CR113: What It Takes To Be A Leader In Cybersecurity
Panel: Diane M. Janosek, Parnian Najafi, Ambareen Siraj, Abhilasha Bhargav-Spantzel
Moderator: Priyam Biswas
Summary: Participation of women in the Cybersecurity workforce is very low. The panel was well suited to diagnose the key reasons behind the gender gap in cybersecurity from both supply (academia) and demand (industry and government) perspective. In light of impending challenges, our panel will identify key areas to improve in both the sectors to pave the way for the women of cybersecurity professionals.
How many people care about technology and cybersecurity? If we care about technology, we should care about cyber. Our lives would be chaotic if cyber does not exist.
Encouraged audience to watch video — “A Day In Cyber” — summary of a day in modern life when cyber is not working.
What are some qualities/skills to become leaders in cyber?
- Technical competence is important — includes knowledge, skill set and creativity
- (only one panelist answered this question)
Importance of being a mentor or having a mentor?
- Mentors are important but don’t forget about male allies.
- Find someone in your industry
- Its a 2-way conversation. Be thoughtful of where you are going. Explore your strength. Know who you are so that you can have thoughtful conversation with your mentor.
Sense of community
- Crowd source learning is important
- Continuous learning
- Pay if forward and give someone else that flame of knowledge
What are some of the cybersecurity opportunities?
- Field is multi-disciplinary
- Follow what’s going on within the field using social media
Tools that the government sector uses to training people in cyber
- Several tools and learning certificates offered by government to build skill set that focus on education and training
Opportunities for students interested in cyber?
- Start something that’s not there. Start a cybersecurity club.
- Participate in cyber competitions
- Get out of your comfort zone.
Women in Cybersecurity Conference overview
- Opportunity for women and men to
- Oct. 19 deadline for talk, panel, lightening talk at conference
- Some lodging/travel will be paid for those that submit
- Last year 85 companies came to recruit at the career fair
- This will be the 7th conference
Take-Aways for Leadership in Cybersecurity
- Be you and be the BEST of you. You’re best may not be someone else’s best. Think about what makes you uncomfortable and try to conquer it. Try to get the job done and get out of your head. Whatever you are good at, grow it. Whatever you are bad at, work on it so that it won’t hinder your progress.
- Be confident. Don’t be afraid to shine. As women, we tend to deflect compliments. Own your success. Know that you have a place at the table and that you deserve to be there. Don’t be afraid to shine.
- If you are trying to be in leadership, know your goal. Helping out is good, but know the steps that you want to take. With each step ask if it takes you closer to your goal.
- Ask questions and ask for help
What are the basic skills that you need if you are going to cross train to become a cyber professional?
- Basic understanding of an operating system. Understand things that could go wrong. Many paths to take (i.e. pen testers).
- If you are looking for network security, understand some of the tools like WireShark. Understand cyber attack life cycle.
- Books: Certified Ethical Hacker books
- Various online course in cyber.
- Panel members offered additional help to audience members
- Need logical thinking, critical thinking and problem solving skills
- Some fields in cyber do not require technical skills (e.g. Risk Management)
- Stay updated on they cyber landscape. Which threats are prevalent? Understand and know the trends. What’s going on with the international landscape?
