The Soft Side of Cyber Podcast

Working in security you're going to be put into situations where you have to deliver the bad news and the updates to people outside of the field. Senior leadership wants updates on the incident. Your team needs to be kept up to date. Other departments you need to work with need context and prioritization guidance.  Today's podcast episode explores how you should approach this absolutely critical skill. Don't wait until you're in the middle of it to figure it out. Article reference: https://www.softsideofcyber.com/communicating-when-time-is-of-the-essence/

Welcome to another episode of The Soft Side of Cyber, a podcast that explores the human elements and softer aspects of the field of cybersecurity. This week, your hosts, Rob Wood, and Frank Domizio, dive into the concept of "Cyber Zen", a mindful approach to navigating the often chaotic landscape of cybersecurity. In this enlightening episode, Rob and Frank discuss the critical skill of differentiating between what's within our control and what's not in the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity. They delve into the Stoic philosophy's core tenet, the dichotomy of control, and how it applies in a digital context. This discussion is designed to help you manage your energy and focus, aiming it toward areas where you can make a real impact. Moreover, the hosts share invaluable insights on how to center oneself amidst the whirlwind of cybersecurity threats and issues. They underscore the importance of not reacting too quickly to stimuli, which could lead to errors or oversights. Instead, they propose a more mindful approach, encouraging listeners to stay present, aware, and resilient in the face of potential cyber crises. Expect to gain a fresh perspective on handling cybersecurity from this episode. You'll learn not just the technical know-how but also the softer skills that often make the difference between a good cybersecurity professional and a great one. Tune in and discover how to bring a sense of calm and control to your cybersecurity career. Here's to achieving Cyber Zen! Original article: https://www.softsideofcyber.com/bridging-tarot-spirituality-and-cybersecurity/

In this episode, join Rob Wood and Frank Domizio as they dive deep into the world of strategic planning in cybersecurity. They discuss the challenges of balancing strong cybersecurity measures with employee productivity and user experience. Listen in as they explore the concept of the "paved road" and how it can help organizations create a secure yet efficient work environment. Discover the importance of selecting the right metrics and key performance indicators to measure the success of your cybersecurity strategy, and learn how qualitative measures can provide insights into your organization's culture. Don't miss this engaging conversation that will help you navigate the complexities of cybersecurity while keeping your team productive and happy!   Follow along on all the leadership articles here: https://www.softsideofcyber.com/tag/ciso/

In this episode, Rob and Frank discuss the balance between hard and soft skills in cybersecurity and the importance of metacognition. In addition, they delve into the importance of communication and self-awareness in technical roles and how developing soft skills can make a significant difference in one's career. The discussion also covers tips on how to improve self-awareness and effectively evaluate one's abilities and decisions. Original article: https://www.softsideofcyber.com/metacognition-thinking-about-the-thinking-is-the-key-to-professional-success/ Key Takeaways: 1. The right balance between hard and soft skills in cybersecurity is crucial. Hard skills are the barrier to entry, while soft skills can be the differentiator in an individual's success. 2. Soft skills like communication are essential for explaining complex technical concepts to a diverse audience, from tech experts to HR personnel. 3. Self-awareness and critical thinking can be improved by reflecting on past decisions and experiences. One tip is to write down what will happen in a given situation and compare it to the outcome later. 4. Good communication can often lead to more significant impacts even if the technical product is less superior, as a well-presented product tends to have a better outcome. 5. Developing soft skills can help technical professionals advance and be more effective.

In this insightful episode of the Soft Side of Cyber Podcast, join cybersecurity experts Rob Wood and Frank Domizio as they delve into imposter syndrome and its impact on cybersecurity professionals. Discover how to overcome self-doubt, build confidence, and develop critical soft skills that are essential for success in the cybersecurity field. This discussion tackles topics such as mindfulness, meditation, visualization, and the role of soft skills in combating imposter syndrome. By embracing vulnerability and leveraging diverse perspectives, you can excel in your cybersecurity career and make a lasting impact in the industry. Tune in to learn how to silence the imposter within and unlock your full potential as a cybersecurity professional.   Article on imposter syndrome: https://www.softsideofcyber.com/dealing-with-imposter-syndrome-in-cyber/ Timestamps:  * 00:06 - Introduction  * 00:30 - Imposter syndrome and new jobs  * 01:20 - Advantages of imposter syndrome  * 04:50 - Frank's speech at Drexel and overcoming self-doubt  * 06:12 - Dealing with imposter syndrome in existing work environments  * 07:45 - Meditation and visualization for managing imposter syndrome  * 10:25 - Mindfulness and tactical thinking in the face of self-doubt  * 13:34 - Rob's wife's advice on public speaking   #cybersecurity #infosec #informationsecurity #softskills #impostersyndrome

In this inaugural episode of "The Soft Side of Cyber" podcast, hosts Rob Wood and Frank Demizio explore the importance of empathy in cybersecurity. They discuss the steps security teams can take to understand their counterparts' challenges and how leadership plays a crucial role in fostering a culture of empathy. Discover how communication, understanding, and prioritizing the needs of others can lead to more effective cybersecurity programs and stronger working relationships. Tune in for insights on balancing security priorities with organizational needs and the value of listening to the people around you. The original article on empathy in cybersecurity can be found here: https://www.softsideofcyber.com/these-shoes-arent-comfortable/