National Cybersecurity Month was founded on October 2004 by the National Cyber Security Alliance and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Back then, I was in my Senior Year of college and wasn’t thinking about cybersecurity. Fast forward to the present and I am more engaged in this field. National Cybersecurity Month isn’t about updating patches and anti-viruses on our devices. This field has evolved from continuing education, research, latest threats and vulnerabilities, to new careers and opportunities. The month of October is more than just Ghosts and Goblins. A lot of cybersecurity related conferences take place in October.
Throughout 2019, I’ve missed several opportunities regarding conferences and events. I said that I won’t make the mistake and miss another opportunity regarding my career. Recently, I’ve had the opportunity to attend EC-Council Hacker Halted Conference in Atlanta, GA. One of their biggest sponsors for the event is IBM. Known for the Watson, IBM provided scholarships to women and veterans for the two-day event. A lot of well-respected speakers and organizations attended the event. There’s a huge push for Women in Cybersecurity (WiCys) as well as continuing education. Two organizers that are women focused WiCys and Women in Cyberjutsu (WSC) were at the event. Women in Cybersecurity (WiCys) has started an affiliated chapter in Atlanta along with WSC. In this field, you must be willing to embark on continuing education. Certifications are very critical in this industry. I’ve mastered a few respected certifications while others I’m still attempting to slay the beast. From the conference, I’ve learned that resilience is the key in order to becoming successful in the industry. Your NETWORK will determine your NET WORTH in all phases of your career. I’ve had more connections from my cybersecurity/technology connections than being in the Biological Sciences.
We are more than just a number or rather a statistic in the status quo. We see on the news that there’s a shortage of people in cybersecurity. Organizations are pushing for more women in STEM related careers in order to meet the inclusion and diversity metrics. What are we doing to retain women in STEM related fields like cybersecurity? I’ve wrestled if I wanted to quit and succumb to the thoughts of failures and becoming a low-class worker that was engaged on a non-stem related industry. The more I kept listening to the outside noise, the fire and passion continued to resonate to keep going and not quitting your passion. This field wants someone to be passionate, determined, and a force to be reckoned with. However, in order to become the force, you must be willing to humble yourself to your lowest point. I’ve heard the naysayers to become extremely critical over my resume and saying that I am not cut out for the field. I’ve answered questions to several people regarding my change in jobs or willing to relocate. You must be willing to take the positives along with the negatives. I’ve never said that I’ve had it easy. I’ve been on academic probation from my first degree for 3 years, unemployed 6 times in IT, failed several certifications including the CISSP twice, I’ve had my share of disappointments and still managed to keep going. I have sought some mentors and they have failed me time again. Because of this, I am my own guidance counselor and must research what is best for me and my interest in the industry. I refuse to be like others to not having the will to learn something new and continue in the same role for 40+ years. A field like Cybersecurity, Cloud, Network Security, AI, the world is endless for new adventures.
I’ve dealt with people in two organizations to tell me that I’m not capable of doing technology, possessing the leadership, or needing cybersecurity monitoring but I’ve managed to have a website and participated in podcasts. I took a risk and became vulnerable by posting my resume and received a lot of feedback, reshared the resume and paying it forward, for this I say Thank You. I’ve gained and lost some peers in this industry. People are quick to say I’m thinking about you or saying rhetoric things that will pacify things, but they won’t understand the daily struggles. In life, people don’t need to know your situation let alone obtaining the validation you need in order to gaining the approval of others. Everybody has a story on how they have become successful. It’s not about the money when it comes to the career because money doesn’t provide you happiness.
I’ve heard great speakers from Hacker Halted. People like Joe Gray, Keith Turpin, Tyrone E. Wilson, and Marcelle Lee. Each one shared their stories on how they have embarked the industry. If you need to obtain a degree or certification for your career, DO IT! People start their careers at different ages of their life. Although we live as though it’s a competition, we are the ones that will determine the outcome of the race.
I leave you with this poem:
See It Through
When you’re up against a trouble,
Meet it squarely, face to face;
Lift your chin and set your shoulders,
Plant your feet and take a brace.
When it’s vain to try to dodge it,
Do the best that you can do;
You may fail, but you may conquer,
See it through!
Black may be the clouds about you
And your future may seem grim,
But don’t let your nerve desert you;
Keep yourself in fighting trim.
If the worst is bound to happen,
Spite of all that you can do,
Running from it will not save you,
See it through!
Even hope may seem but futile,
When with troubles you’re beset,
But remember you are facing
Just what other men have met.
You may fail, but fall still fighting;
Don’t give up, whate’er you do;
Eyes front, head high to the finish.
See it through!
For more information, please visit the following links:
https://www.secureworldexpo.com/industry-news/who-started-national-cybersecurity-awareness-month
https://www.cnbc.com/2019/11/01/jobs-companies-need-cybersecurity-workers-as-attacks-intensify.html
Welcome to ACWCYBERANG
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44318/see-it-through
Cybersecurity Jobs Report: 3.5 Million Unfilled Positions In 2025
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