible people I’m fortunate enough to call my colleagues.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?

When I’m not at work, I enjoy dedicating time to my own software projects, allowing me to explore technologies and concepts that interest me personally. My partner and I spend most of our free time together watching movies and TV shows or playing video games. We also enjoy taking our dog to the park for a nice change of scenery.

What was the last book you read?

The last book I read was “Rogue Protocol” by Martha Wells, the third installment in the Murderbot Diaries series (recommended to me by our CTO, Leslie Daigle!).