The underrated role of self-awareness in cybersecurity with Alyssa Miller

Cyber Empathy

English - February 06, 2024 04:00 - 49 minutes - 45.4 MB
Technology Education Self-Improvement cybersecurity empathy information security online privacy online security Homepage Download Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Previous Episode: Creating change through hacking, teaching, and leading

Next Episode: A convincing case for optimism: why data privacy is coded into our culture

If you boil cybersecurity down to its essence, you'll find a hacker doing their best to educate, communicate, and help people see the world the way they do: with curiosity and the innate desire to understand it and make it better.

Yet what's the community reaction when a message fails to land as expected? It’s (still too) often victim-blaming, a sarcastic remark, or a vague piece of advice to do more of… something.

To our guest, Alyssa Miller, it all comes down to self-awareness and understanding that, frequently, impact is more important than intent. Being more aware of how and what we communicate may seem like a simple adjustment, but it is definitely the cornerstone of a more transparent, more thoughtful, and empathetic communication style in cybersecurity.

As SVP and CISO, Alyssa is responsible for aligning strategic security initiatives with business line objectives to protect customers' data and privacy. She is also a lifelong hacker, RSA and TEDx speaker, and the Author of "Cybersecurity Career Guide," a book she wrote to address the disconnect between the perceived scarcity of specialists in cybersecurity and all those pounding on the door trying to figure out how to get into the industry.

Throughout our conversation, you'll hear Alyssa's thoughts on the meaning of being a hacker, emotional intelligence, and self-awareness. She also talks about the importance of conferences in cybersecurity, why it is preferable to make friends instead of fans, her book, the lessons learned along the way, and much, much more.

Listen to this episode to discover:

When Alyssa started to see the world from an empathetic point of view (4:40)What changes she experienced and witnessed since the industry began discussing empathy (14:00)What (ethical) hackers actually do (18:50)Why it’s better to make friends than to make fans (24:20)What is a hacker? (31:30)How to get into cybersecurity (42:10)

Resources mentioned:

Book: Alyssa Miller - Cybersecurity Career Guide IppSec - We think we know how to build differentiating skills in offsec Solving the Tech Skills Gap at Your Local Coffee Shop | Alyssa Miller | TEDxLSSC