Building links and keeping the bad guys out of them
Damian Michael is the founder and MD of Innovo Networks
Tell me about the work you do.
Innovo Networks is involved in communications, connectivity, and cloud and cyber security. All our solutions are individually designed to meet the specific business requirements of each client.
Innovo Networks takes the confusion, hassle and doubt out of getting exactly the right communications technology.
As MD, I have the responsibility of developing and executing the business plan and ensuring corporate governance, providing leadership to the team and ensuring a great customer experience.
How did you end up doing what you do today?
After starting my career in 1999, I completed an apprenticeship with the South African Navy in radio/radar.
Since then I have worked with operators like Vodacom and MTN, and launched Neotel in South Africa. My career has developed from sales to becoming a senior manager at Neotel.
I always had a burning desire for entrepreneurship while working in the corporate world, and founded Innovo Networks in June 2013.
What is ethical hacking?
Ethical hacking refers to locating weaknesses and vulnerabilities of computer and information systems by duplicating the intent and actions of malicious hackers. Ethical hacking is also known as penetration testing, intrusion testing or red-teaming.
A penetration test, colloquially known as a pen test, is an authorised simulated attack on a computer system, trying to find security weaknesses, and potentially gaining access to the system’s features and data.
What did you want to be when you were a child?
In high school, I took electronics, maths, science and accounting as my subjects. My mother told me that electronics would be the next big thing and that I should use it for my future.
The affirmations from my mother ignited a spirit of entrepreneurship as I saw her start two businesses. Studying these subjects and then moving on to further my studies in radio/radar helped me navigate my career to date.
What part of your job would readers find most surprising?
Our skills in combating cyber attacks from the Russians. There have been many cyber attacks in our local landscape, and we have a genuine understanding of how to deal with the attacks. Recently, we had a client who had to pay a bitcoin (R142 744) to a Russian attacker. My team and I helped mitigate the attack and safeguard the client. I certain- ly believe that our team has some of the finest cyber-security skills in South Africa.
What makes you good at the work you do?
Does 21 years’ experience in information and communications technology count? My passion for what I do, my drive for self-development and leadership, constant learning and my ability to help people and business.
What is the best career advice you have ever received, and who gave it to you?
I owe this to my wife: she has tons of wisdom.
She said: “Follow your passion as you love what you do, you’re good at telecoms: start your own business.”
At the age of 35, I started to earn my income and, in doing so, created 10 jobs and more than 10 part-time posts.