CyberSecurity Quick Notes

Key Cybersecurity Terms and Concepts

Ransomware

Definition: A type of attack where an entire network is compromised, forcing victims to pay or decrypt their data.

Zero Day Vulnerabilities

Definition: Security vulnerabilities that have no existing patch.

  • Microsoft handles these through cloud updates.
  • Can be exploited by hackers to install malware.

Phishing

  • Major concern due to users lacking basic security knowledge.
  • Companies conduct phishing tests to assess workforce vulnerability.

AI in Cybersecurity

  • Emerging role in ransomware deployment.
  • Important to understand AI capabilities and limitations.

Case Studies

Thomas’s Case

  • Specialized in tracking criminal ransomware operators.
  • Successfully tracked a hacker after 3 years due to a single mistake.

Tricia’s Case

  • Discovered corporate data theft.
  • Incident resulted in business closure and legal agreement.

Victor’s Case

  • Focused on big data management.
  • Created opportunities for future innovations.

Notable Threat Actor

  • China identified in theft of various high-value technologies.

Backdoor

  • Arrested someone because of a backdoor — an ethical concern.
  • There is a cybersecurity code of conduct, which led to the arrest.
  • People who are skilled at breaking into systems are highly valued.
  • These individuals could be employed if they use their skills ethically.
  • Ethical values play a critical role in cybersecurity.

What Inspired You to Pursue a Career in Cybersecurity?

Tricia

  • Studied computers and annotated a 500-page book.
  • Book focused on tracking a spy through computer espionage.
  • Thought it was cool, especially in the 90s.

Thomas

  • Initially hated computers.
  • Wanted to be a public relations officer.
  • Ended up in cybersecurity by chance.

Victor

  • Was a software developer.
  • Loved math, wanted to do it full-time.
  • Java changed his life.
  • Became passionate through training and working with others.
  • Fascinated by how people track down hackers.
  • Recommends having an IT background.

“Be likeable, be nice, be a good leader — someone others can rely on.”

  • If you’re a jerk, your career will stall.
  • Build your own network.
  • Start hacking your own systems.
  • Internships in college help with real-world learning.

Business Aspects

  • Convincing leadership to invest in cybersecurity is critical.
  • Learn how to pitch to senior leaders effectively.
  • Explain the ROI and how security investments reduce losses.
  • Simplify complex technical details so non-technical leaders understand the value.

Military Perspective

  • Emphasizes teamwork in the face of adversarial threats.
  • People are the true difference-makers in high-risk scenarios.

The Future of Cybersecurity

  • Growing specialization in fields such as:
    • Healthcare IT
      • MRI Machines.
      • Human-related risk.
    • Business IT
      • More technical roles.
    • AI in IT
      • Semi-AI systems.
      • Skillsets will become more standardized across professionals.
  • Hacking of personal medical devices like pacemakers demonstrates increasing risk.

ECHO AI

  • Training AI to understand code and potential vulnerabilities.
  • Many government jobs aim to fight AI-related cyber threats.
  • Within 5 years, cybersecurity will become a top priority for most organizations.
  • Currently, many companies have only one cybersecurity professional — this will increase.

Coding & Security Knowledge

  • Many professionals don’t know how to secure or review software code.
  • Essential to learn how to secure applications.

Adapting to Evolving Threats

  • Use available resources.
  • Stay informed globally.
  • Research other nations’ cybersecurity advancements.
  • There are many unknowns — stay ready and adaptive.
  • Like medicine, cybersecurity constantly evolves — continuous learning is key.
  • Cybersecurity is a team sport.
  • The field has no bounds.

Resources

Image or Click to acess Img

Key Learnings

  • Understanding cybersecurity fundamentals (ransomware, zero-day vulnerabilities, phishing).
  • Importance of ethical conduct in cybersecurity.
  • The growing role of AI in cybersecurity.
  • Business aspects of cybersecurity, including leadership communication.

Takeaways

  • Need for continuous learning and adaptation in the field.
  • Importance of having an IT background.
  • Value of soft skills and likeability in career progression.
  • Growing specialization in different sectors (healthcare, business, AI).

What I Got Out of This

  • Cybersecurity is an evolving field with no bounds.
  • The importance of practical experience through internships.
  • The critical role of staying updated with current threats and technologies.
  • The increasing demand for cybersecurity professionals across fields.