Getting Into Infosec

Hey folks, I'll be at DEF CON in Vegas this year! Would love to see you all there! https://twitter.com/JackRhysider/status/1686785376327987200 https://www.miscreants.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Journey into Cybersecurity and OSCP Certification with Rana Khalil This episode features Rana Khalil, a Senior Cybersecurity Assessment Analyst with a rich background in pen-testing, especially in the financial sector. Rana shares her non-traditional entry into technology, starting with a dislike for her first laptop and phone, transitioning from biochemistry to a math degree, and eventually finding a passion in computer science, leading her to cryptography and cybersecurity. Her academic journey includes significant work in cryptography, under the tutelage of Carlisle Adams, and a master’s project on web application vulnerability scanners. Rana discusses her motivation and relentless pursuit of the OSCP certification, highlighting the importance of hands-on experience, teaching, and documenting the learning process through write-ups. She also conveys the value of previous experience in related fields, the significance of specializing and pacing in learning, and shares insights into her career progression, including valuable advice for people aspiring to enter the cybersecurity field. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Background 01:47 Rana's Journey into Cybersecurity 02:45 Rana's Early Interest in Mathematics and Cryptography 05:47 Transition into Computer Science and Web Security 10:52 Master's Research on Web Application Vulnerability Scanners 13:02 First Security Job and the Impact of Public Speaking 15:11 Journey to the OSCP Certification 17:36 The Value of Self-Study and Accountability 18:53 Reflections on the OSCP Experience 20:59 Understanding the OCP Exam 21:13 The Importance of Lab Time 22:18 The Value of Documenting Your Journey 22:49 Introduction to the OSWE Certification 25:07 The Role of Experience in Security 25:16 The Life of a Security Professional 25:25 The Importance of Specialization in Security 26:24 The Value of Previous Experience in Security 29:55 The Challenges and Rewards of Pen Testing 30:43 The Balance of Work and Personal Time in Security 34:58 The Importance of Focusing on One Area in Security 37:07 The Importance of Understanding Source Code 38:11 Final Thoughts and Advice

Norman Weekes is on the Security Operations Team at Salesforce. He is in charge of scanning their infrastructure and ensuring that everything is set up and operating properly. Norman already spent almost a year in the information security world. This is also his first official full-time security job. After going through different job contracts, he believes that if everything's shut down early, there's no reason not to just get in a good routine and go after whatever certification or whatever job you want. This episode will undoubtedly inspire and assist job contractors who are considering a career in the information security world. LINKS Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/normanjr/ Intro Music: https://trash80.com/#/content/133/weeklybeats-2012-week5 Security and Privacy Framework: iapp.org Full Show Notes: https://www.gettingintoinfosec.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Niru Ragupathy is a Security Engineer at Google and works as the Offensive Security Lead and manages part of the Offensive Security Team. She is currently the Tech Lead Manager. Niru sees managing as a challenging, interesting ride yet undervalued skill. She also considers it rewarding although it demands the investment of both time and effort. She believes that it is important to start leading and take things slowly but not take the decision lightly. Having planned on taking Biotech in College but being persuaded by her parents, she was thrust to take on Computer Sciences since it has greater demands in society. In the face of her struggles, Niru has found her sense of belongingness in security management. This episode will surely encourage and benefit Engineers who struggle in transitioning on management. LINKS Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/niru-ragupathy-99078233 Intro Music: https://trash80.com/#/content/133/weeklybeats-2012-week5 Security and Privacy Framework: iapp.org Full Show Notes: https://www.gettingintoinfosec.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Gates is a Lead IT Security Operations Analyst for a global food brand. John has always liked to know how do things work - and that has proven to be a beneficial trait - from his first job as a car mechanic to IT consultancy and education to his current role. He’s also an advisor and former board member at OpsecEdu, an organization educating technologists in state, local, and education agencies on security best practices. LINKS Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johngates/ OpsecEdu: https://www.opsecedu.com/ Intro Music: https://trash80.com/#/content/133/weeklybeats-2012-week5 Full Show Notes: https://www.gettingintoinfosec.com/john-gates-from-car-mechanic-to-lead-security-analyst/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Samantha Cowan is the Head of Compliance at HackerOne. She's the former Director of Compliance at OneLogin and former Security Engineer at CoverHound, Cyber Policy, and Zenefits. Sam initially perceived Infosec as an "unhappy job", but later found herself taking her MBA and paving her way into the security industry. Despite having her master's degree, she was not an exemption to facing rejections when applying for cybersecurity. Her episode is mind-blowing as she shares how you can break into boundaries by being confident in yourself and by not compromising to being seen as a token hire. LINKS https://www.linkedin.com/in/samanthacowan/https://trash80.com/#/content/133/weeklybeats-2012-week5iapp.org ---------------------------------------------- Follow @coffeewithayman on Twitter for more For more information check out: gettingintoinfosec.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Betsy Bevilacqua is the current VP of Information Security at Chainalysis. Initially, she had her mind set on law school until she did a self-audit and realized that she enjoyed computers and tech much more. Her journey into infosec led her to move from Kenya to the US to obtain a degree in Security and explore various companies involved in academia, food and facilities, healthcare, telephone communications, and finance to more traditional tech. Her interview is full of advice for those looking to break in and those already in infosec.Computer Links, Detailed Show Notes, and Transcript: https://gettingintoinfosec.com/betsy See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dr. Eric Cole is an accomplished cybersecurity hacker and executive advisor. His career has been a mix of sixth-sense chance encounters and wisdom/foresight of the future. His uncanny ability to see the opportunity in cybersecurity combined with the wisdom to listen to those smarter than him is why he is where he is today. His interview is chock full of poignant advice and tips. Dr. Eric Cole also has a creative side to him: he's a musician. He was a French horn player before and now, he's a drummer. He's known as the Tommy Lee of Cybersecurity. Eric Cole's Quick List of Advice Quotes Getting Into Infosec Other episodes, transcripts, a career guide to Getting Into Infosec: https://gettingintoinfosec.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lisa Jiggetts knew from an early age that she was going to be in tech and cyber. A navy veteran who started off as a cook, she always found herself gravitating towards technology. She is also the Founder & Board of Director of the Women’s Society of Cyberjutsu, a non-profit that is dedicated to increasing the opportunities and advancement for women in cybersecurity. Check out her journey into the cybersecurity field. Notes Quotes Links https://twitter.com/lisajiggettshttps://trash80.com/#/content/133/weeklybeats-2012-week5https://womenscyberjutsu.org/ Getting Into Infosec https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N15GTPC/https://gettingintoinfosec.com/shop/https://gettingintoinfosec.com/subscribehttps://twitter.com/coffeewithaymanhttps://twitter.com/getintoinfosechttps://www.instagram.com/coffeewithayman/https://community.gettingintoinfosec.com/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eric Strom is the Unit Chief of the Mission Critical Engagement Unit, Cyber Division. In this role, Mr. Strom oversees the FBI Cyber Division’s private sector outreach efforts to the 16 critical infrastructure sectors, forging partnerships with companies in those sectors to develop and share threat intelligence related to activities by sophisticated criminal organizations as well as nation-state actors. Notes Quotes "Now, it's funny. None of us really had a traditional cyber background. Tom started out his career as a geologist, and Keith actually started out selling, like, furniture. He was a salesman." "But, I mean, from the legal standpoint, you've got third-party liability and other things. So we really had to walk a kind of a tight rope when it came to what types of malware we were infecting ourselves with. And then how far we'd let it go." "And so as we're taking it over, it was really interesting to sit behind one of the malware analysts and watch a Wireshark and watch the instructions coming out. I crossed the wire. It was really cool. And when it really kind of sunk in, because to me, it was like a tangible thing. I can actually see it happening as it was going on." "It's (cybersecurity) probably the most rewarding thing you'll ever do in your life." Links https://www.fbi.gov/https://trash80.com/#/content/133/weeklybeats-2012-week5https://freemusicarchive.org/music/KieLoKaz/Free_Ganymed/Alte_Herren_Kielokaz_ID_364 Getting Into Infosec Breaking IN: A Practical Guide to Starting a Career in Information Security: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N15GTPC/ T-Shirts, Mugs, and more: https://gettingintoinfosec.com/shop/ Stay in touch and sign up for sneak peeks, updates, and commentary: https://gettingintoinfosec.com/subscribe Ayman on Twitter: https://twitter.com/coffeewithayman See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Gabriel Agboruche (@ICS_Gabe) is a senior ICS and OT cybersecurity consultant, helping organizations solve their most challenging industrial control security problems. And that was a mouthful, but that's what he does. His journey's unique one, and almost didn't happen. Notes Quotes Links @ICS_GabeICS with Gabe PodcastDarknet Diaries Triton EpisodeAn Episode with Jack Rhysider Getting Into Infosec Info https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N15GTPC/https://gettingintoinfosec.com/shop/https://gettingintoinfosec.com/subscribehttps://twitter.com/coffeewithayman See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lisa Jiggetts is the founder of the Women's Society Of Cyberjutsu. After recording, we continued talking and the topic of salary negotiations came up. It was so good I started recording again. This topic is super important. I have seen both experienced and inexperienced people make these mistakes. Links https://www.thebalancecareers.com/what-can-employers-say-about-former-employees-2059608https://twitter.com/lisajiggettshttps://twitter.com/Zavala_CyberSN/status/1294398519994773505 Getting Into Infosec https://gettingintoinfosec.com/askhttps://gettingintoinfosec.comhttps://twitter.com/coffeewithaymanhttps://gettingintoinfosec.com/bookhttps://gettingintoinfosec.com/list See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's episode features a story that was sent to me by a listener. He reached out to me on LinkedIn, telling me of his success story posted on Reddit. This is the audio version. I think you're going to be really interested in what he had to say. He talks about his struggles and what he went through in his journey to Information Security. Original Reddit post: https://www.reddit.com/r/ITCareerQuestions/comments/fw44sg/career_change_success_story_starting_my_first/ Getting Into Infosec Links: https://gettingintoinfosec.com/: https://breakingintoinfosec.com/https://twitter.com/coffeewithayman See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Transcript Hey everyone… So, as if this time was not hard enough as it was with Covid, the American Black community has been affected yet again. It's difficult to post motivating content while so many are feeling a sense of outrage and so much going on. So I'm going to pause, slow down, or at least take into consideration the posting of new content during this period. Of course, people still need to work, so I can't stop completely, and I do have episodes coming down the pipe. There's a personal story I want to share related to this. A friend and I were driving once, but he realized he left his wallet at home, which had his driver's license. I said, "Not a big deal. They can just look you up if you get pulled over." He then looked at me, and I then figured it out: he's black. It hit me then how privileged of a life I had. It then hit me how scary driving while back really is. I may not be white, Christian, and from the suburbs, but I'm not black and male. I may not have the best things to say at this moment, but I realize staying silent isn't an option. I don't have a TV, and I'm not on Twitter often, but the little I did see made me realize silence or status quo is almost as bad. Diversity and inclusion are an integral part of this podcast. I've never called it out as I just wanted my lineup to speak for itself. Many of my guests are black. For the longest time, it was rare to see a brown or black person at a security conference. It was quite lonely. For listeners outside of the US, please try to empathize with whatever social divide you have in your country. It could be the religious minority in your country, the darker-skinned, those of a "lower" social caste, the poor, or whomever it may be. There are always those that are marginally suppressed or oppressed. So…. I stand with the Black community against racism, violence, and hate. Now, more than ever, we must support one another as allies and speak up for justice and equality. #BlackLivesMatter ****************************************** Website: https://gettingintoinfosec.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/coffeewithayman See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hello! Wanted to let you know I'm creating daily (almost) videos on YouTube called Getting Into Infosec BITES: https://www.youtube.com/c/gettingintoinfosec Please like, subscribe, and spread the word. The best thing you can do to support this media is to spread the word and let others know. Thanks! Links: http://gettingintoinfosec.com/http://breakingintoinfosec.com/https://twitter.com/coffeewithayman See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kavya Pearlman is an award-winning cybersecurity professional with a deep interest in immersive and emerging technologies. Kavya is the founder of the non-profit XR Safety Initiative (XRSI). XRSI is the first global effort to promote privacy, security, ethics, and develop standards and guidelines for Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, and Mixed Reality (VR/AR/MR), collectively known as XR. Kavya is constantly exploring new technologies to solve current cybersecurity challenges. Quotes: Links: https://twitter.com/KavyaPearlmanhttps://www.xrsi.org/https://twitter.com/carolinewmwonghttps://twitter.com/Steve_Hunt Getting Into Infosec: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N15GTPC/https://gettingintoinfosec.com/shop/https://pages.gettingintoinfosec.com/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are in the middle of a worldwide pandemic (COVID-19), a recession is here, a depression might be coming, and everyone is remote! Everything has changed. What can you do? How can you find a job in these crazy times? What are the challenges? How can you make yourself valuable? What's going through the company or hiring manager's mind? Please share or leave an awesome review if you found this helpful. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Syntax, an internal pentester for a large organization, had an interesting ride into infosec, filled with pitstops, detours, and countersteering along the way. At an early age, he was influenced by his father, got started hacking, and was wrongfully arrested for reporting a vulnerability in his High School. Hear his exciting journey into infosec, filled with life lessons. Shownotes Quotes Links https://twitter.com/syntax976http://dczia.net/https://www.queercon.org/http://patientzero.bandcamp.com Getting Into Infosec https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N15GTPC/https://gettingintoinfosec.com/shop/ https://pages.gettingintoinfosec.com/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These are quick hallway conversations with recent graduates discussing the difficulties they've faced in their job search. I did not know any of these people before interviewing, and it's the first time I'm asking them these questions. This was recorded at RSA Conference 2020. Getting Into Infosec: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N15GTPC/https://gettingintoinfosec.com/shop/https://pages.gettingintoinfosec.com/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These are quick hallway conversations with recent graduates discussing the difficulties they've faced in their job search. I did not know any of these people before interviewing, and it's the first time I'm asking them these questions. This was recorded at RSA Conference 2020. Getting Into Infosec: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07N15GTPC/https://gettingintoinfosec.com/shop/https://pages.gettingintoinfosec.com/subscribe See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.