About the Guest:

Ryan Pullen is a cybersecurity expert based in the UK who specializes in offensive cybersecurity pathways. With a unique entry into the field through a job found on Gumtree, Ryan has carved a formidable career that moved from defensive roles into offensive cybersecurity and later involved in adversarial simulations and penetration testing. He has extensive experience in incident response and has worked on notable projects, including those in collaboration with Stripe OLT, where he is now a board member. Ryan has been instrumental in the evolution of cybersecurity since the mid-2000s, bringing a wealth of knowledge, especially in SOC operations and Microsoft security practices.

Episode Summary:

In this enlightening episode of the Philip Wylie show, Ryan Pullen joins the podcast to share his extensive journey and insights in the cybersecurity world. Ryan delves into the progression of cybersecurity practices over the past decade and offers invaluable advice to those looking to start or advance in the industry. From discussing the importance of networking to the nuances of job hunting in the cyber sector, Ryan provides a rich overview of technical and career-developing strategies.

Ryan emphasizes how persistence and self-improvement play crucial roles in both penetrating the cybersecurity job market and excelling within the field. He illustrates this point through his own 'hacker origin story', showcasing the benefits of seizing the right opportunities and the importance of continuous learning and networking. Additionally, the conversation covers resources for aspiring SOC analysts and the value of understanding an offensive cybersecurity mindset even in defensive roles. The takeaway is clear – whether you're stepping into red teaming, SOC operations, or pen testing, embracing an inquisitive attitude and expanding your network are key.

Key Takeaways:

The pathway to a cybersecurity career is varied, and taking opportunities as they come can be pivotal in finding success.

Networking is vital in the cybersecurity industry, as personal connections often lead to job opportunities and growth.

Understanding challenges from an offensive cybersecurity mindset is beneficial for roles across the security spectrum.

For those looking to enter the field, platforms like TryHackMe, HackTheBox, and Let's Defend offer valuable hands-on experiences.

Becoming a public speaker in the cybersecurity realm can open up new opportunities and serve as an effective way to give back to the community.

Notable Quotes:

"Networking is key, especially for people trying to get their foot on the ladder."

"My journey starts with, well, I was playing with this and this was interesting to me and I didn't want to put it down."

"The more you do anything, the better you're going to get."

"For anyone looking to start, have a go at all of the online kind of labs and free tools."

Resources:

LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-pullen/)

TryHackMe (https://tryhackme.com)

HackTheBox (https://www.hackthebox.eu)

Let's Defend (https://www.letsdefend.io/)

Kusto Detective Agency (https://detective.kusto.io/)