Where Are They Now? Fresh Faces in Cyber Security: Detective Dennis McCarthy

Welcome to the first-ever edition of "Fresh Faces in Cyber Security - Where Are They Now?", in which I interview alumni of the "Fresh Faces in Cyber Security" article series. Today's chat is with Dennis McCarthy, a former Criminal Investigations police detective based in Newport, KY. When we last spoke in August 2018, he was looking to transition into cybersecurity upon retirement from the police force.

Are you new to cybersecurity and would like to share your experience with others? I'd love to interview you! Let's get your voice heard. Message me, and let's talk.

1. Welcome back, Detective! Tell me, what have you been up to these days? 

A lot has changed since August 2018! I started a bachelor's program in Cyber Security and Information Assurance with Western Governors University. I also earned several certifications including the Network+, Security+, and even a certification in penetration testing. In January 2020, I was reassigned back to patrol, so I no longer actively handle criminal investigations, but I am still assigned to the Kentucky Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task force. I love that I still get the chance to be part of the “good fight”.

2. That's excellent. I see that you're also a security intern at Nexigen. How's your experience been thus far? Do you have any fun or interesting stories you can share?

Working with Nexigen has been amazing! The company specializes in several different areas such as cloud computing, security awareness training, threat hunting, and many other security facets that make this company one of the best in the business. In January 2020, I started another internship with a company in Washington DC working as a cybersecurity compliance consultant. This was just starting off when COVID-19 hit; unfortunately, both internships have ended as a result.  

3. That's a bummer, but I'm sure you'll be able to jump right back into another cyber internship when this is all over. Speaking of which, what are your plans for taking your cybersecurity career to the next level? Where do you see yourself going from here?

With my assignment change at work and the COVID-19 pandemic, I have taken advantage of a lot of free training that has been offered. I also plan to graduate in December of 2020 from Western Governors with my bachelor's degree. And of course, through all of this, I will continue to focus on my retirement from the police force in February 2025. I have thought about leaving Law Enforcement earlier if an opportunity presented itself, but in the meantime, I am focused on my cybersecurity career goals. I hope to have a good amount of experience, professional training, and diversity to be competitive in the cybersecurity job market.

4. I'm sure you will. What advice can you give to people new to the cybersecurity industry?

Network; be active on LinkedIn; attend local events in your area; reach out to local colleges to see if they host a cybersecurity club or meetup group. There are many ways to network, but what makes networking successful is persistence. I find that some people in tech are introverted, so I can understand why networking can be difficult. I encourage everyone to explore opportunities that allow themselves to showcase their talents - such as writing a security blog, participate in a "Hack the Box" or CTF (Capture The Flag) event, or joining a slack cyber channel.

In closing, you must think outside the box when it comes to all things Cyber Security. And this includes getting into Cyber Security. The biggest benefit to me was networking on LinkedIn and pushing myself to attend events and shake hands with others, get face time with them, and listen.

You're certainly well on your way to a great career in cybersecurity, that's for sure! Thanks for talking with me today, Dennis. I'm glad you're staying safe in the current climate. Keep on keeping on!

Naomi Buckwalter, CISSP, is the Director of Information Security & Privacy for an industry-leading HR technology firm.