“Degrees give you generalists. Focused training gives you employees who can actually do the job.” — William Wright

In this conversation, William Wright, CEO of Closed Door Security, shares his journey from a sysadmin to a chartered pen tester and entrepreneur. He discusses the importance of communication skills in cybersecurity, the challenges of running a business, and the significance of giving back to the community. William emphasizes the need for continuous learning and growth in the field, as well as the unique opportunities and challenges present in the UAE's cybersecurity landscape. He also reflects on his personal interests and the importance of maintaining a work-life balance.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity and Personal Journeys
03:02 Transitioning from Defense to Offensive Security
06:05 Understanding Chartered Pen Testing
09:04 Imposter Syndrome and Professional Recognition
11:48 Learning Methods in Cybersecurity
14:52 The Role of CTFs in Cyber Training
17:28 Communication Skills in Cybersecurity
20:10 Public Speaking and Overcoming Stage Fright
27:24 Embracing the Unexpected in Public Speaking
29:46 The Journey into Entrepreneurship
34:47 Building Closed Door Security: Challenges and Growth
39:57 The Importance of Relationships in Business
44:32 Finding Purpose in Cybersecurity
50:14 The Gap Between Education and Industry Needs
56:23 Leaving a Legacy in Cybersecurity
01:00:43 Creating a Safe Learning Environment in Cybersecurity
01:02:51 Building a Talent Pipeline in Cybersecurity
01:03:42 The Importance of Practical Experience Over Certifications
01:07:38 Understanding the UAE Work Culture
01:10:17 Navigating Job Competition in the UAE
01:13:31 Balancing Work and Personal Life in Cybersecurity
01:16:56 The Passion Behind Building a Business
01:19:27 The Value of Learning from Others
01:21:43 The Challenges of Teaching in Cybersecurity
01:25:41 Closing Remarks and Future Engagement

Takeaways

• William Wright is the CEO of Closed Door Security and has a background in both defensive and offensive security.
• He became a chartered pen tester through a pilot scheme in the UK, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the community.
• Learning in cybersecurity is often self-directed, and practical experience is crucial for growth.
• Communication skills are essential in cybersecurity roles to convey risks to non-technical stakeholders.
• Building a business involves embracing challenges and taking responsibility for the team's success.
• The UAE offers unique opportunities in cybersecurity, but competition is fierce due to a large pool of talent.
• Giving back to the community is a core value for William, who aims to help others in their cybersecurity careers.
• The future of cybersecurity in the UAE involves building relationships and focusing on trust rather than commoditization.
• Personal growth and learning are ongoing processes, and it's important to seek mentorship and guidance.
• William enjoys music, gaming, and spending time with his wife as a way to unwind from the pressures of running a business.

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🔥 “I didn't have a roadmap. I had to figure out threat intelligence by doing the job.” — Renze Jongman

In this conversation, Renze Jongman shares his journey from law enforcement to the world of cybersecurity, detailing his experiences in threat intelligence and the cultural dynamics of working in the UAE.

He discusses the importance of AI in enhancing threat intelligence capabilities through his company, Liberty 91, and emphasizes the need for continuous learning and networking in the cybersecurity field.

Renze also reflects on the challenges and rewards of building a startup in this space, offering valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and cybersecurity professionals.

Get in Touch!
Liberty91.com ([email protected])
Renze Jongman
Nik Mohanlal

Time Stamps

• 00:00 Introduction and Background of Renze
• 00:16 Transition from Law Enforcement to Cybersecurity
• 01:53 The Role of Threat Intelligence in Cybersecurity
• 04:43 The Importance of Coding in Cybersecurity
• 07:39 Cultural Differences in Work Environments
• 10:23 Experiences of Moving to the UAE
• 12:46 Work Culture in Cybersecurity in the UAE
• 15:30 Navigating Office Politics in Cybersecurity
• 17:52 The Reality of Working in Cybersecurity
• 20:46 Personal Journey into Cybersecurity
• 23:41 The Impact of Child Protection Cases on Career Choices
• 25:39 Collaboration with the FBI: Uncovering Suspects
• 27:45 Learning and Skill Development in Cybersecurity
• 30:32 The Importance of Curiosity and Initiative
• 32:44 Finding Balance: Life Outside Cybersecurity
• 34:54 Introducing Liberty 91: A Threat Intelligence Platform
• 38:42 Leveraging AI for Threat Intelligence
• 43:38 Building Liberty 91: The Journey of Entrepreneurship
• 47:17 Future Developments and Accessibility in Threat Intelligence
• 49:34 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs in Cybersecurity

Takeaways

• Renze transitioned from law enforcement to cybersecurity to pursue an international career.
• Threat intelligence is crucial for informed decision-making in cybersecurity.
• Cultural differences play a significant role in the workplace, especially in the UAE.
• AI can enhance threat intelligence by automating data collection and analysis.
• Building a network is essential for success in entrepreneurship and cybersecurity.
• Continuous learning is vital for growth in the cybersecurity field.
• Liberty 91 aims to make threat intelligence accessible and affordable for mid-sized businesses.
• The journey of building a startup involves both product development and marketing efforts.
• AI can help tailor threat intelligence reports for different organizations.
• Maintaining a work-life balance is important for long-term success. 

🔥 “You don’t need to be handed a role — you build into it.” - Joan Vidal

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.

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

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.

🔥 “Recruitment is broken in this region — and juniors feel it the most.” - Anya Shpilman

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.

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

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

Takeaways

• Anya fell into recruitment by chance, but found it rewarding.
• The recruitment process in the UAE is complex and often broken.
• Networking is crucial for success in the cybersecurity field.
• AI is changing the recruitment landscape, but personal connections remain vital.
• Candidates should not take rejection personally; competition is fierce.
• Community support in cybersecurity is invaluable for growth.
• New graduates should seek internships and hands-on experience.
• Personal branding is essential in a crowded job market.
• The job market in the UAE is becoming increasingly competitive.
• Anya plans to expand her cybersecurity services into Saudi Arabia.

🔥“Certifications just tell the world what you know — but they don’t show how you think.”  - Chris Prince

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

🔥“You won’t survive in a SOC if you can’t talk to people.” - Jumaa Alhameli

In the very first episode of CyBytes,  I sit down with Jumaa AlHameli, a L2 SOC Analyst and offensive security enthusiast, to explore how he accidentally got into cybersecurity... starting with a fake cheat that had a keylogger.

We explore various learning approaches, the significance of finding one's path in cybersecurity, and the opportunities available in the UAE's growing cybersecurity landscape.

The conversation also touches on overcoming self-doubt and the need for effective communication in the industry.

Enjoy!

Follow Jumaa here
LinkedIn

Follow Nik here
LinkedIn

Follow CyBytes Podcast
LinkedIn
Instagram
Youtube

Timestamps
00:00 - Introduction to Cybersecurity Enthusiasm
00:58 - Learning Techniques and Approaches in Cybersecurity
04:35 - Finding Your Path: Red Team vs Blue Team
08:40 - The Role of a SOC Analyst: Responsibilities and Challenges
13:47 - The Importance of Mentorship in Cybersecurity
16:06 - Encouraging New Graduates in the Cybersecurity Field
18:28 - Bridging the Gap in Cybersecurity Education
23:24 - Overcoming Self-Doubt and Building Confidence
30:01 - Navigating Career Opportunities in Cybersecurity
36:22 - Innovative Projects in Cybersecurity Training

Takeaways
Cybersecurity offers insights from both beginners and seasoned professionals.
Building a home lab is crucial for practical learning.
Understanding the fundamentals of cybersecurity is essential for growth.
Finding your niche in cybersecurity can be achieved through exploration.
Mentorship plays a vital role in professional development.
UAE is a rapidly growing hub for cybersecurity opportunities.
Self-doubt can be managed by viewing challenges as learning experiences.
Effective communication is key in relaying technical information to non-technical stakeholders.
Passion and monetary goals can coexist in driving career choices.
Engaging in both offensive and defensive security is important for a well-rounded skill set.

CyBytes is a podcast that brings short, bite-sized conversations with individuals who work in cybersecurity across the UAE and the World - beginner or seasoned. 

Who can provide valuable insight and advice, sharing stories and tips for those looking to get a head start in cyber security and tech.

In 15 min episodes you’ll get a chance to learn about what they do, how they got started, methods they use to stay on top of their skills and what keeps them going. As well as providing some actionable insight for those who want to do the same!

Contact: LinkedIn