PgDip in Cybersecurity | Cybersecurity Executive | Microsoft MVP | MCT Regional Lead | 300+ 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.

I hold a Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) in Cybersecurity, and over the past 15+ years, I’ve built my career at the intersection of security, cloud architecture, and enterprise transformation. I’ve worked with global organisations in complex, high-stakes environments, helping them design secure, scalable, and resilient solutions that stand up to real-world threats.

Where I Am Today

I currently serve as a Security Engineering Associate Manager at Accenture, within the AMBG Cybersecurity Division.

My role focuses on architecting and delivering enterprise-grade security strategies using the Microsoft Security Stack, Zero Trust frameworks, and hybrid cloud architectures. I support clients across a wide range of industries — including healthcare, defence, financial services, and the public sector — aligning security solutions with compliance requirements, operational resilience, and long-term transformation goals.

My Technical Foundation

Over the years, I’ve earned 300+ certifications from leading bodies such as Microsoft, CompTIA, ISC2, EC-Council, and others. These span both vendor-specific and vendor-agnostic domains. A few notable examples 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+, Project+
• ISC2 SSCP, ISO/IEC Lead Auditor, and more

These aren’t just titles. They represent thousands of hours of study, implementation, troubleshooting, and mentorship. They reflect a deep commitment to staying ahead in a fast-moving industry and continuously evolving my craft.

Recognition & Leadership

I’m honoured to be a four-time Microsoft MVP across Security and Azure, recognising both technical depth and sustained community contribution.

I also proudly serve as the Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) Regional Lead for Ireland, helping shape the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. Beyond that, I contribute as a BCS Chartered IT Professional (CITP) and Assessor, a CompTIA Subject Matter Expert (SME), and an active advocate for improving industry standards, training frameworks, and professional development.

How I Work

My career spans Ireland’s leading technology providers as well as Fortune 500 and Fortune 100 organisations. Across these roles, I’ve developed 360-degree expertise in:

• Enterprise security design, hardening, and remediation
• Cloud architecture across Azure, AWS, and hybrid environments
• Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) and automation (PowerShell, ARM/Bicep)
• Behavioural analytics, threat detection, and incident response
• Compliance frameworks, governance, and audit readiness

I’m often the person called in when things get complex — the escalation point for high-impact incidents, the driver of root-cause analysis, and the author behind security playbooks and real-time troubleshooting guides.

What Drives Me

Knowledge-sharing sits at the core of everything I do. I created journeytothecloud.ie to pass on what I’ve learned — not just the what, but the how and the why.

Whether you’re preparing for a certification, architecting a secure solution, or exploring the next step in your career, my goal is to make this space a practical guide and a springboard forward.

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

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.