Henry Ramirez on Muck Rack

Henry Ramirez

(He/Him)
Hazleton
As seen in: Tecnologia Geek
Covers:  Technology, Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, Digital Business, US Politics, Hispanic Market Trends.
Doesn't Cover: Fashion, Beauty, Celebrity Gossip, Sports Betting, unsolicited guest posts.
Editor-in-Chief @ Tecnología Geek 🛡️ | Periodista de Ciberseguridad y DevSecOps. Especialista en Nube y Zero Trust. Fundador @Tecnologiageeks

Interview

What was your first job as a journalist?

I started as an independent digital reporter covering local news and technology trends. I realized early on that there was a gap in how complex tech topics were explained to the Spanish-speaking community. That experience pushed me to launch my own platform so I could have the editorial freedom to cover the stories that really matter to my audience.

Have you ever used a typewriter?

Yes. It taught me precision. Without a backspace key, you have to think before you write. That discipline is something I try to keep today, even though I now have infinite digital edits available.

How is social media changing news?

It is a double-edged sword. News travels instantly now, but misinformation travels even faster. As an editor, I see that our job has changed. We are no longer just reporters; we are filters. We have to fight against algorithms that prioritize engagement over facts, especially in the tech world, where everything moves so fast.

Who's your favorite fictional journalist?

Mikael Blomkvist from the Millennium series. I admire his persistence in digging into financial corruption and corporate secrets. Also, his ability to work alongside hackers to uncover the truth resonates with me, especially given my focus on cybersecurity and digital investigations.

What does it mean to be a journalist?

It means being the signal in the noise. In a world flooded with misinformation and algorithms, a journalist's duty is to verify facts, question authority—whether in government or Silicon Valley—and protect the public interest. It is not just about reporting what happened; it is about explaining why it matters and who it affects.

What's the funniest news-related #hashtag you've seen?

#FacebookDown. It is funny (and chaotic) watching the immediate mass migration of millions of users to X just to check if their Wi-Fi is broken. As a page admin, it is stressful, but as an observer of human behavior, the memes that come out of those outages are always top-tier.

How do you prefer to be pitched on stories?

Email is best. I appreciate a clear subject line that tells me exactly what the news is. Keep the pitch short—bullet points work well. I am always looking for solid data, cybersecurity alerts, or tech analysis relevant to a Spanish-speaking audience. Please do not call; if I am interested, I will reply.

What tools and software do you use to do your job?

WordPress is the heart of my operation. To manage my network of Facebook pages, I rely heavily on Meta Business Suite. I am also an early adopter of AI tools like ChatGPT for brainstorming and workflow optimization. Finally, I monitor everything through Google Search Console to ensure my content aligns with what people are actually searching for.

What's your favorite social network?

Facebook. It is where I have built my largest audience. Across my network of pages, I reach nearly 100,000 followers. For the Hispanic community, Facebook is still the primary source of news and discussion, allowing for a level of engagement that other platforms simply can't match.

Who do you wish followed you?

Tim Cook. Since privacy is a major focus of my reporting, I would love for the CEO of Apple to read my perspective on how tech giants are handling user data in Latin America and the Caribbean. It is a market that often gets overlooked in the global privacy conversation

Why did you become a journalist?

To bridge the digital divide. I realized that while technology advances rapidly, the understanding of how it affects our daily lives—specifically regarding privacy and security—often lags behind. I wanted to be the translator who turns complex technical concepts into actionable knowledge that empowers my community to navigate the digital world safely.

Did you work for your high school newspaper? If so, what did you do there?

No. I went to high school in New York, but my focus back then was on law and order. I actually studied Criminal Justice briefly in college before pivoting to media. That background informs my reporting today: when I investigate online scams or cybersecurity threats, I approach them with an investigator's mindset, looking for the evidence and the intent behind the crime.

What story are you most proud of writing or working on?

My recent breakdown of WhatsApp scams and social engineering attacks. For the Hispanic community, digital literacy is the first line of defense. Being able to explain complex cybersecurity threats in a simple way that prevents my readers from losing their hard-earned money gives me the most satisfaction. It turns technology journalism into a true public service.

What advice can you offer to aspiring journalists?

Find a niche and own it. General news is saturated, but there is always a hunger for deep expertise—whether it's cybersecurity, AI, or local politics. Also, don't wait for permission. Start your own blog or channel today. In the digital age, your portfolio is your degree, and consistency is the only way to build trust with an audience.

When's the best time to pitch you?

Early mornings, Eastern Time (ET). I review my inbox first thing to plan the day's editorial lineup. If you pitch me before 10 AM, you have the best chance of catching my attention before the daily rush begins.

What's the best pitch you ever got?

A pitch that provided exclusive data on cybersecurity trends specifically for the Latin American market. The sender knew my audience perfectly. Instead of a generic press release, they offered me a clear breakdown of the statistics by country and direct access to an expert for quotes. It was personalized, relevant, and ready to publish.

What's the worst pitch you ever got?

The generic "spray and pray" emails. Nothing is worse than receiving a pitch about a topic completely unrelated to technology or cybersecurity, like pet food or fashion. It shows the sender didn't take five seconds to read my profile or look at my actual coverage. Relevance is respect.

What's your favorite drink?

A strong cup of Dominican coffee. It is essential fuel for late-night editing sessions and keeping up with the 24/7 news cycle.

When you're not at a computer, where are you most likely to be?

Watching a baseball game. I am a huge MLB fan—it is the only time I truly disconnect from the screens. If there is no game on, I am spending quality time with my family here in Pennsylvania, recharging for the next news cycle.

Aside from your own, what's your favorite publication to read?

Wired. I appreciate their commitment to long-form journalism and deep dives into cybersecurity and digital culture. They don't just report on the specs of a new device; they explore the "why" and "how" technology is reshaping our society and politics.

What's the most common misperception about your beat?

That it is just about gadgets and unboxing the latest phones. While we do cover hardware, the real beat is privacy and security. People often assume their data is safe by default or that "free" apps are actually free. My job isn't just to tell people what to buy, but to warn them about what happens to their information after they turn the device on.

Would you like to take the Muck Rack Interview? Create a Muck Rack profile.