All Episodes

Subscribe to CyBytes Newsletter https://cybytes.io/newsletter What actually happens when a company in Dubai needs to hire someone in cybersecurity? It’s a lot more complicated than posting a job on LinkedIn and waiting for the right CV. I test Anya on how she approaches a new cyber job off the cuff.  From understanding what the hiring manager actually needs, setting realistic salary expectations and finding candidates, through to shortlisting, interviews and negotiating the final offer. Subscribe to CyBytes for more conversations with people actually working in cybersecurity across the UAE and beyond.  Follow CyBytes LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/cybytespodcast Youtube -  @cybytespodcast   Substack - cybytes.substack.com Follow Nik here LinkedIn - https://bit.ly/4dGiIY9 Follow Anya here LinkedIn - https://bit.ly/46h5n6i CyberFused - https://www.cyberfused.com/ Follow Karim here Linkedin - https://bit.ly/4zAGDmf

Subscribe to CyBytes Newsletter https://cybytes.io/newsletter In this episode of CyBytes, I sit down with cybersecurity recruiter and CyberFused founder Anya Shpilman to talk about how AI is changing recruitment in the GCC, where it genuinely helps, where it falls short, and why human relationships still matter when you’re hiring people  We get into the ever lasting dead internet theory. AI-generated CVs, automated applications, AI interviews and the tools Anya actually uses in her own work. Subscribe to CyBytes for more conversations with people actually working in cybersecurity across the UAE and beyond Follow CyBytes LinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/cybytespodcast Youtube -  @cybytespodcast   Substack - cybytes.substack.com Follow Nik here LinkedIn - https://bit.ly/4dGiIY9 Follow Anya here LinkedIn - https://bit.ly/46h5n6i CyberFused - https://www.cyberfused.com/ Follow Karim here Linkedin - https://bit.ly/4zAGDmf 

“Age or education doesn’t matter in cybersecurity. What matters is initiative.” — Bhavika Khetani In this episode, we interview Bhavika Khetani, a cybersecurity lecturer at Curtin University, discussing the importance of education in the cybersecurity field. They explore Bhavika's journey into teaching, the challenges faced in cybersecurity education, and the need for bridging the gap between academia and industry. The conversation highlights the significance of networking, real-world experiences, and the realities of cybersecurity careers. Bhavika shares insights on engaging students, the role of online presence in career advancement, and offers advice for aspiring cybersecurity professionals. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 04:12 Bhavika's Journey into IT and Teaching 06:46 Transition from Pen Testing to Teaching 09:20 The Importance of Strong Foundations in Cybersecurity Education 12:15 Navigating the Job Market in Cybersecurity 14:59 Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry 17:43 Challenges Faced by Educators in Engaging Students 20:55 Engaging Students Beyond Grades 23:31 The Importance of Presentation Skills 27:12 Navigating Job Applications in Cybersecurity 29:14 De-stressing in a High-Pressure Industry 29:22 Innovations in Cybersecurity Education 31:22 Advice for Aspiring Cybersecurity Professionals 32:52 Success Stories from the Classroom 34:02 The Role of Educators in Cybersecurity 36:45 Closing Remarks and Future Engagement Takeaways Teaching is not just about imparting knowledge, but also about learning. There is a growing demand for cybersecurity professionals, but skilled individuals are scarce. Students should engage in continuous learning and networking to enhance their career prospects. Real-world experiences and industry insights are crucial for students' understanding of cybersecurity roles. Engagement strategies, such as discussions and quizzes, can enhance student learning. An online presence is important for job seekers in cybersecurity. Students need to understand the realities of cybersecurity jobs, including challenges and responsibilities. Networking is essential in the UAE job market, especially in tech fields. Teaching requires a commitment from both educators and students for effective learning. Success stories from students can inspire and motivate current learners.  Subscribe to CyBytes Newsletter https://cybytes.io/newsletter

 “Degrees give you generalists. Focused training gives you employees who can actually do the job.” — William Wright In this conversation, William Wright, CEO of Closed Door Security, shares his journey from a sysadmin to a chartered pen tester and entrepreneur. He discusses the importance of communication skills in cybersecurity, the challenges of running a business, and the significance of giving back to the community. William emphasizes the need for continuous learning and growth in the field, as well as the unique opportunities and challenges present in the UAE's cybersecurity landscape. He also reflects on his personal interests and the importance of maintaining a work-life balance. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity and Personal Journeys 03:02 Transitioning from Defense to Offensive Security 06:05 Understanding Chartered Pen Testing 09:04 Imposter Syndrome and Professional Recognition 11:48 Learning Methods in Cybersecurity 14:52 The Role of CTFs in Cyber Training 17:28 Communication Skills in Cybersecurity 20:10 Public Speaking and Overcoming Stage Fright 27:24 Embracing the Unexpected in Public Speaking 29:46 The Journey into Entrepreneurship 34:47 Building Closed Door Security: Challenges and Growth 39:57 The Importance of Relationships in Business 44:32 Finding Purpose in Cybersecurity 50:14 The Gap Between Education and Industry Needs 56:23 Leaving a Legacy in Cybersecurity 01:00:43 Creating a Safe Learning Environment in Cybersecurity 01:02:51 Building a Talent Pipeline in Cybersecurity 01:03:42 The Importance of Practical Experience Over Certifications 01:07:38 Understanding the UAE Work Culture 01:10:17 Navigating Job Competition in the UAE 01:13:31 Balancing Work and Personal Life in Cybersecurity 01:16:56 The Passion Behind Building a Business 01:19:27 The Value of Learning from Others 01:21:43 The Challenges of Teaching in Cybersecurity 01:25:41 Closing Remarks and Future Engagement Takeaways William Wright is the CEO of Closed Door Security and has a background in both defensive and offensive security. He became a chartered pen tester through a pilot scheme in the UK, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the community. Learning in cybersecurity is often self-directed, and practical experience is crucial for growth. Communication skills are essential in cybersecurity roles to convey risks to non-technical stakeholders. Building a business involves embracing challenges and taking responsibility for the team's success. The UAE offers unique opportunities in cybersecurity, but competition is fierce due to a large pool of talent. Giving back to the community is a core value for William, who aims to help others in their cybersecurity careers. The future of cybersecurity in the UAE involves building relationships and focusing on trust rather than commoditization. Personal growth and learning are ongoing processes, and it's important to seek mentorship and guidance. William enjoys music, gaming, and spending time with his wife as a way to unwind from the pressures of running a business. Subscribe to CyBytes Newsletter https://cybytes.io/newsletter

🔥 “I didn't have a roadmap. I had to figure out threat intelligence by doing the job.” — Renze Jongman In this conversation, Renze Jongman shares his journey from law enforcement to the world of cybersecurity, detailing his experiences in threat intelligence and the cultural dynamics of working in the UAE. He discusses the importance of AI in enhancing threat intelligence capabilities through his company, Liberty 91, and emphasizes the need for continuous learning and networking in the cybersecurity field. Renze also reflects on the challenges and rewards of building a startup in this space, offering valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and cybersecurity professionals. Get in Touch! Liberty91.com (contact@liberty91.com) Renze Jongman Nik Mohanlal Time Stamps 00:00 Introduction and Background of Renze 00:16 Transition from Law Enforcement to Cybersecurity 01:53 The Role of Threat Intelligence in Cybersecurity 04:43 The Importance of Coding in Cybersecurity 07:39 Cultural Differences in Work Environments 10:23 Experiences of Moving to the UAE 12:46 Work Culture in Cybersecurity in the UAE 15:30 Navigating Office Politics in Cybersecurity 17:52 The Reality of Working in Cybersecurity 20:46 Personal Journey into Cybersecurity 23:41 The Impact of Child Protection Cases on Career Choices 25:39 Collaboration with the FBI: Uncovering Suspects 27:45 Learning and Skill Development in Cybersecurity 30:32 The Importance of Curiosity and Initiative 32:44 Finding Balance: Life Outside Cybersecurity 34:54 Introducing Liberty 91: A Threat Intelligence Platform 38:42 Leveraging AI for Threat Intelligence 43:38 Building Liberty 91: The Journey of Entrepreneurship 47:17 Future Developments and Accessibility in Threat Intelligence 49:34 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs in Cybersecurity Takeaways Renze transitioned from law enforcement to cybersecurity to pursue an international career. Threat intelligence is crucial for informed decision-making in cybersecurity. Cultural differences play a significant role in the workplace, especially in the UAE. AI can enhance threat intelligence by automating data collection and analysis. Building a network is essential for success in entrepreneurship and cybersecurity. Continuous learning is vital for growth in the cybersecurity field. Liberty 91 aims to make threat intelligence accessible and affordable for mid-sized businesses. The journey of building a startup involves both product development and marketing efforts. AI can help tailor threat intelligence reports for different organizations. Maintaining a work-life balance is important for long-term success. 

🔥 “You don’t need to be handed a role — you build into it.” - Joan Vidal In todays episode, Joan shares his remarkable journey from a curious high school student to a cybersecurity professional in the UAE.   He discusses his early influences, the challenges he faced in transitioning to cybersecurity roles, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career. Joan emphasizes the importance of curiosity, continuous learning, and the value of certifications in the cybersecurity field. He also touches on his passion for voice acting and his desire to support the Dominican community in the UAE by sharing valuable information and experiences. Get in touch! Joan Vidal - LinkedIn, Instagram Nik Mohanlal - LinkedIn Timestamps 00:00 The Journey into Cybersecurity 01:40 Early Experiences and Career Development 02:20 Transitioning into Cybersecurity Roles 04:57 The Impact of Curiosity in Cybersecurity 08:10 Facing Challenges and Building Skills 10:21 Defining Moments in Cybersecurity 13:03 The Thrill of Real-Time Incident Response 16:59 Navigating Ransomware Challenges 20:31 The Excitement of Cyber Defense 22:24 Red Teaming Insights and Community Engagement 24:32 The Joy of Incident Response 27:29 Bridging Programming and Cybersecurity 30:36 The Importance of Community in Cybersecurity 31:22 Certifications: A Pathway to Cybersecurity Mastery 40:41 The Value of Cybersecurity Certifications 43:36 The Shift Towards Practical Cyber Training 46:54 Challenges in the Cybersecurity Landscape 52:32 Exploring Voice Acting as a Passion 58:34 Supporting the Dominican Community in UAE 01:05:40 Advice for Aspiring Cybersecurity Professionals Takeaways Joan's journey in cybersecurity began in high school. He transitioned from IT support to cybersecurity roles. Curiosity drives Joan's passion for investigations in cybersecurity. Facing a ransomware incident was a defining moment for him. He emphasizes the importance of foundational knowledge in cybersecurity. Joan has experience in both red teaming and blue teaming. He values certifications like CISSP for career advancement. Joan encourages aspiring professionals to apply widely for job opportunities. He shares his passion for voice acting and its connection to his acting dreams. Joan aims to support the Dominican community in the UAE through knowledge sharing.

🔥 “Recruitment is broken in this region — and juniors feel it the most.” - Anya Shpilman In this episode of CyBytes, I get to interview Anya Shpilman, a recruitment powerhouse in the cybersecurity sector. We talk about the challenges of recruitment in the UAE, the impact of AI on the hiring process, and the importance of networking and personal branding. Anya shares her journey into recruitment, the current job market dynamics, and her plans for expanding cybersecurity services in the region. We go over the significance of community in cybersecurity and offers valuable advice for new graduates entering the field. Get in touch! Anya Shpilman - LinkedIn CyberFused - Youtube Nik Mohanlal - LinkedIn Timestamps 00:00 The Evolution of Recruitment Processes 00:43 The Role of AI in Recruitment 01:52 Challenges Faced by Recruiters 05:35 Advice for New Graduates 07:31 The Importance of Personal Branding 10:03 Networking in the Cybersecurity Community 13:16 The Importance of Sharing Knowledge in Cybersecurity 13:47 Navigating Imposter Syndrome in Tech Recruitment 15:54 Transitioning from Recruitment to MSSP Partnerships 17:55 The Evolution of the Cybersecurity Job Market 19:55 Challenges in the UAE Job Market 21:55 The Maturity of Cybersecurity Teams in the UAE 25:37 The Future of Cybersecurity in the Middle East 29:02 Expanding Cybersecurity Services in Saudi Arabia Takeaways Anya fell into recruitment by chance, but found it rewarding. The recruitment process in the UAE is complex and often broken. Networking is crucial for success in the cybersecurity field. AI is changing the recruitment landscape, but personal connections remain vital. Candidates should not take rejection personally; competition is fierce. Community support in cybersecurity is invaluable for growth. New graduates should seek internships and hands-on experience. Personal branding is essential in a crowded job market. The job market in the UAE is becoming increasingly competitive. Anya plans to expand her cybersecurity services into Saudi Arabia.

🔥“Certifications just tell the world what you know — but they don’t show how you think.”  - Chris Prince In this conversation, I get to talk to Chris Prince and we explore his journey into cybersecurity, discussing the transition from computer science, the importance of curiosity and passion in the field, and the challenges faced by cybersecurity professionals. We delve into the significance of communication skills, the role of certifications, and the perception of cybersecurity within organizations. Chris shares insights from his experience as a SOC analyst and reflects on the influence of gaming on his career. The discussion emphasizes the need for continuous learning and the importance of personal branding in the cybersecurity industry. Enjoy! Shoot us a DM!  Nik Mohanlal (LinkedIn) Chris Prince (LinkedIn) Takeaways Curiosity drives success in cybersecurity. Transitioning from computer science to cybersecurity is common. Cybersecurity is often viewed as a money drain by businesses. Certifications validate knowledge but are not the only factor for success. Communication skills are crucial in cybersecurity roles. Job applications require a proactive approach. Gaming can enhance teamwork and problem-solving skills. Continuous learning is essential in a rapidly changing field. Personal branding on platforms like LinkedIn is important. The perception of cybersecurity roles needs to improve within organizations. Chapters 00:42 The Journey into Cybersecurity: From Gaming to Protection 00:51 The Importance of Passion in Cybersecurity 00:51 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome in Cybersecurity 01:41 Communication: The Key to Success in Cybersecurity 04:32 The Role of Experience in Cybersecurity Careers 07:38 The Communication Gap in IT 08:29 Understanding the Negatives of Cybersecurity Roles 11:12 Changing Perceptions of Cybersecurity 13:56 The Role of Certifications in Cybersecurity Careers 15:29 Navigating the Job Market in UAE 20:15 Leveraging LinkedIn for Career Growth 27:07 Curiosity as a Driving Force in Cybersecurity 30:22 The Importance of Curiosity and Intrinsic Motivation 32:19 Navigating Career Paths in Cybersecurity 33:46 The Role of Personal Experiences in Professional Growth 35:41 Transitioning Roles in Cybersecurity 37:04 Gaming and Its Impact on Personal Development 43:13 The Interconnection of Skills Across Disciplines 44:17 Closing Thoughts and Future Aspirations

🔥“You won’t survive in a SOC if you can’t talk to people.” - Jumaa Alhameli In the very first episode of CyBytes,  I sit down with Jumaa AlHameli, a L2 SOC Analyst and offensive security enthusiast, to explore how he accidentally got into cybersecurity... starting with a fake cheat that had a keylogger. We explore various learning approaches, the significance of finding one's path in cybersecurity, and the opportunities available in the UAE's growing cybersecurity landscape. The conversation also touches on overcoming self-doubt and the need for effective communication in the industry. Enjoy! Follow Jumaa here LinkedIn Follow Nik here LinkedIn Follow CyBytes Podcast LinkedIn Instagram Youtube Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction to Cybersecurity Enthusiasm 00:58 - Learning Techniques and Approaches in Cybersecurity 04:35 - Finding Your Path: Red Team vs Blue Team 08:40 - The Role of a SOC Analyst: Responsibilities and Challenges 13:47 - The Importance of Mentorship in Cybersecurity 16:06 - Encouraging New Graduates in the Cybersecurity Field 18:28 - Bridging the Gap in Cybersecurity Education 23:24 - Overcoming Self-Doubt and Building Confidence 30:01 - Navigating Career Opportunities in Cybersecurity 36:22 - Innovative Projects in Cybersecurity Training Takeaways Cybersecurity offers insights from both beginners and seasoned professionals. Building a home lab is crucial for practical learning. Understanding the fundamentals of cybersecurity is essential for growth. Finding your niche in cybersecurity can be achieved through exploration. Mentorship plays a vital role in professional development. UAE is a rapidly growing hub for cybersecurity opportunities. Self-doubt can be managed by viewing challenges as learning experiences. Effective communication is key in relaying technical information to non-technical stakeholders. Passion and monetary goals can coexist in driving career choices. Engaging in both offensive and defensive security is important for a well-rounded skill set.

CyBytes is a podcast that brings short, bite-sized conversations with individuals who work in cybersecurity across the UAE and the World - beginner or seasoned.  Who can provide valuable insight and advice, sharing stories and tips for those looking to get a head start in cyber security and tech. In 15 min episodes you’ll get a chance to learn about what they do, how they got started, methods they use to stay on top of their skills and what keeps them going. As well as providing some actionable insight for those who want to do the same! Contact: LinkedIn