TJ holds a Master of Science degree in Computer Science from North Carolina State, a Master of Science degree in Information Security Engineering from the SANS Technical Institute, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science from the US Military Academy. He has published technical research at USENIX workshops, ACM conferences, security conferences, the SANS Reading Room, the Internet Storm Center, the Army Magazine, and the Armed Forces Journal. He holds expert cyber security credentials, including the prestigious GIAC Security Expert (GSE) and Offensive Security Certified Expert (OSCE). TJ is a member of the elite SANS Red and Blue Team Cyber Guardians.

TJ O'Connor is an active duty Army Major and former faculty member at the United States Military Academy, where he taught courses on forensics, exploitation, and information assurance. He has published research at USENIX workshops, ACM Conferences, and spoken at various security conferences, including ShmooCon. He has participated in numerous cyber defense exercises, including winning the National Defense University Cyber Challenge, coaching the winning team at the National Security Agency's Cyber Defense Exercise and working as a red team member of the Northeast Regional Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition. He has earned the SANS Certifications GIAC Gold certifications in GCFA, GCIH, GSEC, GCIA, and holds other GIAC certifications.