2024-12-14 –, Rookie track 1
This engaging presentation highlights the unique journey of a non-technical professional – a lawyer turned cybersecurity enthusiast – breaking into the field. Drawing from personal experiences including founding the Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) Surrey Chapter, winning a social engineering competition sponsored by the Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), and gaining hands-on experience in Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) as an MSc student, she offers actionable insights for those looking to transition into cybersecurity. This session aims to simplify the path to cybersecurity for individuals without a traditional tech background, emphasising the importance of networking, community organisations, and hands-on experience in facilitating this transition while highlighting the common challenges faced and strategic approaches to overcome them. Whether you're contemplating a career change or looking to diversify your security team, this session offers valuable insights into the power of non-traditional backgrounds in strengthening the cybersecurity workforce.
This 15-minute presentation aims to inspire and guide non-technical individuals who want to pursue a career in cybersecurity. With the cybersecurity industry facing a significant skills gap, there is a need for diverse perspectives in addressing growing security challenges.
Key points to be covered include:
1) The speaker's journey from a non-technical background to cybersecurity, including overcoming common challenges faced by career-changers.
2) The value of diverse perspectives in cybersecurity and how non-technical backgrounds can be an asset in the field.
3) The role of communities in skill development and networking, highlighting experiences as a WiCyS (Women in CyberSecurity) Surrey chapter leader.
4) The importance of participating in cybersecurity competitions and how they contribute to practical skill-building.
5) Strategies for utilising conferences and networking events to secure work experiences, such as the speaker's CTI opportunity.
6) Practical advice for building a foundation in cybersecurity, including resources, learning paths, and key focus areas for beginners.
The presentation will be particularly valuable for:
Professionals considering a career change into cybersecurity
Hiring managers looking to diversify their security teams
Current cybersecurity professionals interested in mentoring newcomers
By highlighting the speaker's experiences with the Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) Surrey Chapter, success in a CISA-hosted competition, and work in Cyber Threat Intelligence, this talk demonstrates how non-traditional paths can lead to meaningful contributions in cybersecurity.
Yes
Egonna Anaesiuba-Bristol has recently completed her MSc in Cybercrime and Cybersecurity, successfully pivoting from over five years of experience in Law into the dynamic world of cybersecurity. Her unique background brings a fresh perspective to the industry, blending legal expertise with advanced technical knowledge.
Currently, she is enhancing her practical skills through a cybersecurity internship with Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS), where she also serves as the founder and student chapter leader for the WiCyS Surrey Chapter. This dual role highlights her commitment to both professional growth and promoting diversity and inclusion in the field.
Her journey into cybersecurity has been marked by notable achievements, including winning a social engineering competition hosted by the Cybersecurity Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). She has also gained valuable experience in Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI), further expanding her skill set, and giving her valuable insights into the practical aspects of the field.
Drawing on her legal background and emerging cybersecurity expertise, she is passionate about guiding professionals through career transitions into the tech industry. She emphasizes the value of transferable skills, community engagement, and hands-on experience, demonstrating how individuals from non-technical backgrounds can make meaningful contributions to cybersecurity.
Her journey exemplifies the potential for diverse perspectives to tackle emerging challenges in the field, enriching the industry with unique insights and approaches.