MITRE’s Post

As #blackhistorymonth and #cybersecurityawarenessmonth come to a close, I thought to share my thoughts on the power in being “only”. Throughout much of my life, I’ve grown accustomed to standing out. As a child, I was often the tallest in the class, and would try to hunch down to blend in with the rest of my peers. I remember my dad often encouraging me to stand tall and revel in my height. Since then, I’ve found myself in male dominated settings due to my interests/passions. I studied Computer Engineering and Cybersecurity where most of my colleagues were men. As a practising cybersecurity professional, I’m part of the 25% of women that make up this workforce, 9% of whom are black - talk about a double minority! At times, it may seem easier to be a wallflower, but what good does that serve? It’s really like putting a bucket over a bright light. So I continuously remind myself (and others) that being ONLY is a superpower rather than a limitation, and I wield this advantage to contribute fresh insights, provide thought leadership, nurture communities I’m part of, and inspire other individuals who might feel like outsiders, especially those in their formative years, whether in age or career stage. Here’s a note to anyone who’s going against the grain, swimming against the current and thinking it’s too hard, not worth it, or stressful. Or those trying to gain entry into rooms that seem to be protected by unscalable security doors and heavyweight bodyguards - there’s room for you! You belong there! By shining your light, you’re inspiring someone else to shine theirs and believe it’s possible! Don’t cower, or try to fade into the background - revel in your ‘ONLYness’ - it’s your superpower!

💜 "Encouraging Black professionals in cybersecurity can bridge talent gaps and help build unbiased solutions," says SentinelOne's Hackim Farrell, Senior Director, Product Management. Hack is responsible for ensuring that products and services are perfectly aligned with broader business goals. This includes meeting FedRAMP requirements, advancing our threat detection and response capabilities, and developing effective strategies for Managed Security Service Providers (MSSP). Drawn to SentinelOne for its innovative culture and cybersecurity excellence, Hack values our BLK Inclusion Network's role in diversifying the field. “I actively advocate for inclusion in tech, knowing that it's key to developing products and solutions that truly resonate with all users.” Passionate about mentoring, Hack offers invaluable advice to young Black professionals in cybersecurity. "Never underestimate the power of resilience and perseverance; these qualities will serve you well in navigating and succeeding in the dynamic and challenging world of cybersecurity." #blackhistorymonth #bhm2024 #bhm24

Let’s kick off Women’s History Month by celebrating the remarkable achivements of women pioneers in Cybersecurity. 1. Ada Lovelace: In 1843, Ada Lovelace who was only 19 years old at the time and had no formal training in computer science wrote what is considered to be one of history’s first computer programs. This program helped Babbage who she worked with as an assistant design a machine called the Analytical Engine—a computer designed to run other programs automatically. Her work with Babbage led her to become one of cybersecurity’s most important pioneers. 2. Dorothy Denning: Known for her lattice-based access control (LBAC), Intrusion detection system (IDS) and other cybersecurity innovations in cryptography, computer security, and information warfare. In 1983, she became one of only two women to be elected as Fellows of the National Academy of Engineering. 3. Valerie Thomas: Valerie Thomas led NASA’s cybersecurity program from 1989 to 1993, making her one of few women with a leadership role in cybersecurity at that time. In that role, she helped develop protocols for NASA computers and became an advocate for women interested in cybersecurity careers. She passed away in 2016 after a battle with cancer. To honor her contributions to cybersecurity, Congress awarded her posthumously with the Department of Commerce Gold Medal Award in 2017. These women, among many others, have played pivotal roles in advancing cybersecurity research, technology, and policy, paving the way for future generations of women in the field. If you had the opportunity of meeting any of these women today, what would you say to them? Happy New Month! #WomensMonth #InspireInclusion #WomeninTech #WomeninCybersecurity #CyfendryWoman #CyfendryAcademy #Her #march #womenhistorymonth2024

What digital ecosystem do you want to see? Share your inputs on #rights, #inclusivity, #security and an open, trustworthy Internet. The deadline to contribute to the IGF Leadership Panel's #InternetWeWant paper is *extended* Comment here by 8 March: http://bit.ly/40FmoTd #IGFLP

Attended my first AFCEA DC Luncheon this week and I’m still processing all the incredible takeaways it provided. 1. As I’ve transitioned out of service, joining and being active in organizations like this are of paramount importance - for your business, for your connections back to service, for your situational awareness, and more. Keep your network alive! 2. While examples of the young professionals lacking motivation abound, in this world, I was intellectually outmatched on all levels from the high school interns present to the exceptional NCOs running Space, Cyber, and Data Security at the most senior levels of Defense. You don’t have to predict the future when you have confidence that you can meet any challenge - bring them on! 3. The theme for AFCEA DC’s Luncheon “The Critical Role of Data in Contested Environments” illustrated the need for greater interoperability between industry and government on data transport, CDS, AI, and Cyber solutions. The convergence of these technologies is already reshaping the commercial landscape and societal habits - the IC will classify itself into irrelevancy without bringing more folks into the circle. 4. Air Force Vice Chief GEN Jim Slife is attuned to the needs and long-term implications programming for this change from development to implementation - processes and workflows however, are not. United States Department of Defense doesn’t need to burn down the house to create substantive pathways for accelerating the employment of new technology. It just needs to empower its leaders to make decisions where the information is and trust what comes next. 5. Energy is a national security imperative. Schneider Electric Buildings Critical Systems, Inc. provides the sort of holistic, end-to-end security around these issues to meet these needs - Scott H. Stalker said it best, CMSgt Kenny Bruce, CMSgt Ron Lerch, and SMSgt Steve Mattson are the types of “NCOs that are the Backbone of the force, both in terms of leadership and intellect,” what a pleasure to get a chance to learn from them for awhile!! #networkandconnect #Friendssmarterthanme #departmentofdefense #uscybercom #dataintelligence #SchneiderElectric #cyberresiliency #backboneoftheforce

What digital ecosystem do you want to see? Share your inputs on #rights, #inclusivity, #security and an open, trustworthy Internet. The deadline to contribute to the IGF Leadership Panel's #InternetWeWant paper is *extended* Comment by 8 March! bit.ly/40FmoTd #IGFLP

I met today with this incredible group of Stanford students who are interested in defensetech, and in protecting our national security and interests. Two things to note: 1) several had served in the military or related. Impressive backgrounds. So glad they are interested in the startup path. 2) felt like they had developed a nuanced view on importance of the field, AND on difficulty of building in the space.

Diverse skill sets and perspectives are paramount in the security industry. With their distinctive experiences and attributes, female athletes emerge as prime candidates for roles in this dynamic field. Their athletic backgrounds instill discipline, resilience, and strategic problem-solving, which are crucial for influential security professionals. Read SecurityInfoWatch.com's spotlight with Rajant's Alice DiSanto and interview takeaways from #NCAA D1 female athletes and coaches from the University of Louisville. ➡ bit.ly/45XWtss #securityindustry #securitytechnology #RiSM #encryption

CyBlack virtual showcase aims to spotlight the most innovative research projects/proposals and business ideas/startups from the Black community. It is a unique opportunity for students, graduates, and enthusiasts to present research proposals and pitch business ideas to an audience of industry professionals, recruiters, influential individuals, and angel investors. Project requirements: ● Innovation: Projects/Proposals must be innovative and be original research work of the applicant. ● Quality of presentation: The project/Proposal should be well organized and clearly presented. ● Industry impact: The project/Proposal should have the potential to impact or improve the cybersecurity industry or profession. ● Social impact: The project/Proposal should address a significant issue or challenge related to cybersecurity and society. For more details and submission, Click the link below: https://lnkd.in/gu3cc3p6 #CyblackVIS24 #CyBlackVirtualInnovationShowcase2024 #CyBlackInnovation24 #CyBlackShowcase24

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