Post by Guest writer Heide Young
Connecting
….these are the core values of AWSN and the standards of the members.
That might sound a bit cheesy and like an opportunity to sell you on AWSN, but
let me tell you my story…
A few years ago I started paying attention to news articles about
how this company or that company was breached by hackers. It occurred to me
that I am so dependant on technology, it’s pretty much attached to every aspect
of my life and my home…even my home security is online and assessable from my
mobile. And then it occurred to me that I have no idea how to keep all my and
my family’s valuable information secure.
I wanted to learn how hackers hacked. My thought process was if I
knew how they could ‘break in’ then I could secure it.
Now let’s back it up a minute…you should know I come from absolutely
no technical background. Even my husband used to joke that I went from never
backing up my tech gear to learning to hack haha ….so in my usual mindset to start
with the end in mind, but I’m too impatient and tried to rush the process,
which meant enrolling in CEH. I gave it a good go and it was eye opening all
the tools and techs and how ‘easy’ it was to just download your hacking program
of choice and voila off you go. Which scared the crap out of me even more!
I joined AWSN and started getting more involved in the Cyber
Security community and was in awe of all the knowledge I was absorbing at every
event and meetup. Now I have been to a ridiculous amount of full on technical,
hacking, CTF meetups and I try, really try, but they are on another level. But
everyone is so welcoming and excited by the challenge to explain it in layman
terms for me J I feel like a kid learning new tricks at the playground every time
I learn a little more on cyber security.
For me it’s all about learning to keep myself and my family secure
and making it relatable to everyday life.
Now going back to me not being technical, my career has been
relationship management and business development focused. I was fortunate
enough to combine my career skills with my cyber security passion, taking on
growing Greythorn recruitment’s cyber security capabilities. I was even more
fortunate to have one-ups and two-ups who were the kind of people every
professional dreams of reporting to.
I’m a full-time working mom, and I think it’s important to share
that I didn’t experience discrimination till I became a mom. To be perfectly
honest, I don’t think I fully understood the real meaning of feminism till I
experienced discrimination. It was a very hard time and I cannot begin to
explain how it affected my and my family’s life. Lucky for me I have an
encouraging husband, who’s advice I finally listened to and left.
Since then, it has been my focus to assist others who are in
difficult career situations by either advising or connecting them with other
professional who can better advise.
AWSN membership base is incredibly diverse, both women and men, some
parents, some not, experienced working professionals, and new grads. They span
from technical to non-technical professions from entry level to CISO level. It
is such an amazing way to connect with people.
For me, it has helped me personally and professionally by expanding
my knowledge and growing my cyber security network. I have previously talked
about from recruitment perspective women need a bit more encouragement and confidence
to just go for it, even when don’t tick all the boxes – and I’m including
myself in that statement. AWSN members have given me opportunities to have more
confidence and just go for it, even when I didn’t have it in myself. I still
remember a particular pep talk from a female member, and anytime I hesitate I
remember her words of encouragement, empowering me to believe in myself and go
for it. Because I listened to this wise woman and went for it, what it has done
for my career has been phenomenal.
I recently relocated to Dubai, which was quite daunting at first, as
I didn’t have many contacts here. However, as soon as I told AWSN members,
nearly everyone had helpful advice and even referred me to people in their
networks in Dubai as well as cyber security groups in the area. I was
overwhelmed with the amount of support from AWSN members.
This wonderful amazing group of cyber security professionals is an
incredible platform for empowering women through connecting, supporting,
collaborating and inspiring.
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| (c) AWSN 2018 |
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author/s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organisation or association.
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