Panel Pictures
What I Learned
- Adaptability is essential:
- David Tomasz from the FBI shared that sometimes you’re thrown into situations you don’t expect, and you have to learn quickly and adapt, especially in tech roles like cybersecurity.
- Integrity and Honesty matters:
- Tricia Mercer explained how someone within an organization was stealing data and selling it, which highlighted how important honesty and trust are in this field.
- Security starts with basics:
- Many people don’t know basic security practices, which creates major vulnerabilities. There needs to be more education around this.
- Zero-day vulnerabilities are dangerous:
- These are security flaws with no known fix.
- For example, if a hacker inserts a fake Microsoft update into the cloud, many systems could be compromised.
Key Takeaways
- Be curious and cautious:
- Always ask questions and stay alert when working with data and technology.
- Cybersecurity is a growing field:
- Victor Nzeata discussed how security tasks like identifying and deleting old, lingering data are essential. Jobs in areas like healthcare IT and AI security are on the rise.
- Soft skills are important:
- Being kind, reliable, and a strong communicator is just as valuable as being technically skilled.
- Ethical hacking is a valuable tool:
- Building and testing your own systems or networks can help you learn real-world skills.
- Make technical ideas easy to understand:
- Tricia Mercer pointed out that when working with businesses, you need to explain complex ideas in simple language they can act on.
- Group work teaches flexibility:
- David Tomasz also noted that in team projects, there’s always someone who doesn’t pull their weight. Learning how to work around that is part of being successful.
What I Plan To Do Next
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Learn IT and cybersecurity basics to build a strong foundation.
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Participate in hackathons and create my own networks to gain hands-on experience.
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Improve my teamwork and communication skills by continuing to work with my group in CSP.
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Stay informed about AI and cybersecurity trends to be ready for the future job market.
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Look into certifications or internships in cybersecurity.
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Practice explaining complex ideas clearly to non-technical audiences.
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Join cyber classes and join the Cyber CEO club to gain more experience.