“Age or education doesn’t matter in cybersecurity. What matters is initiative.” — Bhavika Ketani

In this episode, we interview Bhavika Ketani, a cybersecurity lecturer at Curtin University, discussing the importance of education in the cybersecurity field. They explore Bhavika's journey into teaching, the challenges faced in cybersecurity education, and the need for bridging the gap between academia and industry. The conversation highlights the significance of networking, real-world experiences, and the realities of cybersecurity careers. Bhavika shares insights on engaging students, the role of online presence in career advancement, and offers advice for aspiring cybersecurity professionals.

Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
• 04:12 Bhavika's Journey into IT and Teaching
• 06:46 Transition from Pen Testing to Teaching
• 09:20 The Importance of Strong Foundations in Cybersecurity Education
• 12:15 Navigating the Job Market in Cybersecurity
• 14:59 Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry
• 17:43 Challenges Faced by Educators in Engaging Students
• 20:55 Engaging Students Beyond Grades
• 23:31 The Importance of Presentation Skills
• 27:12 Navigating Job Applications in Cybersecurity
• 29:14 De-stressing in a High-Pressure Industry
• 29:22 Innovations in Cybersecurity Education
• 31:22 Advice for Aspiring Cybersecurity Professionals
• 32:52 Success Stories from the Classroom
• 34:02 The Role of Educators in Cybersecurity
• 36:45 Closing Remarks and Future Engagement

Takeaways

• Teaching is not just about imparting knowledge, but also about learning.
• There is a growing demand for cybersecurity professionals, but skilled individuals are scarce.
• Students should engage in continuous learning and networking to enhance their career prospects.
• Real-world experiences and industry insights are crucial for students' understanding of cybersecurity roles.
• Engagement strategies, such as discussions and quizzes, can enhance student learning.
• An online presence is important for job seekers in cybersecurity.
• Students need to understand the realities of cybersecurity jobs, including challenges and responsibilities.
• Networking is essential in the UAE job market, especially in tech fields.
• Teaching requires a commitment from both educators and students for effective learning.
• Success stories from students can inspire and motivate current learners.

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“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 (contact@liberty91.com)
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.