Mike Engle (1Kosmos)
Overview
Michael "Mike" Engle is a prominent figure in the field of cyber security, particularly recognized for his co-founding role at 1Kosmos, where he serves as the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO). With a career rich in innovation and leadership within information security, Mike has significantly impacted the industry through his work in identity verification and authentication solutions. Engle's expertise extends to product design and development, having previously served as the head of information security at Lehman Brothers and as a co-founder of Bastille Networks. His efforts in developing secure, passwordless authentication systems have positioned him and 1Kosmos as leaders in digital identity security.
Recent Developments
Recent years have seen numerous exciting developments and achievements for Mike Engle and 1Kosmos:
- June 3, 2025: 1Kosmos achieved FedRAMP High Authorization for their identity verification platform, marking it suitable for handling the federal government’s most sensitive unclassified data. This designation underscores the platform’s ability to meet stringent security requirements necessary to protect against severe breaches (source).
- March 19, 2025: The introduction of 1Kosmos 1Key was announced to secure shared account login environments. This FIDO-compliant biometric authentication tool addresses security challenges in settings that involve shared user accounts by integrating biometric verification (source).
- 2025: Mike Engle has been an active voice in predicting the future of identity management, emphasizing the transition to passwordless authentication and the increased use of blockchain-based digital wallets (source).
- July 2025: Engle discussed the implications and considerations for using biometric authentication, a topic of growing importance as it becomes more mainstream in various sectors (source).
Personal Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michael "Mike" Engle |
| Born | N/A |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupation | Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of 1Kosmos |
| Known For | Expertise in cybersecurity, identity verification, and authentication |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Education | B.S. in Computer Information Systems, York College of Pennsylvania (1993) |
Early Life and Education
Mike Engle was raised in an environment that fueled his interest in technology and security from a young age. He demonstrated a keen interest in how technology could address real-world problems, leading him to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Computer Information Systems at York College of Pennsylvania, graduating in 1993. This foundational education equipped him with the skills required for his future endeavors in cybersecurity, particularly in understanding systems integration and software development.
Career and Notable Achievements
Mike Engle's career in cybersecurity is marked by significant milestones:
- Lehman Brothers: As the head of information security, Engle was instrumental in creating robust security programs, gaining valuable experience in managing large teams and projects for a Fortune 100 company.
- Bastille Networks: Co-founded Bastille Networks, a company that raised over $40 million in venture capital to advance RF security technologies.
- 1Kosmos: As the co-founder of 1Kosmos, he has played a pivotal role in advancing identity management solutions. The development of BlockID, a FIDO2 and NIST-certified distributed digital identity platform, is one of his notable achievements.
- 1Kosmos Innovations: Under his guidance, the company has achieved notable certifications such as FedRAMP High and been recognized as a leader in identity verification.
Current Work and Impact
Engle currently focuses on evolving 1Kosmos's platform to enhance the security of digital identities globally. As CSO, he oversees strategic initiatives that drive innovation in identity proofing and authentication solutions, notably in the context of biometrics and blockchain technology. His work is crucial in advancing practices that safeguard against identity impersonation and fraud, impacting a wide array of sectors including government, healthcare, and finance. His vision continues to influence 1Kosmos’s development strategies and its positioning as a trailblazer in the cybersecurity landscape.
Conclusion
Mike Engle’s contributions to cybersecurity have been both significant and transformative, particularly through his pioneering work with 1Kosmos and his leadership in the digital identity sector. As threats in cyberspace evolve, Engle’s commitment to enhancing identity security and facilitating secure, seamless digital interactions ensures that his impact will continue to resonate across industries. His role in pushing towards passwordless authentication and integrating biometric solutions stands testament to his foresight and dedication to improving cybersecurity on a global scale.