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.

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.

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

In this episode of CyBytes, I interviews Jumaa Alhameli, a SOC analyst, discussing his journey from gaming to cybersecurity, the importance of mentorship, and the challenges faced in the field.

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!

Reach out to us on LinkedIn!

• Nik Mohanlal
• Jumaa AlHameli

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