Make A Career Hacking Hackers

Angela • February 4, 2019

Hackers. That 1995 movie with Angelina Jolie was the first movie that taught me what ‘worms’ really were, how to steal digital money, and how to stall bad guys by hacking into road signals and train boards. It was a fun take on a serious issue that made a then teenage girl like me actually want to be a hacker.

In the real world of 2019, hackers not only exist but are incredibly sophisticated in their operations. According to Forbes, 2018 saw some of the biggest and most trusted brands suffer data breaches – Amazon and Facebook, Macy’s and Kmart, Adidas and Under Armour, Delta Airlines and Cathay Pacific …to name a few. Not to mention warnings of exposures in various products, and allegations of cyber tampering of the governmental proportions.

Enter Cyber Security.

Cyber Security is the protection of computer systems, networks, programs and data from unauthorised access, damage, disruption or misdirection.

Prolific and increasingly complex hacks of this day and age, coupled with heightened awareness by companies small and big of the need for cyber security measures, means demand for cyber security jobs far supersede supply. This alarming industry skills shortage is of urgent proportions with CSO magazine estimating last year that the number of unfilled global cyber security jobs would triple to 3.5 million by 2021.

Something needs to change in order for us to see any movement in meeting demand.

By and large, men dominate the cybersecurity job market. In fact, estimates say only 10 percent of the Australian cybersecurity workforce are women. As such, we must encourage more women applicants, and not just for the sake of gender equality, but because it is an indispensable career that requires a broader talent pool.

Introducing… Maria Caparon

Maria is a Senior Consultant here at Tardis Group, specialising in Cyber Securities. She moved from a management role in the construction industry into a career recruiting for the cyber securities industry.

When asked what the catalyst for change was she said, “My credit card was hacked once, my fiancé also lost thousands of dollars from credit card fraud, and it sparked my interest to learn more about the cyber tech industry and how we can protect ourselves”

She is passionate about seeing more women enter this fascinating field of work in Cyber Security. She believes that there are unparalleled opportunities within this industry, and much room for us to bring our talents to the table.

In her line of work, Maria has come across an incredible demand for high-calibre applicants in roles such as Pen Testers, Cyber Threat Analysts, Network Security Engineers and GRCs (Governance, Risk and Compliance), looking to move into challenging roles where they can play with cutting edge security tools and technologies. With a strong future predicted in the Cyber Security industry, and various options for fixed hours or flexible work, she encourages women to consider an amazing career within it.

“If you are a frequent tech user and love anything to do with technology, it is imperative to also be aware of the safety and quality control around the platforms you are using. Cyber security is a great career to get into to protect yourself and your family from malicious threats online.”

3 SIMPLE STEPS TOWARDS A CYBER SECURITY CAREER

1. Inquire to study a tertiary qualification: Network Security, Cyber Security

2. Learn about Pen Testing (in high demand)
a. Metasploitable 2
b. Common tools: Kali Linux, Matasploit, Nmap
c. Full Stack: Set up a server, install a web server, install a web app, understand it as your adversary

3. Get involved:
a. Capture The Flag
b. Attached Cyber Security conferences
c. Sign up for Bug Bounties
d. Offer to do pen tests for your school, club, etc.

If you are looking to make your next step into a career in Cyber Security contact Maria Caparon on Maria.Caparon@tardis-group.com or call +61 435 776 130.

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