Navigating the Unknown: My Unexpected Journey into Cybersecurity Management

Taking on a new role comes with its own set of challenges, but sometimes the job can throw you a curveball. Recently, I found myself stepping into an unexpected position at my new workplace: managing the company’s cybersecurity efforts. While I anticipated contributing to technical tasks during the interview process, I never envisioned that I would be responsible for establishing and overseeing cybersecurity protocols, especially considering that no one had previously held this responsibility.

To add to the complexity, my background isn’t rooted in cybersecurity—my professional experience is limited, with no formal training or certifications in this field. This puts me at a crossroads; I’m eager to embrace the challenge, but I’m acutely aware of the knowledge gaps I need to fill.

Fortunately, the organization is currently flying under the radar, but there’s an awareness that this will change. The company aims to ramp up its security measures to prepare for future scrutiny, and a security consultant will soon be hired to bolster our efforts. In the meantime, it falls upon me to get our house in order to ensure we don’t find ourselves unprepared when the time comes to bring in expert help.

So, where does one start in this challenging yet crucial task of cybersecurity management?

I’ve begun to gather resources, seek advice, and connect with professionals who are well-versed in the industry. It’s clear that establishing a strong foundation is key—this includes understanding the basics of cybersecurity, assessing the company’s current vulnerabilities, and developing a strategic plan tailored to our specific needs.

Community input has been invaluable, and I appreciate the support I’ve received thus far. With determination and the right resources, I believe I can navigate this uncharted territory and contribute to a more secure future for my organization.

Here’s to the journey ahead!