Founder of Tiro Security, Kris Rides, presents a 3-part video series packed with tips for launching a cybersecurity career. For two decades, the Tiro team has been matching applicants with the right roles in cyber. Kris distills his expert advice into the following three topics for our audience.
Cybersecurity students must start building a professional network prior to graduation. A strong, supportive community of mentors and peers can provide indispensable job tips and feedback. This article and its associated video provides 8 steps to help you build such a network. It's never too early to start.
Networking is a game-changer in cybersecurity. It expands your professional circle, fosters continuous learning, provides mentorship, enhances job opportunities, builds your personal brand, and creates a strong, supportive community. By actively engaging in networking, you open doors to opportunities that might otherwise remain out of reach.
Let’s explore key strategies to make the most of your networking efforts in cybersecurity.
Many professionals assume they need years of experience before speaking at conferences, but that’s not the case! Cybersecurity events actively seek fresh perspectives, and even early-career professionals can contribute valuable insights.
💡 Example: A panel at InfoSec World featured four individuals in their first cybersecurity roles. The experience boosted their confidence, career prospects, and industry visibility. They have since spoken at multiple conferences, proving that you don’t need to be a veteran to contribute.
Cybersecurity conferences are prime networking hubs. Many industry leaders, hiring managers, and potential mentors attend these events.
💡 Pro Tip:
Conferences like BSides Las Vegas offer a tight-knit, collaborative feel, similar to early DEFCON events.
If in-person networking feels overwhelming, online communities offer a great alternative.
💡 Pro Tip:
If you can’t find an active local community, start your own! Hosting a Slack or Discord group can position you as a leader in your local cybersecurity scene.
Continuous learning is expected in cybersecurity. Attending training programs is not just about skill-building—it’s a networking goldmine.
Free & Paid Options:
University Courses: Many top institutions like MIT and Stanford offer free online cybersecurity courses.
Government-Sponsored Training: Check initiatives from organizations like DHS and CISA.
💡 Pro Tip:
Some local cybersecurity groups offer free certification training, and occasionally, free exam vouchers!
A strong LinkedIn presence is crucial for networking and job opportunities.
💡 Pro Tip:
After attending webinars or conferences, connect with speakers and attendees on LinkedIn with a personalized message.
Meetups are an excellent way to build strong, local professional connections.
These organizations often have local chapters that host meetups, training sessions, and networking events.
💡 Pro Tip:
Get involved as a volunteer or board member—it looks great on your resume and expands your network significantly.
Working on cybersecurity projects with others not only enhances your skills but also builds meaningful industry relationships.
💡 Pro Tip:
Being credited on a white paper can set you apart from other job candidates and serve as a strong conversation starter in interviews.
Virtual networking is just as valuable as in-person connections. Many top industry professionals host webinars, Q&As, and online events.
💡 Pro Tip:
Even if you can’t attend live, watch the recordings and connect with speakers afterward.
Networking is a critical skill in cybersecurity. Whether you're attending conferences, joining online groups, or collaborating on projects, being proactive is key.
Start today:
✅ Identify a conference or meetup to attend.
✅ Reach out to a cybersecurity professional on LinkedIn.
✅ Join a Slack or Discord group.
✅ Sign up for a free cybersecurity training course.
Building relationships now will open doors for your cybersecurity career in ways you never expected.
Watch Kris Rides' video on building a professional network in cybersecurity: <link>
This article describes effective ways to answer the most common job interview questions in cybersecurity. Contemplate your answers ahead of time and Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse!
Interviewing for a cybersecurity role? Preparation is key! Employers are not just looking for technical skills—they want to see how you think, communicate, and fit into their team. Cyber recruiter Kris Rides emphasizes the importance of knowing your resume inside out, demonstrating passion for security, and preparing for both technical and soft skill questions.
Below are five of the most commonly asked cybersecurity interview questions and how to answer them effectively.
Why They Ask: Employers want to understand your career journey, key skills, and how your experience aligns with the role.
✅ How to Answer:
💡 Example:
"I’m currently a Security Analyst at [Company], where I focus on threat detection and vulnerability management. Before that, I worked in IT support, which gave me a strong foundation in troubleshooting and incident response. Over the years, I’ve earned my [Certifications] and developed expertise in network security and SIEM tools. I’m excited about this role because it aligns with my passion for securing cloud environments and improving security posture."
Why They Ask: They want to see if you’ve researched the company and are genuinely interested in the role.
✅ How to Answer:
💡 Example:
"I admire [Company]’s commitment to securing critical infrastructure, especially with its recent investment in zero-trust architecture. My background in network security and risk management fits well with your team’s focus on compliance and proactive threat detection. I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to your security initiatives and grow within an organization that prioritizes cybersecurity innovation."
Why They Ask: They want to gauge your self-awareness and ability to improve.
✅ How to Answer:
💡 Example:
"In the past, I struggled with delegating tasks because I wanted to ensure everything was done perfectly. However, I’ve realized that teamwork is essential in cybersecurity, so I’ve been actively improving my delegation skills by using project management tools and collaborating more effectively with my team."
What NOT to Say:
❌ “I’m a perfectionist.”
❌ “I work too hard.”
Why They Ask: Passionate cybersecurity professionals continuously learn and adapt to new threats.
✅ How to Answer:
💡 Example:
"I stay updated by following cybersecurity news from sources like Krebs on Security, The Hacker News, and Dark Reading. I also participate in online cybersecurity communities, attend DEF CON and Black Hat when possible, and complete labs on platforms like Hack The Box and TryHackMe. Continuous learning is essential in this field, and I make it a priority."
Why They Ask: They want to see if you can break down technical concepts for non-technical stakeholders.
✅ How to Answer:
💡 Example for DDoS Attack:
"A Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack is like a traffic jam on a highway. Imagine thousands of cars suddenly flooding the road, preventing real drivers from getting through. In a DDoS attack, hackers overload a website with fake traffic, making it slow or unavailable for legitimate users."
✅ Know Your Resume: If you can’t explain it, it shouldn’t be on there!
✅ Research the Company: Understand their mission, products, and recent security initiatives.
✅ Mock Interviews: Practice answering these questions out loud with a friend or mentor.
✅ Stay Passionate: Show enthusiasm for learning and problem-solving in cybersecurity.
By preparing thoughtful answers to these common questions, you’ll boost your confidence and leave a strong impression on interviewers. Now go ace that cybersecurity interview! 🚀🔐
See Kris Rides explain how to answer these job interview questions in this video: <video link>