Episode Details

Welcome to this episode of Razorwire, where my guest, Stefania Chaplin, and I jump into the topic of cybersecurity for newbies.

Starting a new career in any industry can be a baptism of fire, but there are definitely certain things that can help you in cybersecurity. Today, we explore the key skills all good cyber recruits should be aware of as well as what constitutes a good security mindset. We highlight three key takeaways from the podcast that will be valuable for not only new recruits, but all cybersecurity professionals.  

We discuss the importance of effective communication with different audiences and how to gain buy-in from team members when implementing security policies.  

We also cover the changing landscape of work in the cybersecurity field, the importance of resilience and positivity in the face of rejection, and the potential consequences of losing credibility in the industry.  

We talk about the benefits of gaining experience and expertise in different areas of cybersecurity and the broad range of roles available beyond technical positions. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights and enhance your skills in the field of cybersecurity. 

I really struggled with it when I started out in my career as a young woman in IT. I was so hesitant and reluctant to make a mistake or to put myself out there because I'm like, but if I put myself out there and then I get it wrong, like my credibility is destroyed. 

Stefania Chaplin 

Listen to this episode on your favourite podcasting platform: https://razorwire.captivate.fm/listen 

In this episode, we covered the following topics: 

• Tips for Security Newbies - Discussing tips for those new to the infosec space, including what to watch out for and what you need to know to progress. 

• Stefania's Journey into Cybersecurity – Stefania tells us about how she fell into the cybersecurity field and how she knew it was for her. 

• Importance of Communication Skills in Cybersecurity – How to improve your communication skills and use them effectively with different teams/levels within the organisation.  

• Understanding Psychology - we discuss the importance of understanding psychology in cybersecurity, including personality types, power dynamics, and how to spot who has the power in a room. 

• Baby Steps: Advice for those new to cybersecurity, including the benefits of taking baby steps, finding bug bounty programmes and learning from your colleagues. 

• How important are certifications? We discuss the pros and cons of certifications vs personal skills, along with identifying your motivations for pursuing certifications, such as for a specific skill or knowledge. 

• Dealing with rejection - we share some tips for dealing with rejection in the job search process. 

• Using LinkedIn to Find a Job - Sharing experience of using LinkedIn to get jobs and build a network in cybersecurity, emphasising the importance of being professional and engaging with industry leaders. 

• Engaging Developers and IT Professionals: - We share some tips for engaging developers and IT professionals in cybersecurity projects. 

• Credibility within the industry – Stefania shares her experience of struggling with credibility as a young woman in the industry and the importance of coaching. 

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