Randall K. Nichols is Chief Technical Officer of INFOSEC Technologies, LLC a consulting firm specializing in Counter-Terrorism, Counter-Espionage and information security countermeasures to support its 1500 commercial, educational and U.S. government clients.

Previously, Nichols served as CEO of COMSEC Solutions, a cryptographic / anti-virus / biometrics countermeasures company which was acquired by a public company in 2000. As part of the acquisition agreement, he served as Vice President of Cryptography and Director of Research. Nichols (a.k.a. LANAKI) served as Technology Director of Cryptography and Biometrics for the International Computer Security Association (ICSA) and President and Vice President of the American Cryptogram Association (ACA). Nichols is internationally respected, with 38 years of experience in a variety of leadership roles in cryptography and INFOSEC computer applications in the engineering, consulting, construction, and chemicals industries. He is a previous Director of Invisimail, Ltd.

Professor Nichols teaches graduate level courses in INFOSEC, Cryptography and Systems Applications Management and Policy, Counter-Terrorism, Risk Assessment, and Wireless Security for the School of Engineering Management and Applied Science (SEAS), at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. and Cryptology, Data Protection, Intrusion Detection, Computer Forensics and Risk Assessment at UMUC Graduate School, for the ITS Department, College Park, MD. Professor Nichols is a current nominee for the 2004-2005 prestigious Stanley J. Drazek Teaching Excellence Award at UMUC.

Nichols is a professional speaker and regularly presents material at professional conferences, international technology meetings, schools and client in-house locations, on Cryptography and information security (INFOSEC). He is certified as a Federal Expert Witness (Defense) in both Cryptography and Computer Forensics.

Professor Nichols is currently writing his sixth title on information security: Counter-Terrorism in Practice: Targets of Opportunity. His previous books (with co-author Panos Lekkas) include: Wireless Security: Models, Threats and Solutions, McGraw Hill, 2002, a definitive textbook on the security of wireless systems and Defending Your Digital Assets: Against Hackers, Crackers, Spies and Thieves, (with co-authors Dan and Julie Ryan) McGraw Hill, 2000, a best-selling title on the subjects of cryptography and information security (INFOSEC) countermeasures. Defending is used as the graduate INFOSEC textbook at the George Washington University, James Madison University, University of Maryland, Rowan College of New Jersey, Iowa State University, Eastern Michigan State University, and Yonsei University, Korea. Nichols' previous books, The ICSA Guide to Cryptography McGraw Hill, 1998, and Classical Cryptography Course, Volumes I & II, Aegean Park Press, 1995, and 1996, have gained recognition and industry respect for Nichols.

Nichols holds BSChE and MSChE degrees from Tulane University and Texas A & M University, respectively and an MBA from University of Houston. He is currently completing a Doctorate of Science Degree in Information Security (INFOSEC) at George Washington University, School of Engineering Management and Applied Science (SEAS) in Washington, D.C.

In 1995, Nichols was awarded a 2nd DAN (Black Belt) by the American and Korean Tae Kwon Do Moo Duk Kwan Associations. He teaches rape and personal defense at local community colleges. He is a NRA Certified Pistol /Rifle /Shotgun Instructor and Range Safety Officer.

Professor Nichols holds a TS / SCI security clearance (USDOJ) with current BI ( 3/02/2002) done by FBI.