Cy Says Blog & Podcast

In the dynamic landscape of cybersecurity education, CyberUp’s PowerUp youth program stands as a beacon for young minds eager to explore the world of online safety. PowerUp youth program is a transformative initiative designed to provide a fun, free, and hands-on experience for students. Through engaging activities, the program empowers participants to understand the intricacies of the Internet and equips them with crucial knowledge on staying safe in the digital realm. By partnering with cybersecurity experts and local schools, PowerUp encourages students to think critically about their online presence while introducing them to the idea of cybersecurity as a career. 

CyberUp’s PowerUp youth program, which seeks to eliminate barriers that would normally keep some students from receiving this essential information, could not exist without sponsors who believe in our mission. Today, we’d like to highlight two of our amazing sponsors: PwC and Maryville University.

PwC: Catalysts for Innovation and Learning

PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) a global leader in professional services, plays a pivotal role in the success of the PowerUp initiative. Beyond financial contributions, PwC employees have volunteered their time to share their expertise and experience with the young people in our program.

"PwC US supports the PowerUp youth education program for its ongoing impact in bringing awareness to youth around the cybersecurity space,” said Rik Boren, Partner at PwC.  “Providing cybersecurity information and skills can help shape their education and future career opportunities, potentially in cybersecurity.  By investing in this program, we are hopeful that we can help increase interest in cybersecurity topics with youth in underserved communities. Introducing cybersecurity skills today is investing in their future -- to develop and grow skills that are marketable for their future careers, help address the cybersecurity skills shortfall, and help the future security of the world." 

Maryville University: Commitment to Academic Excellence

Maryville University brings its dedication to academic excellence to the PowerUp youth program through its generous sponsorship. Their commitment to improving the lives of St. Louis citizens through education is the type of mission that we at CyberUp love to collaborate with. Students can’t enter a career field they know nothing about, which is why it’s essential to introduce them to these pathways as early as possible so that they can make informed decisions about their future.

“Maryville University's sponsorship of the PowerUp youth program directly correlates with our strategic plan, access & opportunity for all, especially our youth,” explains Brian Gant, Assistant Dean of Technology at Maryville University. 

Program Reach and Impact:

Thanks to the generous support of PwC and Maryville University, CyberUp’s PowerUp youth program has successfully reached over 250 students in the St. Louis area since October 2023. The program's hands-on approach and the sponsorship's commitment to education and mentorship have left a lasting impact on young minds, preparing them for a future where cybersecurity plays a crucial role.

If you would like CyberUp to visit your elementary or middle school and participate in our free program, you can find more information about it here: https://wecyberup.org/powerup. Additionally, if you're passionate about helping our youth become more cyber-aware and would like to volunteer with us, you can learn more about volunteer opportunities here: https://wecyberup.org/volunteer/.

Let’s dive into a topic that many of us can relate to on a personal level: imposter syndrome. If you've ever felt like a fraud, doubting your capabilities and fearing that you'll be exposed as someone who doesn't belong, then you're not alone. Imposter syndrome is a common challenge in the cybersecurity field, but fear not, because we're here to help you overcome it.

First off, let's understand what imposter syndrome is all about. It's that constant nagging feeling that despite our accomplishments and expertise, we don't deserve our success. You know, that little voice in the back of your head saying, "You're just lucky," or "Everyone else knows more than you." Sound familiar? Yeah, we've all been there.

So how do we tackle this imposter syndrome beast? Let's explore some strategies to help you regain your confidence and embrace your skills in cybersecurity.

1. Recognizing and challenging negative self-talk

   It's time to silence that inner critic! Identify those nagging thoughts and challenge their validity. I find it helpful to give that inner critic a name so that when those negative thoughts come up, I can sit back and process what’s being said. It also makes it easier to tell that inner voice to sit down and shut up. Replace self-doubt with positive affirmations. “What if I CAN do it?” or “What if I DO get the job?” Remind yourself of the projects you've completed and the knowledge you bring to the table.

2. Building a support network and seeking mentorship

   Don't underestimate the power of a solid support system. Surround yourself with like-minded individuals who can uplift and inspire you. Seek out mentors who can guide you and provide valuable advice. Collaboration and learning from others can do wonders for your confidence and help motivate you to step outside of your comfort zone.

3. Embracing continued learning and skill development

   The cybersecurity field is ever-evolving, so make sure you stay on top of the latest trends and developments. Engage in continuous learning through online courses, attending webinars, or reading industry publications. Setting achievable goals and celebrating your progress along the way will boost your confidence.

4. Practicing self-care and managing stress

   Take time to care for yourself both physically and mentally. Engage in activities that help reduce stress, such as exercising, meditating, or pursuing hobbies. Balancing your work and personal life is crucial for maintaining overall well-being.

Now, let's talk about enhancing your confidence in the cybersecurity field.

5. Acknowledging personal achievements and expertise

   Take a moment to reflect on your past successes and the skills you've acquired. Give yourself credit for the challenges you've conquered and the growth you've achieved. Celebrate milestones, no matter how small, to remind yourself of your capabilities.

6. Embracing failures as learning opportunities

   Remember, mistakes are a normal part of the learning process. Instead of dwelling on failures, use them as stepping stones to success. Learn from your mistakes, adapt, and improve your skills. Failure doesn't define you; it's how you bounce back that truly matters.

7. Developing a personal brand and showcasing expertise

   In the age of social media, creating an online presence can be a powerful tool. Showcase your knowledge and skills through platforms like LinkedIn or personal blogs. Participate in industry events and share your expertise to establish yourself as a trusted professional.

Remember that imposter syndrome is more common than you may think. It's a hurdle that many professionals face, but it doesn't define your worth or expertise. By challenging negative self-talk, building a support network, and embracing continuous learning, you can overcome imposter syndrome or at least quiet your inner critic and step out of your comfort zone anyway. Celebrate your achievements, learn from failures, and showcase your expertise to build the confidence you deserve in the cybersecurity field.

Finding top talent is hard especially when your team is already stretched thin. You need to find a person who can hit the ground running, but how? Gone are the days of solely judging candidates based on their degrees and experience. Skills-based hiring is revolutionizing the hiring process.

Skills-based hiring prioritizes skill sets over formal education and experience. While traditional hiring often relies heavily on educational background and work history, skills-based hiring flips the script. Employers now recognize that as long as candidates possess the necessary skills, their lack of formal education or relevant job experience shouldn't disqualify them. For instance, self-taught coders may lack a degree or prior coding job but possess the skills needed for the role. This approach focuses on inclusivity, welcoming candidates based on their abilities rather than excluding them due to specific prerequisites. However, it's crucial to verify candidates' skills through assessments or assignments rather than solely relying on their claims. This ensures candidates' skill levels align with the job requirements.

Skills-based hiring is starting to rise in popularity. Traditionally, recruiters would sift through countless resumes, looking for specific qualifications and experience. While these criteria are important, they don't always give a complete picture of a candidate's potential. Skills-based hiring is a more inclusive approach that emphasizes the actual skills an individual possesses, rather than just their credentials.

Now, you might be wondering why skills-based hiring matters. It comes with a multitude of advantages. It promotes diversity and inclusion in the workplace. By shifting the focus from degrees to skills, recruiters can give equal opportunities to a wider range of candidates. This not only helps to break traditional biases and stereotypes but also creates a more dynamic and innovative work environment.

Another perk of skills-based hiring is the efficiency it brings to the hiring process. Instead of spending hours sifting through resumes, recruiters can quickly identify the core skills and competencies required for a specific role. This streamlined approach saves time, energy, and resources for both employers and job seekers.

What's more, skills-based hiring can have a positive impact on employee engagement and satisfaction. When individuals are hired based on their skills, they have the opportunity to excel in their areas of expertise. This boosts confidence, job satisfaction, and overall performance, leading to happier employees and a more productive workforce.

So, how can organizations implement skills-based hiring successfully? Well, it starts with identifying the key skills and competencies needed for each role. By clearly defining what skills are required, employers can target their recruitment efforts and attract candidates who possess those specific abilities.

Of course, no transition is without its challenges. One of the main hurdles when adopting skills-based hiring is resistance to change. Many organizations have been following traditional hiring practices for years, and convincing them to shift their mindset may take some effort. It's important to educate stakeholders about the benefits of this approach and showcase success stories from other companies that have embraced skills-based hiring.

Addressing potential skills gaps and the need for ongoing training and development is yet another factor to keep in mind. While skills-based hiring allows organizations to focus on relevant skills, it's important to have strategies in place to bridge any gaps and provide opportunities for employees to continuously upgrade their skills.

Looking ahead, the future of skills-based hiring is promising. As technology advances, we can expect to see more sophisticated skill assessment tools emerging. These tools will provide even more accurate insights into candidates' capabilities, helping organizations make even better hiring decisions.

Skills-based hiring is revolutionizing the recruitment landscape, bringing a host of benefits to both employers and job seekers. By focusing on skills rather than solely relying on degrees and experience, organizations can create a more inclusive, efficient, and engaged workforce. Whether you're a job seeker or an employer, it's time to embrace skills-based hiring and unlock the true potential of talent.

In today's digital age, where technology is all around us, it's essential to understand the basics of cybersecurity. Whether you're watching cat videos on YouTube, connecting with friends on social media, or doing research for school projects, it's crucial to know how to keep our kids safe online. So, let's dive in and explore the world of cybersecurity together!

But first, what exactly is cybersecurity? Well, it's like a virtual shield that protects you from online threats. Just as you lock your front door to keep intruders out, cybersecurity helps you safeguard your personal information and keep hackers at bay.

Now, you might be wondering, "Why is cybersecurity important for me?" In today's interconnected world, cyber threats are constantly evolving. Cybercriminals may try to steal your personal information, like passwords or credit card details, through various tricks. That's why it's essential to understand common cyber threats, like malware, phishing, social engineering, and password attacks.

So, how can you protect your personal information online? Let's find out!

First and foremost, let's talk about passwords. We know, remembering multiple passwords can be tough. But it's important to use strong and unique passwords for all your accounts. Avoid common words or personal information in your passwords and consider using a trusted password manager to make your life easier.

Another great way to secure your accounts is by enabling two-factor authentication. It's like having a secret code on top of your password. So even if someone manages to get hold of your password, they won't be able to access your accounts without the code generated on your smartphone or email.

Speaking of personal information, it's crucial to keep it safe. Be careful about sharing personal details like your address or phone number online, especially in public forums or on social media. And remember, if a stranger on the internet asks for your personal information, it's a big red flag! Always trust your instincts and avoid sharing sensitive information.

Social media is an amazing way to connect with friends and share cool stuff, but it can also have its risks. Set your privacy settings wisely to control who can see your posts and information. Also, never accept friend requests from people you don't know in real life and if something seems suspicious or too good to be true, it's best to steer clear of it.

Unfortunately, cyberbullying is a sad reality in today's digital world. If you ever experience cyberbullying, don't keep it to yourself. Reach out to a trusted adult, like a parent or teacher, who can provide guidance and support. Remember, you're never alone, and there are people who care about your well-being.

Now, let's talk about general internet safety. When browsing the web, be cautious of suspicious websites. Stick to trusted sources for information and double-check facts before accepting them as true. It's essential to build your critical thinking skills and be aware of fake news.

When it comes to online communication, use email wisely. Be cautious about opening emails from unknown senders, especially if they contain suspicious attachments or ask for personal information. Always double-check the email address to ensure it's legitimate. And hey, never click on links from unknown sources. Hover over the link to see the actual web address it will take you to before clicking on it.

Keeping your devices secure is also crucial. Make sure to update your computer, smartphone, or tablet regularly. These updates often include security patches that fix vulnerabilities hackers can exploit. Additionally, consider using reputable antivirus software to protect your devices from malware and other digital nasties.

Oh, and let's not forget about rogue applications and stick to official app stores when downloading apps. Read reviews and check the developer's information before clicking that download button and always think twice before granting permissions to an app, especially if it wants access to your contacts, camera, or microphone.

To protect your devices from theft or loss, create a strong password or PIN to lock your device. And if your device supports it, enable remote tracking or wiping features. This way, if you misplace your device or someone steals it, you can locate or erase its contents remotely.

Now, let's talk about online gaming! It's a fun way to connect with friends and explore virtual worlds. But remember, not everyone online has good intentions. Protect your personal information while gaming by using usernames instead of your real name. Avoid sharing personal details or your location with other players. And if you encounter inappropriate behavior, report it to the game's moderation or support team.

Lastly, let's touch on cybersecurity etiquette. As responsible digital citizens, it's important to respect others' privacy online. Understand the terms of service when using websites or apps, and only accept agreements you truly understand. Treat others online as you would in real life, with kindness and respect. And always think before you post or share something, considering how it might impact others.

In conclusion, understanding cybersecurity basics is crucial in today's digital world. By following these simple practices, you can protect yourself online and navigate the digital landscape safely. Remember, cybersecurity is a continuous learning journey, so stay updated and share your knowledge with others. Together, we can create a safer online environment for everyone. Keep exploring, stay curious, and be cyber savvy!