In the world of cybersecurity expert witnesses, Eric Cole is a rare breed. He has called himself a “unicorn” in the field, and his remarkable resume leaves little doubt that the description fits. In the highly specialized realm of cybersecurity, Cole is not only deeply knowledgeable about the complex mechanisms behind computers and the internet but also possesses extensive hands-on experience. This combination allows him to bridge the often wide gap between theory and practice, a skill that has made his insights indispensable in legal cases involving trade secrets, data breaches, and cyberattacks.
Cole has stated, “I have a PhD, but I’m not a university professor. In matters involving trade secrets, hacking incidents, and violations, industry experience is far more important than theory.” He explains that the cybersecurity field lacks a unified certification or standard exam. Becoming a true expert often depends on practical experience and adherence to best practices. When evaluating a company’s response to a breach, determining whether they took “reasonable” measures to secure their systems—a term often open to interpretation—requires years of real-world exposure. Many academics, he notes, understand the theory but have little experience dealing with complex real-world scenarios, a gap that can make all the difference in court.
Cole’s career path began while he was still in high school, at a time when computers were a futuristic concept rather than a ubiquitous tool. Although initially fascinated by architecture, a family friend encouraged him to pursue computer science, seeing it as the future and well-suited to his aptitude for mathematics and science. Following this advice, Cole enrolled at the New York Institute of Technology, focusing on computer science. He quickly discovered that the electrical engineering-heavy curriculum did not align with his interests; what captivated him was programming and hands-on problem solving. A fortuitous opportunity came when he walked into the cooperative office on a rainy afternoon and secured one of the last interview slots for a CIA campus visit scheduled the next day. Dressed in a brand-new suit, he landed the position, marking the first step in a career that would span government, private enterprise, and the courtroom.
Early in his career, Cole realized that cybersecurity was more than just a technical endeavor—it was a responsibility. Transitioning to the private sector, he worked with startups as Chief Technology Officer, focusing on intellectual property protection and enhancing company valuations. Simultaneously, he collaborated with McAfee and the SANS Institute to develop cybersecurity defense courses, training over 40,000 professionals, and authored several books on cybersecurity, including Online Danger, Cyber Crisis, and the Cybersecurity Bible. Through these experiences, Cole came to see that cybersecurity extends far beyond corporate walls; it is about protecting individuals, families, and entire communities. He frequently points out that most people underestimate their vulnerability online. From deepfake attacks and digital tracking to cyberbullying, these threats have real-world consequences, sometimes causing personal harm or even devastating the lives of families and businesses.
Cole’s extensive experience naturally led him to expert witness work. When he founded Secure Anchor Consulting, he translated decades of protecting government networks and training elite cybersecurity teams into the legal arena. The company specializes in assisting lawyers and clients navigating the often daunting world of cybersecurity and digital forensics. Whether the case involves data breaches, intellectual property theft, ransomware attacks, or insider threats, Secure Anchor provides expert analysis, testimony, and strategic insights, helping judges and juries understand the technical truths behind the evidence. In court, Cole can analyze attack paths, pinpoint security failures, and assess responsibility, all while explaining complex events in a manner understandable to non-technical audiences. This rare combination of deep technical knowledge and clear communication is why he considers himself a “unicorn” in the expert witness world.
The complexity of cybersecurity extends far beyond what most people imagine. Modern attacks are no longer simple viruses or intrusions; they involve deepfakes, AI-driven exploits, supply chain vulnerabilities, and sophisticated social engineering. Cole emphasizes that security cannot be treated as a one-time investment but as an ongoing process that requires constant adaptation. Education and training are central to this process. Secure Anchor does not merely provide expert testimony; it also trains the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, equipping them with both technical skills and the ability to translate complex concepts into actionable strategies.
Cole’s career also highlights the broader social implications of cybersecurity. He has witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of a single vulnerability—from the misuse of personal family data to the paralysis of an entire company’s infrastructure. These real-world experiences give him a unique perspective on the intersection of technology and human behavior. They also allow him to explain technical events in court clearly and effectively, without letting jargon obscure the facts. He notes that juries need clarity, lawyers need strategy, and courts require credibility, and the role of an expert witness is to bring all three elements together.
Looking ahead, Cole is acutely aware of emerging trends in cybersecurity. Artificial intelligence and machine learning are making attacks increasingly sophisticated and stealthy. Defense systems must evolve to meet these new challenges, and legal frameworks must adapt accordingly. Cole emphasizes that cybersecurity is not merely a technical issue; it is a societal concern. Policymakers, business leaders, and individuals must recognize that cybersecurity impacts privacy, business continuity, and even national security. In this ecosystem, expert witnesses serve as critical bridges, offering technical insight while helping all parties understand risk and responsibility.
Cole’s journey demonstrates that an exceptional cybersecurity expert witness requires a rare blend of skills: deep technical knowledge, extensive hands-on experience, and outstanding communication ability. These qualities enable him to provide clear, credible, and actionable insights in complex legal cases. His work not only resolves technical questions but also elevates the understanding of the expert witness role across the legal and cybersecurity fields. Beyond the courtroom, his influence extends into education, training, and public awareness, helping more people understand and value the importance of cybersecurity.
From his early fascination with programming to government positions defending national networks, and finally to establishing Secure Anchor Consulting, Cole’s career reflects foresight, dedication, and a profound sense of mission. He does more than protect digital systems; he translates technical complexity into clarity, ensuring that legal decisions are informed, effective, and trustworthy. As he puts it, “Juries need clarity, lawyers need strategy, and courts need credibility. My job is to bring all three to the table.” In the realm of cybersecurity expert witnesses, Eric Cole truly stands out as a unicorn, using his expertise, insight, and communication skills to make cyberspace safer for everyone.