One of the more significant, non-security related events that McDonald experienced was the Great East Japan (Tohuku) Earthquake in March 11, 2011.

At the time, McDonald was at the Symantec Japan office in Akasaka, Tokyo, which shook during the quake but sustained no damage.

"The earthquake happened and it was significant, but at the time I didn't realise just how significant it was," he said.

"I assumed it was just another earthquake, albeit a little longer than usual."

Since the office interior was intact following the quake, McDonald said he went home at the end of the work day as he would have normally.