Patrick Gill’s path from working adult learner to cybersecurity leader reflects the real-world impact of education and University of Maryland Global Campus’s (UMGC’s) mission to prepare learners for career success and community leadership.
Gill began his academic journey at UMGC while juggling full-time and part-time jobs, completing his Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity and going on to earn a Master of Science in Cybersecurity and an MBA. The flexibility of UMGC’s programs allowed him to build his career while advancing his education, moving from consumer computer support into systems and cloud engineering, and ultimately into cybersecurity management.
“UMGC didn’t just prepare me for my career, it propelled it,” Gill said. “The knowledge and skills I gained were directly applicable to my day-to-day work and helped me earn promotions and leadership opportunities.”
Gill’s career has spanned federal contracting roles supporting the Department of Defense and NASA, engineering work at UMGC, and cybersecurity leadership in state and local government. Today, he serves as a Senior Cybersecurity Manager at SAIC in Washington, D.C. and continues to give back as an adjunct professor at UMGC.
His experience as a student competitor on UMGC’s cyber competition team was a turning point.
“I gained hands-on experience with real-world tools and scenarios that sharpened both my technical skills and problem-solving abilities,” Gill said. “It also gave me the chance to collaborate under pressure, build lasting relationships, and expand my professional network.”
Gill’s story exemplifies UMGC’s commitment to meeting learners where they are and equipping them with the skills, confidence, and support to thrive in high-demand fields. His dual role as a cybersecurity leader and educator allows him to mentor the next generation of professionals, helping students develop technical depth, teamwork, and resilience.
As part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month, Gill shared practical advice to help protect older adults from online scams—a growing concern as cybercriminals increasingly target vulnerable populations.
5 Cybersecurity Tips for Older Adults from Patrick Gill
“Cybercriminals often prey on older adults with messages that appear urgent, personal, or official,” Gill explained. “They pose as banks, government agencies, or even family members.”
With scams increasing, education is essential. Helping families recognize and respond to these threats is one of the most effective ways to protect those who may be more vulnerable online.
Don’t Trust Unexpected Messages Pause before responding to surprise calls, texts, or emails. Verify requests through trusted sources.
Turn On Multifactor Authentication (MFA) Use MFA for banking, email, and shopping accounts. Never share MFA codes.
Use Strong, Unique Passwords Avoid reusing passwords. Consider a password manager and be wary of phishing attempts.
Keep Devices Updated Enable automatic updates and avoid clicking on pop-ups claiming your device is out of date.
Pause Before Sending Money or Info Be suspicious of urgent requests involving gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency.
Gill’s work offers a real-world example of how UMGC alumni are using their education to lead in high-demand fields, protect communities, and mentor the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.