As a first-time dad, I find myself inspired by the profound joy of my venture into fatherhood. Blessed with a daughter I shall affectionately name Miss Mango; I am awe-struck at her brilliant mind and calm demeanor. Life has an intriguing way of presenting us with unique moments to cherish, moments that serve as stepping-stones on our life journey. The importance of pausing to reflect on these recent experiences should not be overlooked - they arm us with life-enhancing lessons, enabling us to navigate life's hurricanes and peaceful harbors alike.
Navigating the challenges of parenting, the dynamic field of cybersecurity, and the intense world of professional tennis, I find intriguing parallels that underscore the importance of resilience, adaptability, and perseverance. In the grind of parenthood, each day unfolds with unexpected challenges and continuous changes, much like the twists and turns of a tennis match. The sleepless nights and endless diaper changes, akin to the constant adjustments and mitigation strategies required in the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity. Both demand an unwavering commitment to the well-being of those we are responsible for—whether it's the safety of our family or the security of our digital space. The Australian Open serves as a vivid metaphor for these experiences. As we watched professionals compete on the infamous blue surface of Rod Laver Arena, enduring extremes and pushing their limits, it resonates with the endurance required in parenting and the grit needed in the world of cybersecurity. The packed stands in Melbourne and the collective cheers mirror the collaborative efforts in responding to and containing cybersecurity incidents, where a united front is crucial. This month's events capped off by this weekend's spectacle, with a former champion showcasing unparalleled endurance, speaks to the resilience needed not just in sports but in every facet of life. Parenthood is an endurance sport of its own, demanding perseverance through sleep deprivation, emotional highs and lows, and the unpredictable nature of our little Miss Mango. Similarly, in cybersecurity, professionals endure constant pressure to mitigate risks, respond to incidents, and adapt to new threats. Miss Mango's innocent fascination with the little yellow balls flying across the court this month mirrors the wonder we experience in introducing our children to the world. It's akin to the first time they taste ice cream, or a newly minted cybersecurity professional leads the response to their first incident, with each moment etching a lasting impression. As we witnessed champions rise, fall, and new ones emerge, it echoes the cycles of challenges and triumphs we navigate in our parenting journey and the ever-shifting domain of cybersecurity. The two final matches this weekend, one marked by a back-to-back champion's flawless dominance in their tournament's 14 sets and a former champion initially dominating but then yielding the last three sets to an emerging champion, highlighting the unpredictability that colors life's journey. In this shared experience with Miss Mango—cooing and giggling alongside the tennis matches—I'm reminded that the skills and qualities developed in parenting and cybersecurity are intertwined. The ability to adapt, stay resilient, and find joy in the midst of challenges is a universal thread that weaves through parenthood, cybersecurity, and the world of professional sports. It's a beautiful portrait of life's complexities, and as we sit side by side, I'm grateful for the shared moments that connect these seemingly disparate worlds. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent.
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As a first-time dad, I find myself inspired by the profound joy of my venture into fatherhood. Blessed with a daughter I shall affectionately name Miss Mango; I am awe-struck at her brilliant mind and calm demeanor. Life has an intriguing way of presenting us with unique moments to cherish, moments that serve as stepping-stones on our life journey. The importance of pausing to reflect on these recent experiences should not be overlooked - they arm us with life-enhancing lessons, enabling us to navigate life's hurricanes and peaceful harbors alike.
As Miss Mango continues her speedy development, I noticed navigating the world of cybersecurity continues to mirror aspects of fatherhood, particularly the shared values of commitment, perseverance, determination, communication, and versatility. Aspiring cybersecurity professionals and students seeking to enter into the cybersecurity field often associate the transition solely with technical expertise. While technical know-how is undoubtedly important, non-technical skills are equally, sometimes even more, critical. Foremost among these skills is commitment - an all-in attitude and a willingness to continually learn are pivotally important. Cybersecurity is dynamic with rapidly evolving threats and technologies, and a keen, committed learner (technical skills or not) can make significant contributions. Channeling an image reminiscent of Miss Mango's unwavering dedication to her feeding and her nap time, professionals and students alike can embrace a similar degree of commitment. Devoting the necessary time and resources to remain updated in their particular field or sector of interest, as well as the broader contours of the cybersecurity industry, can make all the difference in staying ahead of the curve. Perseverance is a trait rewarded in both technical and non-technical roles. When things don’t go as planned, which they often don’t, it is your resilience that can make the difference - very much like comforting a restless Miss Mango at any given hour of the day or night. Determination is crucial, irrespective of the skill set you bring to the table. In every corner of the cybersecurity world, your resolve to see things through and solve complex problems is vital. This echoes Miss Mango's determined efforts to stretch her little arms skyward, a precursor to her future celebrations in boardrooms, sporting events, and Dave Matthews Band concerts. In the same spirit, it is our personal resolve that motivates us, propelling us through challenging times. In the context of communication, non-technical contributions truly shine. Translating complicated cybersecurity issues into terms that everyone from tech novices to board members can understand is vitally crucial. This resonates with my recent experiences with Miss Mango. In the past few weeks, I have learned to decode her unique 'language' - from eye movements to tongue gestures, from peculiar lip whistles and furrowed brows to her delightful smiles. By understanding these non-verbal cues, I have been able to more quickly respond to her needs, be it feeding or a baby wipe. Versatility, the ability to wear many hats, is invaluable and is not restricted to technical roles alone. Those who excel in this field, regardless of the technical/non-technical divide, are those who can adapt swiftly to new situations and challenges. Miss Mango, with her impressive adaptability, embodies this versatility wonderfully. She embraces each new experience, whether it is feeling the snug warmth of her new jumper or proudly showing off her adorable avocado-themed shoes. Every action of hers teems with an enchanting charm that can only be described as magical. In conclusion, there is a broader need for roles that involve policy creation, incident response coordination, training and awareness, and many others that necessitate an understanding of the cyber landscape but not necessarily deep technical expertise. Data privacy lawyers, cyber policy makers, cyber insurance specialists are just a few examples where law, policy, and business management can intersect with cybersecurity. A cybersecurity career is not confined within the bounds of technical expertise. Similar to fatherhood where every necessary skill is not inherent but developed overtime, in cybersecurity, it is the right mix of technical and non-technical skills, underpinned by the core values of commitment, perseverance, determination, communication, and versatility, that can truly make a difference. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent. As a first-time dad, I find myself inspired by the profound joy of my recent venture into fatherhood. Blessed with a daughter I shall affectionately name Miss Mango; I am awe-struck at her brilliant mind and calm demeanor. Life has an intriguing way of presenting us with unique moments to cherish, moments that serve as stepping-stones on our life journey. The importance of pausing to reflect on these recent experiences should not be overlooked - they arm us with life-enhancing lessons, enabling us to navigate life's hurricanes and peaceful harbors alike.
During a recent reflection, I noticed the parallelisms between the whirlwind experience of becoming a first-time parent and hurdling through the intensity of a cybersecurity event or incident. Both roles require an equal measure of preparedness, teamwork, patience, and care. As a cybersecurity professional and first-time dad, I've learned valuable lessons: Patience is crucial in both scenarios. Just as Miss Mango will have her crying bouts requiring calm and gentle support, so does a cybersecurity incident require a measured approach, not swayed by panic. Carefully crafted response strategies must be swiftly actioned in alignment with the risk of the scenario to help prevent further vulnerability. Similarly, in my week as a first-time dad, a rushed decision (like enforcing a strict feeding schedule) may not cater to Miss Mango's unique needs and can lead to vulnerabilities like malnourishment or overfeeding. By carefully observing and understanding Miss Mango's hunger signals, I could create a more balanced and healthy feeding pattern, helping mitigate potential health issues. Bonding plays a critical role in establishing and nurturing crucial relationships. In parenting, it fosters companionship, growth, and developmental milestones. Similarly, team bonding in cybersecurity incident response helps to build trust, more effective communication, and better collaboration. Miss Mango has undoubtedly established herself as a proficient communicator, leaving me continually fascinated with her dynamic range of facial expressions, heart-warming smiles, and consistent upward thrust of her arms. This particular gesture, akin to victory salutes in the world of sports, makes me envision her kicking footballs on the pitch or leading boardroom meetings with the same triumphant fervor. Just as LeBron James had his iconic chalk toss, Dikembe Mutombo his signature finger wag, and Stephen Curry his notable shimmy, so too does Miss Mango exhibit her unique, celebratory style. In her world, her small but mighty hands and arms serve as proof of metaphorically kicked goals and achieved milestones. Self-care cannot be overstated. Amid the pressure in managing cybersecurity threats, prioritizing mental and physical health is paramount. It builds resilience and helps to establish optimal operating conditions. This notion aligns with parenting – prioritizing our wellness helped us to effectively cater to Miss Mango's needs. Support is a cornerstone in both these roles. Just as supporting Miss Mango involves diaper changing, bath time, and emotional encouragement, so does support in a cybersecurity team require assisting colleagues with tasks, ideating together on mitigation strategies in the face of a pressing threat, and fostering a positive team environment. Mistakes are inevitable. Whether it is managing a complex vulnerability or underestimating the amount of baby formula – it happens. The key is not to get lost in self-criticism - the goal should be to learn and build resilience against repeating the same mistakes. Teamwork is another essential element. Parenting is, without question, a team endeavor, as is responding to and recovering from a cybersecurity incident. The team's combined expertise is usually what helps mitigate threats and steer us to safety. In both parenting and cybersecurity, asking for help and advice is not only recommended, it is necessary. Reaching out to more experienced parents, friends, or medical professionals can help us navigate parenthood. Likewise, reaching out to fellow team members or external subject matter resources (SMRs) where appropriate for advice can help resolve events and incidents more effectively. Cherishing every moment is vital. In the rollercoaster journey of parenthood or cybersecurity, it is important to acknowledge and appreciate the high moments that come with resolving a complicated cybersecurity incident, hearing Miss Mango's first coo, or seeing her first smile. Despite the challenges, these moments make the journey truly rewarding and beautiful. Relishing this dual role as a cybersecurity professional nurturing a safe technological environment and a first-time dad nurturing Miss Mango, I am reminded of the common groundwork they share. It is within this comparison that my role in these two different worlds becomes more apparent. The lesson they both echo is - we plan, prepare and always brace for the worst, but we do so with an underlining sense of hope and a promise for a better tomorrow for our loved ones and the organizations we protect. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views or positions of any entities they represent. |
AuthorElliot is a Senior Manager in the Cybersecurity practice at EY where he enables organizations to build in risk thinking from the onset, enhancing global innovation with confidence. He leads global teams to reduce response times and minimize the impact of security incidents by building and operating mature security, logging, monitoring, alerting, and incident response practices. He successfully led response to and recovery from complex security incidents, such as data exposures, third party compromises, and vulnerability exposures, by coordinating across large enterprises through effective incident response procedures to minimize business impact. Archives
March 2024
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