Favorite Parts of Working in the Cybersecurity Industry as a Head of Cybersecurity
Malia, Head of Cybersecurity & Engineering, thrives on the ever-changing nature of the industry, describing it as a "never-ending game of whack-a-mole" due to the constantly evolving threat landscape and technology. This dynamic environment is complemented by a highly collaborative culture where professionals readily share information, mentorship, and best practices, fostering a supportive network crucial for navigating the complexities of the field.
Problem-Solving, Teamwork, Technology, Communication, Leadership
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Malia Mason
Head of Cybersecurity & Engineering
Commercial Insurance Company
University of Pittsburgh class of 2011
EMBA UCLA class of 2023
International Relations & Affairs
Insurance
Product / Service / Software Development and Management
Disabled, Took Out Loans, Worked 20+ Hours in School, Veteran, LGBTQ, First Generation College Student
Video Highlights
1. The cybersecurity industry is constantly evolving due to emerging threats and technologies, requiring professionals to continuously learn and adapt. This dynamic nature keeps the work engaging and prevents monotony.
2. The field fosters a strong sense of collaboration among professionals, who readily share information, best practices, and advice through various networks and channels. This collaborative environment allows for continuous learning and problem-solving.
3. A broad range of knowledge is needed across various technologies and platforms. Professionals need to be familiar with multiple systems (e.g., cloud providers, operating systems) but don’t need to be experts in every area, highlighting the value of teamwork and information sharing.
Transcript
What do you enjoy most about your industry?
You'll never be bored in your role. If you just want to coast, please don't do cybersecurity. The threat landscape, technology, threat actors, and geopolitical situations all change daily.
For example, you have to research new trends like ChatGPT and understand their implications for cybersecurity. When a ransomware group is taken down, they often re-emerge elsewhere. New malware also presents constant challenges and questions about who is being targeted and why.
It's like a complex, never-ending game of whack-a-mole that keeps you on your toes. Sometimes, going on vacation can be a little stressful because you worry about what you might have missed.
Cybersecurity is a very collaborative industry. Professionals share information regardless of their company or sector. We have a massive network where we exchange knowledge.
Because we're often resource-strapped, we use private Slack channels, groups, and dinners to share best practices, discuss tools, and get opinions on vendors. It's like having a private group where you can ask questions without needing to be the expert in every situation.
We're comfortable admitting we don't know everything. In cybersecurity, you need a broad understanding across multiple technologies, like different cloud providers (Amazon, Google, Azure), operating systems (Linux, Apple, Windows), and more. You can't be an expert in everything.
This is where our network is invaluable. I can ask questions and get advice from others. I don't know of another industry as collaborative as cybersecurity, where people are so willing to share advice, mentorship, and threat intelligence.
They might alert you to new phishing campaigns, for instance. I love that aspect of the cybersecurity industry and wish more industries were as collaborative.