Cybersecurity Careers and Insights – Notes

David – Government and Law Enforcement in Cybersecurity

  • Works in government cybersecurity, focusing on tracking individuals and threats

  • Concerned about ransomware attacks harming local companies

  • Although he dislikes computers, he is passionate about international cyber law

  • Focuses on legal boundaries—whether actions in cyberspace break laws

  • Believes skilled hackers are valuable for testing and improving security

  • Career goal is to track and stop cybercriminals

  • Recommends becoming a strong leader, staying organized, and being well-liked

  • Learned quickly after realizing that arrogance holds you back

  • Thinks AI can be trained using code, not just natural language

  • Values relationships with smart, skilled people

  • Says the best cybersecurity professionals are curious, passionate, and persistent

  • Suggests starting with a free CC cybersecurity certification to build skills

Victor Black – Cybersecurity CEO and Industry Leader

  • Runs a cybersecurity company and works with multiple partners

  • Concerned about AI being used to create “ransomware as a service”

  • Sees ethical hacking as a way to improve security and AI safety

  • Defines “zero day” as a security flaw with no current fix or patch

  • Gives example: pulling updates from unverified cloud sources

  • Compares hiring hackers to hiring a burglar to test your home’s security

  • Notes cybersecurity has changed, while outdated tech like Java hasn’t

  • Recommends learning IT basics before jumping into cybersecurity

  • Stresses that people and teamwork are just as important as tech

  • Predicts rapid growth in healthcare IT and AI-focused cybersecurity roles

  • Recommends staying current with new tech trends and threats

Tricia – Cybersecurity in Business and Finance

  • Works in cybersecurity to stop financial data theft and internal threats

  • Has a background in investigating companies that steal data

  • Helps file lawsuits to hold cybercriminals accountable

  • Believes people don’t realize how valuable and vulnerable their data is

  • Supports the use of hackers to test security systems

  • Recommends reading books to build a strong computer foundation

  • Emphasizes learning IT fundamentals before moving into cyber defense

  • Says leadership and business knowledge are important in cybersecurity

  • Encourages blending business skills with technical security knowledge

  • Stresses the need to understand how to secure code

  • Suggests keeping up with global cyber news and trends

  • Advises learning business language to fit in but also stand out in meetings

Reflection

  • Cybersecurity is more important than most people realize

  • It protects personal data, businesses, and national systems

  • Strong cybersecurity experts are curious, up-to-date, hardworking, and great with people

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