Michael Balatzis, CISM

Workshops and conferences offer many opportunities to learn, such as networking, industry trends, and gaining insights. You can meet the key players in the industry, connect with people who share your interests, and participate in volunteering or speaking at workshops or conferences. LinkedIn, professional organizations such as ISACA, ISSA, CSA, CXO and ISC2 are some of the ways to get involved with workshops and conferences. Conferences such as RSA, BlackHat, InfoSec World, DEFCON, BSides are some of the bigger ones, but there are many others. Remember to check their dates, locations, and registration details. Attending these conferences will increase your knowledge and broaden your professional network.

Juggling learning new skills while managing your current job responsibilities can be challenging, but it’s not impossible. To learn new skills while doing your job, set a clear goal to stay focused. Choose times to learn and stick to them. Lunch breaks, evenings, or weekends may work. Use online resources like Coursera, edX, or LinkedIn Learning. Watch someone who is good at what you want to learn. Shadowing can lead to mentors. Join projects or activities that match your learning goals. Practice what you’ve learned. Read industry blogs, articles, and books. Keep up with trends and best practices. Start small and be consistent. You’ll get better at new skills over time!

I love mentoring people new to cybersecurity. I've done it many times in my career. To give effective feedback, listen and give useful advice. Don't delay feedback. It can lose its effect. Remember, positive feedback helps growth and motivates colleagues. Feedback matters for everyone not just those who are new to Cybersecurity. Everyone can improve, no one is perfect. Use every opportunity to grow and improve, be willing to accept and give feedback. Always try to foster a culture of open communication and feedback. Cybersecurity is a team sport we are all in this together!!

In my experience dealing with budgets or asking for more money can be challenging, but you can protect your organization without sacrificing security. Protect critical assets and spend your budget where it matters most. Focus on high-risk areas to save costs. Outsourcing some tasks or using managed security services can give you expert help and advanced technology without big investment. You can comply with industry standards and lower risks by working together within budget limits. Remember, good cybersecurity isn't just about technology—it's also about smart use of resources and choices.

Nothing beats real world experience!! You can apply what you learned in class to real cybersecurity projects. Whether it’s finding threats, analyzing data, or creating security tools, practical experience is essential. Cybersecurity has various roles, from securing applications, responding to incidents, compliance. Make connections during your internship. These professionals can become mentors, offering career guidance and industry connections. Don’t be afraid to ask for explanation from your manager or teammates. Take on extra projects and be active in your approach. Get to know the company’s tools, processes, and approaches. Remember, interning in cybersecurity kickstarts your career and prepares you for success in this high-demand field.

In the field of cybersecurity, it is essential to know how your work affects everyone involved and to communicate well. This means identifying the stakeholders. The stakeholders may be internal staff, managers, clients, partners, regulatory agencies, and the general public. What is their significance? They help ensure proper risk management, regulatory compliance, and resource allocation. Before you measure anything, know what and why you are measuring. Metrics should match business objectives and risk management. Keep in mind, effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders are crucial for assessing the impact of your cybersecurity work.