Extra Credit - Cyber Security Panel

• 4 min read

Cybersecurity Landscape

What Are Some of the Biggest Cybersecurity Threats Today and How Can We Prevent Them?

  • Ransomware
    Encrypts data and demands payment for decryption.
    Prevention: Regular backups, endpoint protection, training, incident response plans.

  • Data Theft
    Involves stealing personal information, proprietary designs, and intellectual creations.
    Prevention: Use encryption, access controls, secure storage, and monitoring tools.

  • AI-Powered Threats
    AI is being used for spreading ransomware and redistributing malicious content.
    Prevention: Use AI-driven defense systems, monitor for misuse, implement ethical AI safeguards.

  • Phishing
    Targets users with deceptive emails or messages. Even experienced individuals fall for it.
    Prevention: User education, phishing simulations, secure email gateways.

  • Zero-Day Vulnerabilities
    These are unpatched security flaws with no current fix.
    Example: Microsoft cloud updates pushing unchecked code.
    Prevention: Threat detection systems, code reviews, zero-day mitigation tools.

  • Shortage of Ethical Hackers
    We need more white-hat hackers to test and secure systems proactively.

How Do Ethical Hackers Help Organizations? What Are Some Ethical Concerns?

  • Ethical hacking is like testing your home’s security by hiring a real burglar.
  • They identify weaknesses and prevent real attacks.

Benefits:

  • Strengthen security
  • Comply with regulations
  • Prevent breaches

Ethical Concerns:

  • Respecting privacy
  • Avoiding unauthorized access
  • Risks of backdoors being misused

Career Opportunities

How Did You Get Into This Field?

  • Cybersecurity was seen as the future of technology.
  • Gained interest through international and domestic opportunities (e.g., Quantico).
  • Learned through hands-on experience and certifications.
  • Belief: Anyone can learn cybersecurity with commitment.

What Should Students Do Now to Get Into Cybersecurity?

  • Build a solid foundation in IT and CS.
  • Develop soft skills: be likable, trustworthy, and collaborative.
  • Be curious, passionate, and technically capable.
  • Build and test your own networks (ethically).
  • Get internships and real-world experience.
  • Learn from real-world scenarios and case studies.

What Was the Biggest Obstacle You Faced?

  • Business communication: Convincing leaders to invest in cybersecurity.
  • Lack of background: Entering the field without formal training.
  • Limited resources: Accomplishing goals with fewer people/tools.

Future of Cybersecurity

  • Increased Specialization (e.g., healthcare IT).
  • AI: May replace some roles, but also help defend.
  • Growing threats from skilled foreign actors.
  • Cybersecurity will become a priority for all organizations, not just large ones.
  • Many still don’t know how to secure code.

How Do Cybersecurity Professionals Stay Ahead?

  • Stay up to date on threats, tools, and industry news.
  • Read regularly and follow global developments.
  • Build a strong professional network—they can teach you, collaborate, and connect you to jobs.
  • Think like a sports team—collaboration is key to success.

Getting Started in Cybersecurity

  • Recommended Certifications:
    • ISC² Certified in Cybersecurity (CC)
    • CompTIA A+
    • CompTIA Network+
    • CompTIA Security+
  • Understand the bridge between theory and application. Too much theory can stall progress.
  • Zero-day exploits move fast—be prepared to act.

Final Thoughts

  • Teamwork matters—you won’t always like everyone, but collaboration is essential.
  • Cybersecurity is evolving—stay curious, stay connected.

key learnings, personal takeaways, what u got out of this

  • Cybersecurity is everywhere — from major corporations to small businesses, everyone needs it. The threat landscape is evolving rapidly with ransomware, phishing, AI-based attacks, and 0-day vulnerabilities.
  • People are still the weakest link — even experienced professionals fall for phishing. This shows the importance of continual education and awareness.
  • Ethical hackers are essential — like hiring a burglar to test your home security, organizations need ethical hackers to find and fix weaknesses before real attackers do.
  • Soft skills matter just as much as technical ones — being likable, curious, and collaborative can open doors and help build trust when advocating for security investments.
  • You don’t need a traditional background — many professionals came into cybersecurity from unrelated fields or without formal degrees. What matters most is passion, adaptability, and a willingness to learn.
  • Certifications help — foundational certs like A+, Network+, and Certified Cybersecurity (ISC2) are great entry points.
  • Build your own digital footprint — create, break, and rebuild your own systems to learn hands-on. Internships, real-world projects, and networking will take you far.
  • The future is specialized — expect more focused roles in areas like healthcare IT, secure software, and threat intelligence.
  • Always stay in the loop — cybersecurity pros read constantly, learn from their network, and adapt to new threats like a tight-knit sports team.
  • You’ll face obstacles — whether it’s lack of resources, skeptical execs, or team conflicts, being able to communicate clearly and push forward is key.
  • It is important to put yourself out there and to contantly improve your skills. This includes technical and soft skills.