A First Hand Look at our Cyber-Resilience Diploma

With the first group half way through completion of our Cyber-Resilience Diploma, we wanted to take the time to speak to some of them and reflect on their learning experience. As the booming industry creates a booming demand for cyber-resilience experts, we have been proud to be on the forefront of training solid candidates for the future of digital protection.

The field is fast-paced, and there is certainly an on-going learning aspect to be expected. Keeping up with digital trends, policies, and technologies are essential in remaining adaptable, and ultimately successful within the cyberworld.

For an up close and personal look at what our specific program has to offer, as well as a bit about future employment prospects, we invite you to read this Q & A with Cyber-Resilience student, Joseph Martinos.

Before even graduating, Martinos shared the exciting news that he has been hired as Senior Cybersecurity Advisor for the National Bank (BNC).

S.M.:  Why did you decide to pursue a career in cyber resilience? And what led you to make a career change?

J.M.: I strongly believe that the future is digital and to protect it, we need to be cyber resilient. I decided to pursue a career in cyber resilience because cybersecurity offers an incredible opportunity for growth, provides job security, as well as the chance to make a difference. I’ve been in the technology field for the past 16 years, so I would say it was more of a self-development opportunity than a career change.

S.M.: What kind of effects has the pandemic had on the cybersecurity and resilience industry?

J.M.: The pandemic has changed the way we live and work and it forced organizations to adopt new practices such as remote work and virtual collaborations. As such, cybersecurity is now a major concern. Malicious actors see the pandemic as an opportunity to step up their criminal activities by exploiting the vulnerabilities of employees working from home. For that, companies need to be prepared and cyber resilient to face these new challenges.

S.M.: Could you tell us a little bit about your current employment?

J.M.: I have my own consulting boutique firm - infoSights Consulting - where I help small and mid-sized companies to navigate the digital world. I provide advisory services and assist organizations in their project implementation.

S.M.: What does an average workday/study day look like for you?

J.M.: I usually spend between one to two hours studying every day depending on my workload for the day. Reading, participating in conferences and exploring new technologies are essential to stay up to date within the field.

S.M.: How do you relax or unwind once it’s time to get away from your computer or tablet screen?

J.M.: I love to work out and explore outdoor activities, such as hiking and walking long distances. I try to disconnect from all electronic devices as much as possible to give myself the chance to relax and recharge.

S.M.: Any advice for those considering a career in Cyber Resilience?

J.M.: One excellent way to channel your passion for cyber security into a career is to get a degree. A good formal program will prepare you for the modern world of cyber security, and give you the training and knowledge you need to take important certification exams. Being able to demonstrate your knowledge and getting certifications are both crucial to building a cyber security career.

S.M.: Top security tips or advice for our readers?

J.M.: Securing your personal information against cyber theft begins with simple steps:

• Think carefully before sharing personal information on the internet.
• Always use strong passwords for your accounts with multi-factor authentication when possible.
• Avoid phishing scams - beware of suspicious emails and phone calls
• Never leave your devices unattended.