Hi Alex!  Can you start with an introduction of yourself and what you do at Maveris?

Hi, I’m Alex Kim. I joined the Maveris Red Team at the beginning of this year, and I’ve genuinely enjoyed every moment of it. Cybersecurity has always been a passion of mine, and being in a role where I can both challenge myself and contribute to a safer digital world makes this position incredibly fulfilling. Outside of work, I spend my weekends expanding my knowledge through CTFs and certification courses. When I’m not studying, I enjoy lifting weights or unwinding with games like chess and poker. I’m excited to be part of the Maveris team and truly grateful for this unique opportunity.

What was your first job?

When I was a teenager in high school, I played a game called Magic the Gathering. After winning a number of competitions, I was provided with accommodated travel to compete in an event known as the “Pro Tour”, the highest level of professional play. This opportunity took me around the world, with events in cities like Kyoto, Yokohama, Geneva, Valencia, and Kuala Lumpur. In 2007, thanks to my global ranking, I was also invited to compete in the World Championship in New York. During my time on the Pro Tour, one of the game’s most prominent vendors, Star City Games, noticed my performance and offered me my first job, writing Premium Content for their website.

What is one thing you appreciate about working at Maveris?

It’s not just one thing—it’s the combination of many. I really appreciate the unique company culture and the high level of technical expertise among my colleagues. On top of that, everyone is incredibly welcoming and supportive, which makes it a great environment to grow and contribute.

When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I’ve always been a huge UFC fan and once dreamed of stepping into the octagon myself. In high school, I had a unique opportunity when David Ferguson—a UFC judge and owner of a gym in Memphis—offered me full access to the facility and its professional fight camps. In exchange, I maintained the gym and handled custodial work. I jumped at the chance without hesitation. I truly valued the experience, training in No-Gi Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, and Greco-Roman Wrestling as I prepared for a possible future in professional MMA. However, when I reached college, I found myself at a crossroads. After careful reflection, I chose to pursue a career in engineering—one that offered greater long-term stability and aligned with my growing interest in technology.

What is your go-to podcast?

My favorite podcast is The Joe Rogan Experience. I really enjoy the long-form conversations he has with his guests, as they allow for a much more meaningful exchange of ideas compared to the quick, viral clips that often dominate social media. These in-depth discussions give the audience a better opportunity to understand the context, evaluate the sources, and engage more deeply with the subject matter. I also appreciate the wide range of guests—from Michio Kaku, a renowned String Theory physicist, to Kid Rock, who needs no introduction. Joe doesn’t limit the scope of his conversations, which makes the podcast a uniquely open platform for the dissemination of information across disciplines and perspectives.

What was it about Maveris that made you interested in joining the team?

Contributing to a safer cyber world gives me a strong sense of purpose, and Maveris has empowered me to truly fulfill that purpose. In addition, I honestly can’t think of a cooler job than red teaming. Adversarial emulation is stimulating both intellectually and creatively.

Describe your dream boss.

Everyone I’ve worked with at Maveris has exemplified the qualities I associate with a “dream boss.” The company fosters strong leadership, clear communication, and a genuinely supportive environment. Also, those in leadership roles consistently demonstrate openness and receptiveness to feedback and input from all team members. I deeply admire and appreciate the leadership at Maveris—it’s one of the things I value most about working here.