Shaelyn Britney's Journey into Cybersecurity
Shaelyn Britney is a passionate cybersecurity professional with a unique approach to the field. Her journey began surrounded by technology, thanks to her parents' computer company. This early exposure ignited a spark, leading her to explore the intricacies of hacking and security.
In this interview, Shaelyn shares her insights on:
- Her captivating journey into cybersecurity: From childhood fascination to active community member.
- The allure of hacking and security: What makes these fields stand out and what aspects are most captivating.
- Essential skills for thriving in cybersecurity: Hands-on experience and the importance of practical learning.
- Women in cybersecurity: Challenges and initiatives to encourage and retain female talent.
- Valuable learning resources: Platforms, courses, conferences, and more to enhance your cybersecurity knowledge.
- Personal insights: How cybersecurity has transformed Shaelyn's life and the lessons she has learned.
- Regional cybersecurity community: Events and gatherings in the Midwest region.
Join us as we delve into Shaelyn's story and discover the fascinating world of cybersecurity through her eyes.
Your Journey into Cybersecurity: Could you share how your interest in cybersecurity ignited and what led you to pursue a career in this field?
Hello, my name is Shaelyn Britney. First off, I’m super excited to have been given this opportunity to do this interview with My Hacker Tech! My childhood was immersed in technology, thanks to my parents who owned a computer company for over two decades. Surrounded by computers from a young age, I was captivated by the intricate world of technology.
However, it was only later in life that I stumbled upon the intriguing realm of cybersecurity and delved into its complexities. Witnessing my father tirelessly build computers not only provided a unique insight into the hardware aspects but also ignited a profound passion for the broader field of technology.
The desire to understand the intricacies of cybersecurity grew within me, prompting a deep dive into this dynamic and ever-evolving domain. This journey, shaped by a childhood saturated in technology, has not only fueled my enthusiasm for tech, but has also propelled me to explore the depths of cybersecurity with a desire to contribute meaningfully to the field.
Hacking and Security: The Allure: What is it about hacking and security that distinguishes them from other areas of IT? What aspects of these fields do you find most captivating?
Hacking and security represent distinct facets within the realm of information technology. Hacking involves the exploration and manipulation of computer systems, networks, and software to gain unauthorized access or uncover vulnerabilities. It can be approached ethically for the purpose of identifying and addressing security flaws or maliciously to exploit weaknesses for personal gain.
IT security is a comprehensive discipline that aims to safeguard digital assets from unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction. Security measures include network protection, encryption, access controls, and security policies, focusing on a proactive approach to prevent potential risks.
While hacking is a skill-based activity with both positive and negative applications, security encompasses a broader spectrum of measures to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information, operating within legal and ethical frameworks.
In the world of hacking and security, I've got a lot of love and respect for the community. Every person I've met in this field is always ready to share what they know, and it's been a huge help in my growth over the years. I wouldn't be where I am today without the guidance and advice from my fellow peers— they've been instrumental in shaping my journey.
It's also a big, supportive family where everyone's cheering each other on, making the whole experience in hacking and security not just a learning curve but also an enjoyable ride. The collaborative nature of cybersecurity, where professionals work collectively to anticipate, prevent, and respond to emerging threats, fosters a sense of community and shared purpose, and it’s one of the things I love the most.
The captivating aspect of cybersecurity lies in its perpetual evolution and the ever-shifting landscape of digital threats. In this dynamic field, you must continuously adapt and stay ahead of ingenious adversaries, making it a thrilling and intellectually stimulating pursuit. The constant challenge to outsmart and thwart malicious actors, coupled with the responsibility to protect sensitive information and critical systems, creates an environment where problem-solving and innovation become paramount.
Essential Cybersecurity Skills: In your opinion, what skills are essential for individuals to thrive in the ever-evolving realm of cybersecurity?
The key skills I've found to be important are hands-on skills. While reading and learning are important, being able to apply what you've learned in real-life situations is crucial. During my university years, I took the initiative to develop Capture the Flag (CTF) events. Participating in CTFs personally enhanced my hands-on skills and deepened my knowledge, but I decided to switch things up and create my own challenges.
This shift allowed me to step into the shoes of a developer, providing me with creative freedom. Building something for others to unravel was a unique experience that expanded my understanding. I wanted to share a glimpse into my thought process and ideas, recognizing the importance of learning from diverse perspectives.
Creating challenges for fellow students at my university, spanning reverse engineering, malware analysis, steganography, crypto, forensics, web exploitation, and coding, was my way of encouraging hands-on learning. I firmly believe that hands-on skills and practical experience are the building blocks that transform someone from good to great.
Women in Cybersecurity: While things are gradually changing, IT has traditionally been a male-dominated field. Do you believe more efforts are needed to encourage women to pursue cybersecurity? What initiatives could the industry implement to attract and retain female talent in this domain?
I have a website called WITTY (Women in Tech Teaching You) I created this website to help and encourage other women in cybersecurity and we share useful tools that we find and post them on the site. I really like the idea of creating a close-knit community with other brilliant women who are dominating this field.
In the landscape of information technology, there has historically been a noticeable gender imbalance, with males traditionally dominating the field. Although there is a slow shift towards inclusivity, affirmative action is essential to break down barriers and foster diversity in this dynamic domain.
Initiatives aimed at attracting and retaining female talent in cybersecurity could include targeted outreach programs, mentorship opportunities, and educational campaigns highlighting the exciting and rewarding aspects of a cybersecurity career.
Creating inclusive and supportive workplace cultures that recognize and celebrate diverse perspectives can also play a pivotal role in retaining female professionals in the field. By actively dismantling gender stereotypes and providing equitable opportunities, the industry can empower women to contribute significantly to the field of cybersecurity.
Valuable Learning Resources: Could you recommend resources that you've found particularly helpful for learning about cybersecurity? These could include online courses, conferences, workshops, blogs, or specific qualifications.
There are tons of amazing resources available for anyone who is passionate and curious about cybersecurity. Platforms like Hack The Box and Try Hack Me stand out as invaluable tools for cultivating essential hands-on skills crucial for success in the field.
These platforms provide immersive, real-world challenges that allow you to sharpen your problem-solving abilities, Hack The Box is now offering certifications which is extremely exciting to me and I’m currently working on their defensive security analyst certification, they also offer the bug bounty hunter and penetration testing specialist certifications and I can’t wait to check those out as well!
Additionally, the online realm offers a wealth of educational content, and YouTube hosts an array of informative channels. John Hammond's videos, for instance, are not only engaging but also offer insightful perspectives, making them an excellent source for learning that I utilize often. Beyond these platforms, participation in conferences and workshops, such as DEF CON or Black Hat, can offer a deeper understanding of current trends and challenges in cybersecurity.
For me cybersecurity isn’t just about the technical aspects and what all I can do behind the computer, it has been a transformative journey that extends beyond the computer screen, imparting vital life lessons and unveiling my true potential. In the past, I grappled with a fear of change and a reluctance to make mistakes, but the dynamic nature of cybersecurity forced me to confront and embrace these fears.
Over the years, I've come to recognize that mistakes are not setbacks but stepping stones towards improvement. This journey has been a catalyst for personal growth, fostering a belief in myself and dispelling self-doubt. Cybersecurity has become a powerful medium through which I've not only honed technical skills but also cultivated resilience, adaptability, and a deep understanding of my capabilities.
On a personal note, I hope I can inspire others to follow their dreams and always pursue their passions. I believe that by sharing our stories, we contribute to a collective narrative that not only highlights the challenges but also underscores the triumphs and growth that come with navigating this journey.
Furthermore, we'd appreciate any information you can provide about the cybersecurity community in your region, such as group conferences, meetups, or virtual gatherings.
In my region of the Midwest, there are a plethora of cybersecurity conferences and meetups that happen often. I’m from a very small town so we unfortunately don’t have those resources where I’m from which is why I usually attend virtual gatherings that are hosted by many different cybersecurity organizations.
Inspired by Shaelyn's story? Take your first steps into the exciting world of cybersecurity!
- Explore online resources: Platforms like Hack The Box and Try Hack Me offer engaging challenges to hone your practical skills.
- Participate in online communities: Connect with Shaelyn and other cybersecurity enthusiasts at WITTY or other online forums.
- Pursue education and certifications: Invest in your knowledge through online courses, workshops, and certifications like the ones offered by Hack The Box.
- Join local meetups and conferences: Network with professionals and gain valuable insights into the industry.
Remember, cybersecurity is a dynamic and rewarding field with endless possibilities. Embrace the challenge, stay curious, and never stop learning.
Connect with Shaelyn:
- Instagram: shaesecures
- Facebook: Shaelyn Britney
Together, let's build a stronger and more secure digital future.
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