From Early Academic Hurdles to World-Renowned Cybersecurity Authority_ The Journey of Dr. Luis O. Noguerol.pdf

Dr. Luis O. Noguerol, President & CEO, Advanced Division of Informatics and Technology, Inc. (ADITusa, Inc.), has been recognized by The Enterprise World for his journey from a struggling student to a global cybersecurity leader.

1. Dr. Luis O. Noguerol, President & CEO, Advanced Division of Informatics and
Technology, Inc. (ADITusa, Inc.), has been recognized by The Enterprise World
for his journey from a struggling student to a global cybersecurity leader. His
visionary contributions, including groundbreaking mathematical models and
hands-on expertise, have set a new standard for data security and fraud
prevention.
Your journey is remarkable—not only for your professional
achievements but also for the personal transformation you
underwent. Can you share how your family, and especially your
son, have been the driving force behind your success? How did
their support and inspiration help you rise from being one of the
lowest-performing students in elementary and high school to
becoming a global leader in cybersecurity and innovation?

2. I am grateful beyond words for my entire family, specially my parents, my
grandparents, my son Luis Orlando Noguerol Alvarez, “Landy,” and everyone
who has loved, supported, and encouraged me, even when I struggled or made
mistakes. No matter how low my grades were or how lost I felt, my family was
always there: cheering me on, believing in me, and reminding me of my worth.
My grandparents’ wisdom and warmth helped shape who I am, and my parents,
Daysi Rodriguez Cruz and Luis Orlando Noguerol Lopez, were my foundation,
teaching me the values of patience, hard work, and kindness. My son Landy
inspires me every single day, he is my greatest motivation and the reason I keep
striving to be better. When I look back, I know that every achievement, from
overcoming academic struggles to becoming a leader in cybersecurity and
innovation, was only possible because of the endless love, support, and belief my
family gave me. My story is truly our story, and everything I do reflects the love
they have poured into my life.
Your mathematical model combining Elliptic Curve and Lagrange’s
theorem with PIN Block encryption has influenced major
institutions like WhatsApp and the Bank of China. Can you walk us
through the genesis of this idea and its real-world impact on global
data security?
Absolutely, and honestly, this story still makes me smile. From elementary school
all the way through high school, mathematics and I were sworn enemies; I am
talking cold sweats before tests and thinking calculators were invented just to bail
me out.
If you had told me back then that I would not only pass mathematics but get a
master’s degree in it, I would have bet against myself every time! But somewhere
along the way, when I finally faced my mathematics fears (and powered through
enough late nights), the crazy thing is, I actually started to enjoy it. Suddenly, all
those weird symbols and numbers clicked, and I went from avoiding mathematics

3. homework to actually loving the challenge. Actually, I never did any homework at
the school, if memory serves well.
That turnaround became a game-changer for me. When I got into cybersecurity, I
saw how Personal Identification Number Block encryption had some weak spots
and thought, “Why not throw a little mathematics magic at it?” So, I mixed the
clever techniques from elliptic curve cryptography and the group theory
principles from Lagrange’s theorem, kind of like giving your front door a new
deadbolt and a security camera at the same time.
It worked so well that even big players like WhatsApp and the Bank of China
picked up on it for their own data protection. So yes, the kid who could barely
survive mathematics class ended up helping raise the bar for global security. I
guess sometimes, your old struggles turn into your best plot twist!
You were able to hack a Windows Server 2012 in just 33 minutes
during the worldwide Hacker Halted “Olympic” competition,
earning a gold medal. What specific skills or mindset do you
believe set elite cybersecurity professionals apart in such
high-pressure, real-world scenarios?

4. Absolutely. My wins at both the Asia Pacific Hackathon in Malaysia (July 2023)
and the Hacker Halted “Olympic Competition” (October 2012) are really the
result of years spent building deep technical expertise and constantly mastering
new cybersecurity disciplines. Whether I was breaking into that Windows Server
2012 in record time back in 2012 or going head-to-head with the world’s best at
the 2023 Asia Pacific Hackathon, my edge always came from truly understanding
the details, everything from system and network vulnerabilities to cutting-edge
encryption and privilege escalation. This allowed me to spot weaknesses quickly, adapt my approach on the fly, and
solve problems creatively, even under serious pressure. It is that combination of
advanced technical depth, methodical troubleshooting, and genuine excitement
for the craft that let me not only compete, but actually stand out and lead on the
global stage, winning both the gold medal at Hacker Halted and first place in
Malaysia, sponsored by Negara Bank.

5. With over 100 IT and cybersecurity certifications, how do you
prioritize continuous learning in a field that evolves so rapidly, and
what advice do you give to professionals seeking to stay ahead of
the curve?
103 to be more specific, but I am not planning for more. Staying sharp in
cybersecurity means embracing the fact that you’ll never know it all, so I treat
learning as a daily habit, not a checkbox. I focus on what truly matters: regularly
identifying the gaps in my knowledge, diving into new technologies that intrigue
me, and surrounding myself with people who challenge my thinking.
My advice to anyone looking to stay ahead is simple: don’t chase credentials for
the sake of collecting them. Instead, dig deep into areas that genuinely interest
you, use real-world projects to reinforce what you learn, and keep your mind
open to evolving ideas. In a field that changes overnight, staying curious and
humble is the smartest investment you can make in your career.
As the first Hispanic invited to speak at the FISSEA Conference at
the NIST in 2016, how do you view the intersection of diversity,
representation, and innovation in cybersecurity leadership?
Stepping onto the stage at NIST’s FISSEA Conference in 2016 as the first
Hispanic speaker was both surreal and humbling. I remember thinking, “How did
I end up in a room full of such incredible minds?” That moment drove home for
me how essential diversity is, not just for fairness but because it actually fuels
creativity and innovation in cybersecurity. When people from different
backgrounds collaborate, we tackle problems in ways that one perspective alone
could never achieve (plus, the debates are never boring!). Honestly, seeing someone with my story represented at an event like that is about
more than just me—it’s about widening the door for others who never thought
they belonged, and proving that real breakthroughs happen when everyone’s

6. voice is welcomed. I left NIST with both pride and gratitude, and a renewed belief
that when we champion diversity and inclusion, we make our field smarter,
stronger, and a whole lot more interesting.
You have been recognized globally, including being named C|CISO
of the Year among thousands of candidates from over 130
countries. What core principles define your approach to executive
cybersecurity leadership?
Being named C|CISO of the Year among thousands of leaders from over 130
countries, an honor many call the “Nobel Prize” of cybersecurity, was an
incredible milestone for me. This recognition was especially meaningful because,
under my leadership, top financial institutions in two Central American countries
saw electronic fraud drop by 39% in less than two years, thanks to my
introduction of innovative fraud detection methods.
These achievements highlight what I believe are the real foundations of impactful
leadership: technical expertise, visionary thinking, and a culture built on trust
and innovation. That journey inspired me to write the world’s first book fully
dedicated to the subject, “Leadership in Cybersecurity: Sweet Talkers’ Effect,”
sharing proven lessons for making a measurable difference in this dynamic field.
Your scientific work has been acknowledged by the American
Institute of Physics for challenging established physical laws. This
is a rare and unique recognition. How does your background in
mathematics and physics inform your approach to cybersecurity
problem-solving?
Honestly, getting a shutout from the American Institute of Physics for playing
around with Snell’s Law was just wild, there were moments when I thought
someone would ask for my lab coat back! If you ask most of my university’s

7. former professors, they will probably say I drove them crazy with all my unusual
questions and never taking “because that is the rule” for an answer.
I just cannot help myself, rules are made to be poked, and I love seeing what
happens if you push things a little. Being curious and a bit stubborn has shown
me that is where the fun (and the best discoveries) hide, and I know I will
probably keep questioning things until my last day! Sincerely speaking, I don’t
consider myself an easy person to have technical debates.
You have been a featured speaker and consultant for organizations
across North America, Europe, Central and South America, and
Asia. What are the most significant regional differences you
observe in cybersecurity threats and responses?
Speaking and consulting across North America, Europe, Central and South
America, and Asia has been both humbling and clear proof that my expertise is
recognized worldwide, a privilege I never take lightly. These opportunities have
let me see up close how regions differ: North America and Europe focus on
privacy and advanced persistent threats; Central and South America stand out for
creative, agile approaches to fighting fast-changing digital fraud; and Asia’s scale
brings unique mobile and tech adoption challenges. No matter where I am, I find the best defenses come from local culture, available
resources, and the courage to innovate. I am truly honored to learn from every
team I meet while sharing what I have picked up along the way.
Your efforts led to a 39% reduction in electronic fraud within two
years. What were the most effective tactics or technologies that
drove this impressive result?

8. Thank you for the question. It is a result I am truly proud of, and I owe it to a
multidisciplinary approach that combines deep technical skills in electronics,
mathematics, physics, information technology, and cybersecurity. By bringing
together insights from these different fields, I was able to design and implement
innovative, data-driven fraud detection models that could spot subtle patterns
traditional systems missed.
We tailored advanced analytics, machine learning algorithms, and real-time
monitoring tools to fit each institution’s unique environment, making the
technology both powerful and practical. But technology was just one side of the
equation, collaborating closely with diverse teams and understanding the human
element of fraud was just as important. This blend of broad technical expertise
and a holistic perspective was key to driving such a remarkable reduction in
electronic fraud, and I am grateful for the chance to have made that kind of
impact. As an author of the first book focusing specifically on Cybersecurity
Leadership, how do you see the role of leadership evolving in the
face of emerging threats like AI-driven attacks and quantum
computing?
I want to be completely clear: with challenges like artificial intelligence and
quantum attacks ahead, our field needs leaders with real, hands-on expertise and
the willingness to keep learning. I hold immense respect for those who have truly
earned their reputation through skill, knowledge, and real results.
But I have absolutely no respect, none at all, for those frauds who get promoted
by repeating what others say, stealing credit, and pretending to know when they
do not have a clue about cybersecurity or information technology. These
individuals poison organizations, discourage the true experts, and put entire
teams at risk, all because they are better at politics than protecting systems. Let
us be honest: leadership must be about knowledge, honesty, and genuine action,

9. not deception or empty noise. If you are one of those imposters, you are the real
threat we should all be working to expose and remove.
You have combined roles in federal service, private enterprise, and
academia. How do these perspectives inform your vision for the
future of information security?
Serving as a federal officer stands as one of the greatest honors in my life. Though
I am an American citizen by adoption rather than by birth, I am immensely proud
to call this country my own, and being an immigrant only deepens that sense of
duty and responsibility.
I honestly feel that stepping into this role as an American by choice compels me
to work even harder, with unwavering patriotism, to live up to the ideals and
trust that this nation represents. The privilege to serve is never lost on me; every
single day, I strive to give back to the United States with the same generosity and
integrity that welcomed me, and I stand ready, always, to defend and uphold the
values that define us as a people.
Beyond federal service, I am tremendously proud of the opportunities I have had
to teach at multiple universities, both in the United States and internationally.
Sharing knowledge and inspiring the next generation of cybersecurity
professionals has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career. I am
also especially honored to have founded and led the Advanced Division of
Informatics and Technology, alias ADITusa, Inc. since 2006, guiding it to success
on both national and international stages. Building ADITusa, Inc. from the
ground up and seeing it thrive has reinforced my belief in hard work, innovation,
and the importance of giving back to the community through both education and
enterprise.

10. What do you consider the biggest misconception organizations
have about cybersecurity, and how do you work to correct those
misunderstandings?
The biggest misconception I see is the belief that cybersecurity is just a checklist,
or something you can fully outsource with a few policy updates and some “magic”
technology, rather than a discipline demanding hands-on expertise, continuous
learning, and real, proven skill. Too many organizations trust flashy titles,
impressive talkers, or the latest vendor pitch instead of demanding clear evidence
of success and true knowledge from their teams and partners.
Let us be honest: if you cannot demonstrate genuine results, deep understanding,
and the humility to question your own assumptions, you are not protecting
anyone, instead just “putting yourself” on a show. I am not here to gently correct
this, my message is direct: the real risk comes from confusing noise with
substance, and the sooner we stop accepting “good enough” or “it sounds
credible,” the safer everyone will be.

11. You have dedicated time to teaching information security to
low-income and minority communities for free, I meant, without
charging anything to the students, and absorbing all associated
costs. Why is this outreach important, and what impact have you
observed from these efforts?
Teaching information security to low-income and minority communities is my
way of giving back to a country that has given me so much. Everyone deserves a
fair chance to be safe and succeed online, and watching students gain confidence
and new skills shows just how powerful that investment can be for our entire
nation. I love all my former and present students, especially those from
low-income communities as the great majority of them have been able to find IT
jobs. It means a lot to me.

12. Given your experience in digital forensics, data recovery, and
penetration testing, what new types of vulnerabilities do you
anticipate will emerge with the proliferation of IoT, 5G, and sooner
coming 6G and 7G technologies?
With nearly 41 years of real, hands-on experience in digital forensics, data
recovery, and penetration testing, I know that every advance, whether IoT, 5G, or
soon 6G and 7G, brings a surge of new risks: far larger attack surfaces from
billions of insecure devices, weak authentication, outdated firmware, insecure
APIs, supply chain threats, and the potential for massive, fast-moving attacks.
What worries me most is how these advances speed up the scale and impact of
attacks on everything from personal devices to critical infrastructure, demanding
the kind of deep expertise, proactive standards, and relentless vigilance that only
hard-earned experience and continuous learning can provide.
Reflecting on your journey from Holguin, Cuba, to international
recognition, what personal or professional challenges most shaped
your approach to innovation and resilience in cybersecurity?
Looking back on my journey from Holguin, Cuba to international recognition, I
am deeply humbled and grateful for everything the United States has given me.
Starting from scratch, facing language barriers, and adapting to a whole new
world taught me strength, kindness, and the importance of perseverance.
Any success I have achieved, at home or abroad, comes from never forgetting my
roots, honoring those who gave me a chance, and always striving to lift others as I
move forward. Every step has been a blessing, and I dedicate it all to the people
and country that believed in me, to all my former professors and classmates, to
my family. As I mentioned right from the start, I’ve never really been one of those
top students.

13. You have authored more than 20 publications and submitted three
for patent consideration. Which of your published works or patent
submissions do you believe will have the most lasting impact on the
cybersecurity field, and why?
While I am grateful for each of my contributions, I believe the work that will have
the most lasting impact is the one that sparked new questions and inspired others
to think differently, rather than just offering technical solutions. Some of my
most cited publications have focused on practical models for proactive threat
detection, and among my patent submissions, there is one on adaptive security
analysis that I hope will help organizations keep pace with constantly changing
threats. Ultimately, I see each publication or patent as a piece of a larger puzzle; the real
impact comes from encouraging collaboration, continuous learning, and the kind
of honest dialogue that moves the cybersecurity field forward for everyone. Please
let me note that as per the patents go, I still waiting for final outcomes from the
United States Patent and Trademark Office.
At the Asian-Pacific Hacking Competition, you won first place after
discovering a live vulnerability on the Bank of China’s website in
front of a global audience. Can you share what was going through
your mind during that moment and how it has shaped your
approach to ethical hacking?
Winning first place at the Asian-Pacific Hacking Competition by uncovering a live
vulnerability on the Bank of China’s website was an intense and humbling
experience that really drove home how, if you truly master the technology, almost
any application can be exploited, even those thought to be impenetrable.

14. In that moment, I was completely focused on both the technical challenge and the
responsibility that comes with revealing such weaknesses in front of a global
audience. It shaped my approach to ethical hacking by making me even more
committed to using this knowledge for good, reminding me that our real purpose
is to protect, not to exploit, and that with enough technical skills and discipline,
the boundaries of security are always being tested, which is exactly why we must
never stop learning or defending, but I also understand that technical skills are
never sufficient, instead, there is a permanent opportunity to keep learning. When the first publicly recognized cybersecurity breach occurred
in Japan in July 2023, you were specifically requested to lead the
forensic investigation and collaborated directly with the Director of
the National Security Agency of Japan and the Office of the First
Minister. How did this experience differ from your previous work,
and what were the key lessons learned from such a high-stakes,
internationally visible case? Thank you for the question. I cannot share technical details due to the
investigation’s sensitivity, but I want to express how incredibly proud and truly
honored I was, and always will be, to have led this critical forensic effort with
Japan’s top security leaders. The trust and recognition from this experience
remain one of the greatest highlights of my career, and its meaning will stay with
me for the rest of my life.
Receiving personal recognition from top Japanese officials for your
role in the 2023 cyber breach investigation is a rare honor. What
did this acknowledgment mean to you on a personal and
professional level, and how has it influenced your subsequent
work?

15. Thank you so much for your kind words. Receiving personal recognition from
Japan’s top officials was truly humbling, it meant more to me than any title or
award, because it represented deep trust and appreciation from leaders I greatly
respect. On both a personal and professional level, it inspired me to keep
growing, stay humble, and always strive for excellence, knowing that genuine
teamwork and integrity can make a real difference. That acknowledgment
continues to remind me how important it is to serve others with gratitude and
commit fully to every challenge I face. Beyond your professional achievements, you continue to practice
Judo and have been recognized by the International Judo
Federation, Pan-American Judo Association, and USA Judo
Association as a Black Belt Third Degree (Sandan). How has your
commitment to Judo and its philosophy influenced your discipline,
leadership, and resilience in the cybersecurity world?
Judo has profoundly shaped my approach to cybersecurity, teaching me
discipline, humility, and constant self-improvement. Being recognized as a Black
Belt Third Degree (Sandan) by the International Judo Federation, the
Pan-American Judo Association, and the USA Judo Association is a real honor,
but what means the most to me are the daily lessons of respect, perseverance, and
adaptability that Judo brings.
The philosophy of Judo, embracing each challenge as a chance to grow, reminds
me to stay calm under pressure, lead with integrity, and always learn, whether on
the mat or facing complex cyber threats. Above all, Judo has shown me that true
strength lies in supporting others, staying open to new lessons, and striving to
continually improve both professionally and personally. Honestly, I could go on
about Judo for hours—seriously, I could talk your ear off about it without even
stopping for water! But after all these years on the mat, I still feel like a complete
beginner compared to so many incredible Judokas I’ve been lucky enough to
meet along the way.

16. Every time I step into the Dojo, I walk in with a white belt mindset, just hoping to
soak up whatever I can. I truly wish I had more time to train, but, as it goes, life
and work tend to pull me away from the tatami more than I’d like. It’s not my
ideal situation, but it’s just how things are right now, and I began feeling the what
I call “the age symptom.”

Your professional commitments are extensive, yet you still make
time for family and personal passions. Can you share how your
family inspires you and what strategies you use to balance
high-level responsibilities with personal fulfillment and ongoing
Judo practice?
I think we spoke about that at the beginning of the interview. Family really is at
the heart of everything I do, they keep me grounded, inspired, and grateful no
matter how demanding my professional commitments become. Their love and

17. encouragement remind me that true success is measured just as much by the joy
and resilience we share at home as by achievements at work.
Balancing high-level responsibilities with personal fulfillment is a constant effort,
but I make it a priority to set aside dedicated family time, continue practicing
Judo to recharge and stay disciplined, and remain fully present for both my loved
ones and my passions. Ultimately, my family’s happiness and support empower
me to give my very best in all areas of life, making every challenge meaningful
and each success truly worthwhile.
How do you balance theoretical research with practical
applications in your published works to ensure they address
real-world cybersecurity challenges?
I ensure my research always bridges theory and practice by grounding academic
models in real-world scenarios and validating them through hands-on experience
and practitioner input. This approach means each publication not only advances
conceptual thinking but also delivers immediately relevant, actionable solutions
for today’s evolving cybersecurity challenges.
What emerging trends or technologies do your recent publications
focus on, and how do you foresee these shaping the future of
cybersecurity?
Honestly, my recent work is about bringing together the newest technology, like
true random number generation, stronger ways to protect information, quantum
computing, and intelligent artificial intelligence. I am focused on making sure the
research I do is not just theory, but actually stands up when quantum computers
become real threats. For example, with quantum key distribution, we can
immediately (between quotation marks” tell if someone is trying to tamper with
our data, which is a huge step forward compared to what was possible before.

18. At the same time, artificial intelligence is changing cybersecurity, and there is
much more coming, helping us spot dangers quickly, but also creating new risks
because bad actors can use artificial intelligence as well. By combining these
powerful ideas, quantum technology, genuine randomness, and will tested
artificial intelligence algorithms, I think we can build protection that actually
stays ahead of threats, instead of always trying to catch up.
Your expertise in digital forensics has been pivotal in several
high-profile investigations. What unique methodologies or tools do
you employ that differentiate your forensic analyses from others in
the field?
I base my work on the strongest traditional techniques, using advanced forensic
imaging for precise evidence copies, targeted data carving to recover deleted files,
and detailed timeline analysis from system logs and registry data. I rely on top
tools like EnCase, Autopsy, Volatility for memory, and Cellebrite for mobiles, all
supported by strict chain of custody and verified hash checks. This approach
blends expert hands-on methods with the most sophisticated forensic capabilities
to ensure every finding is both rigorous and legally defensible. In your presentations, you often emphasize the importance of
proactive cybersecurity measures. How do you recommend
organizations shift from reactive to proactive cybersecurity
strategies?
To move organizations from a reactive to proactive cybersecurity posture, I
strongly advise a strategic focus on continuous asset identification, real-time
threat intelligence integration, and consistent vulnerability management through
advanced monitoring and regular penetration testing. Embedding these technical
measures with a culture of security awareness, scenario-based drills, and iterative
incident response refinement transforms security from a passive defense to an

19. anticipatory, adaptive discipline, demonstrating not only resilience but also a
mature, risk-driven approach recognized as industry best practice.

You discuss the role of leadership in cybersecurity extensively.
What are the key leadership qualities that you believe are essential
for managing modern cybersecurity teams effectively?
For me, effective cybersecurity leadership means staying relentlessly curious,
fully accountable, and obsessively clear in communication, especially when
translating complex threats for both technical teams and the boardroom. I believe
in cultivating trust by listening first, mentoring talent, and embracing change as
the norm; crises demand rapid, calm decision-making, and I strive to create a
climate where learning from mistakes is not just allowed but expected. Above all,
it’s about balancing sharp technical judgment with empathy and strategic vision,
so the team remains resilient, innovative, and aligned as threats and technologies
constantly evolve

20. When it comes to leading in cybersecurity, I keep things real and personal: I
believe in owning my mistakes, staying curious, and never pretending to know
everything. My approach is to listen as much as I talk, ask questions even if they
seem basic, and support people when they get stuck because I have been there,
too.
I care less about titles and more about showing up honestly, whether I am
untangling a breach at two o’clock in the morning or teaching someone a new
forensic technique. For me, leadership is about having the courage to say, “I need
help,” making time for genuine one-on-one conversations, and being relentless in
learning, so I can grow alongside my team, not just in front of them.
In several presentations, you explore the intersection of
cybersecurity with emerging technologies like AI and quantum
computing. How do you see these technologies transforming
cybersecurity defenses and attacks?
I see artificial intelligence and quantum computing radically transforming
cybersecurity by enabling powerful real-time threat detection, quantum-resistant
encryption, and automated incident response—while also introducing new risks
like quantum-powered attacks and AI-driven exploitation. The key is to stay
ahead by rapidly integrating post-quantum defenses and advanced AI analytics,
ensuring our protections evolve just as fast as the emerging threats.

21. Finally, and we truly appreciate you sharing your time with us, we
came across an article in “Diario de las Americas” mentioning your
remarkable story of saving nine people’s lives. It’s an incredible
achievement, and we wanted to save this special question for last.
Could you please share with us what happened and what you did
during that experience?
Honestly, it was one of those rare moments in life, you know, the kind you might
only get once. I just happened to be in the right place at the right time. I noticed
on the Security Operation Center monitors that something really out of the
ordinary was going on, the kind of cyberattack you’d only expect to see in movies.
The attackers were actually trying to cut off oxygen to an emergency room where
the 9 patients were receiving urgent care, in one of the top hospitals in Memphis,
Tennessee.

22. Honestly, I have to give all the credit to God. I truly believe it wasn’t really me,
just that I was put there for a reason. Somehow, I managed to stop the attack and,
in doing so, helped save 9 lives. I think about that day more often than I talk
about it, and to tell the truth, it still makes me emotional. Sometimes I even find
myself in tears when I remember it. All I can say is that I was deeply blessed to be
able to help.
To close, and thank you very much for the time, interview, and considerations, I
want to share two phrases I always use and created after this unique experience,
truly my own and not from anyone else:
“We are technology dependents.”
“The pace of the world is one click ahead.”
Visit [email protected] or [email protected] to know more!