Get in touch!
Joan Vidal - LinkedIn, Instagram
Nik Mohanlal - LinkedIn

Summary
In todays episode, Joan shares his remarkable journey from a curious high school student to a cybersecurity professional in the UAE.

He discusses his early influences, the challenges he faced in transitioning to cybersecurity roles, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career.

Joan emphasizes the importance of curiosity, continuous learning, and the value of certifications in the cybersecurity field.

He also touches on his passion for voice acting and his desire to support the Dominican community in the UAE by sharing valuable information and experiences.

Timestamps

• 00:00 The Journey into Cybersecurity
• 01:40 Early Experiences and Career Development
• 02:20 Transitioning into Cybersecurity Roles
• 04:57 The Impact of Curiosity in Cybersecurity
• 08:10 Facing Challenges and Building Skills
• 10:21 Defining Moments in Cybersecurity
• 13:03 The Thrill of Real-Time Incident Response
• 16:59 Navigating Ransomware Challenges
• 20:31 The Excitement of Cyber Defense
• 22:24 Red Teaming Insights and Community Engagement
• 24:32 The Joy of Incident Response
• 27:29 Bridging Programming and Cybersecurity
• 30:36 The Importance of Community in Cybersecurity
• 31:22 Certifications: A Pathway to Cybersecurity Mastery
• 40:41 The Value of Cybersecurity Certifications
• 43:36 The Shift Towards Practical Cyber Training
• 46:54 Challenges in the Cybersecurity Landscape
• 52:32 Exploring Voice Acting as a Passion
• 58:34 Supporting the Dominican Community in UAE
• 01:05:40 Advice for Aspiring Cybersecurity Professionals

Takeaways

• Joan's journey in cybersecurity began in high school.
• He transitioned from IT support to cybersecurity roles.
• Curiosity drives Joan's passion for investigations in cybersecurity.
• Facing a ransomware incident was a defining moment for him.
• He emphasizes the importance of foundational knowledge in cybersecurity.
• Joan has experience in both red teaming and blue teaming.
• He values certifications like CISSP for career advancement.
• Joan encourages aspiring professionals to apply widely for job opportunities.
• He shares his passion for voice acting and its connection to his acting dreams.
• Joan aims to support the Dominican community in the UAE through knowledge sharing.

Get in touch!
Anya Shpilman - LinkedIn
CyberFused - Youtube
Nik Mohanlal - LinkedIn

Summary
In this episode of CyBytes, I get to interview Anya Shpilman, a recruitment powerhouse in the cybersecurity sector.

We talk about the challenges of recruitment in the UAE, the impact of AI on the hiring process, and the importance of networking and personal branding.

Anya shares her journey into recruitment, the current job market dynamics, and her plans for expanding cybersecurity services in the region.

We go over the significance of community in cybersecurity and offers valuable advice for new graduates entering the field.

Timestamps
00:00 The Evolution of Recruitment Processes
00:43 The Role of AI in Recruitment
01:52 Challenges Faced by Recruiters
05:35 Advice for New Graduates
07:31 The Importance of Personal Branding
10:03 Networking in the Cybersecurity Community
13:16 The Importance of Sharing Knowledge in Cybersecurity
13:47 Navigating Imposter Syndrome in Tech Recruitment
15:54 Transitioning from Recruitment to MSSP Partnerships
17:55 The Evolution of the Cybersecurity Job Market
19:55 Challenges in the UAE Job Market
21:55 The Maturity of Cybersecurity Teams in the UAE
25:37 The Future of Cybersecurity in the Middle East
29:02 Expanding Cybersecurity Services in Saudi Arabia

In this conversation, I get to talk to Chris Prince and we explore his journey into cybersecurity, discussing the transition from computer science, the importance of curiosity and passion in the field, and the challenges faced by cybersecurity professionals.

We delve into the significance of communication skills, the role of certifications, and the perception of cybersecurity within organizations.

Chris shares insights from his experience as a SOC analyst and reflects on the influence of gaming on his career.

The discussion emphasizes the need for continuous learning and the importance of personal branding in the cybersecurity industry.

Enjoy!

Shoot us a DM!

• Nik Mohanlal (LinkedIn)
• Chris Prince (LinkedIn)

Takeaways

• Curiosity drives success in cybersecurity.
• Transitioning from computer science to cybersecurity is common.
• Cybersecurity is often viewed as a money drain by businesses.
• Certifications validate knowledge but are not the only factor for success.
• Communication skills are crucial in cybersecurity roles.
• Job applications require a proactive approach.
• Gaming can enhance teamwork and problem-solving skills.
• Continuous learning is essential in a rapidly changing field.
• Personal branding on platforms like LinkedIn is important.
• The perception of cybersecurity roles needs to improve within organizations.

Chapters

• 00:42 The Journey into Cybersecurity: From Gaming to Protection
• 00:51 The Importance of Passion in Cybersecurity
• 00:51 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Cybersecurity
• 01:41 Communication: The Key to Success in Cybersecurity
• 04:32 The Role of Experience in Cybersecurity Careers
• 07:38 The Communication Gap in IT
• 08:29 Understanding the Negatives of Cybersecurity Roles
• 11:12 Changing Perceptions of Cybersecurity
• 13:56 The Role of Certifications in Cybersecurity Careers
• 15:29 Navigating the Job Market in UAE
• 20:15 Leveraging LinkedIn for Career Growth
• 27:07 Curiosity as a Driving Force in Cybersecurity
• 30:22 The Importance of Curiosity and Intrinsic Motivation
• 32:19 Navigating Career Paths in Cybersecurity
• 33:46 The Role of Personal Experiences in Professional Growth
• 35:41 Transitioning Roles in Cybersecurity
• 37:04 Gaming and Its Impact on Personal Development
• 43:13 The Interconnection of Skills Across Disciplines
• 44:17 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations