Navigating New Responsibilities: My Unexpected Journey into Cybersecurity
Starting a new job is often filled with excitement and learning opportunities. However, what happens when that new role morphs into something unanticipated? Recently, I found myself in this very situation. While I was initially hired to assist with various computer-related tasks, I soon discovered that I had been unexpectedly entrusted with managing the company’s cybersecurity—a responsibility for which I feel woefully unprepared.
When I joined the team, I didn’t anticipate that I would need to oversee cybersecurity, especially since there were no existing protocols or systems in place. Interestingly, the company had been operating without a dedicated security strategy prior to my arrival, and now, it seems that the responsibility has fallen squarely on my shoulders.
Though the organization is not currently in the spotlight, there are plans for expansion that will likely invite more scrutiny in the future. To ensure we don’t fall short during this transition, management has announced intentions to hire a security consultant down the line. My goal is to become as prepared as possible before that consultant arrives, thus ensuring we don’t appear completely unprepared in front of an expert.
So, where do I begin?
The task ahead can feel overwhelming, but here’s my plan of action:
-
Educate Myself: First and foremost, I need to dive into cybersecurity education. There are countless online courses, webinars, and resources available for beginners that can help me understand the basics, as well as more advanced topics.
-
Assess Current Infrastructure: I will take stock of our existing IT assets and practices. Understanding what we have and how it’s currently being managed is crucial for identifying potential vulnerabilities.
-
Create a Preliminary Plan: Drawing from my preliminary research, I aim to develop a basic cybersecurity framework. This won’t be perfect, but it will establish initial steps that can be refined over time.
-
Engage the Team: It’s essential to involve other team members in this process. Cybersecurity is not the sole responsibility of one person and should be a company-wide initiative. I’ll seek insights and encourage a culture of security awareness.
-
Prepare Documentation for the Consultant: Once I have laid the groundwork, I will document everything as clearly as possible for the future security consultant. This way, they can better assess our situation and provide informed guidance.
Despite feeling a bit out of my depth, I am determined to take on this challenge. With resources available and a plan in mind
Share this content:
It’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed when tasked with cybersecurity responsibilities without prior experience. The important thing is that you’re taking proactive steps to educate yourself and assess your current infrastructure. Here are some additional tips that might help:
Remember, nobody expects perfection from someone new to the field. Taking small, consistent steps will gradually build your confidence and improve your organization’s security posture.