From Army To Cybersecurity Subject Matter Expert (SME) ft. Huralain Mohamed

Welcome to another exciting episode of Tech Woke! Today, we're thrilled to have Huralain Mohamed, a true powerhouse in the field of cybersecurity, join us. From her beginnings in a medically inclined family to making a bold leap into the world of tech, Huralain's journey is nothing short of inspiring. As an army veteran turned cybersecurity subject matter expert, she has navigated the challenges of government contracting, the intricacies of security clearances, and the competitive landscape of the tech industry.

In this episode, Huralain shares her personal and professional evolution—from joining the army at 16 to acquiring essential IT certifications and eventually running her own company, Saitec Solutions. We delve into her experiences with government contracting, the importance of certifications, and the unique challenges faced by black women in tech leadership roles.

Huralain also sheds light on her ambitious goals for the next five years, which include expanding her company’s workforce, establishing a nonprofit science academy, and building a school focused on cybersecurity training. Join us as we explore her rich tapestry of experiences, practical advice for aspiring tech professionals, and her passion for creating a more inclusive and supportive environment in the tech world.

Tune in for an episode filled with insights, inspiration, and actionable tips to help you navigate and excel in the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity.

### Background and Early Career

- **Family and Early Influence:** Grew up in a medical family but chose a tech path.

- **Early Education and Military Service:** Joined the Army at 16, specializing in IT.

- **Early Tech Exposure:** Youth program and IT internship sparked her tech interest.

### Military Service and IT Experience

- **Roles and Responsibilities:** IT Specialist handling network administration, security, and communications.

- **Certifications:** Earned Network+, Security+, and server admin certs through military vouchers.

- **Benefits of Service:** Military covers cert costs; GI Bill and state tuition aid available.

### Transition to Cybersecurity

- **Educational Journey:** Left pre-med to pursue online schooling.

- **First Government Contracting Job:** IT site director and cybersecurity lead in New Mexico for two years.

### Government Contracting Challenges and Opportunities

- **Challenges:** Long procurement processes and delayed payments.

- **Certifications for Small Businesses:** Get certified as women, black, veteran, minority, or economically disadvantaged-owned for gov contracts.

### Career Progression and Goals

- **Career Roles:** Security engineer roles with Apex Systems, and countermeasures engineering.

- **Future Goals:** Facility clearance, 100 employees, nonprofit science academy, cybersecurity school.

### Networking and Community Impact

- **Networking Importance:** Essential through events, social media, and LinkedIn.

- **Tech Community Support:** Growing support for black women in tech.

- **Mentorship and Self-Study:** Combat impostor syndrome with mentors and continuous learning.

### Cybersecurity Roles and Skills

- **Cybersecurity Engineering:** Blue team role; requires network skills, detections, and coding in Yara Rules, Snort, Sigma.

- **Valuable Resources:** TryHackMe, Blue Team Detections, TMC Security websites.

- **Non-Technical Skills:** Communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills.

- **Certifications:** CISSP, SANS, OSCP, and vendor-specific certs useful.

- **Network Forensics Administrator Role:** Works with CISA on critical infrastructure hacks; international travel possible, requires network forensics/incident response certification.

### Security Clearance and Locations

- **Security Clearance Importance:** Enhances access and job prospects in military and civilian sectors.

- **Different Levels of Clearances:** From unclassified to Yankee White for White House.

- **Challenges with Clearance:** Lapsed clearance can be responsored, often easier in less desirable locations like New Mexico.

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