Hacker to CISO with Alyssa Miller

Utilizing hacking skills cannot only make it easier to work with management, but helps translate technical information for non-technical staff. Today's guest is Alyssa Miller. Alyssa is a lifelong hacker and cybersecurity leader. She is the CISO for Epiq Global and has over 16 years experience in security. She is an internationally recognized speaker, author, and researcher. She has also been featured in Tribe of Hackers blue team, Cybercrime magazine, and many other media.

Show Notes:

• [1:06] - Alyssa has always been a hacker and shares the beginning of her journey.
• [3:01] - She saved up her money in the late 80s to buy her first computer.
• [5:04] - When she received discs for internet and couldn't pay for it as a 12 year old, she learned how to hack into the internet provider.
• [7:11] - Alyssa got her first full time job in tech at 19 years old and then began her career in cybersecurity.
• [9:24] - After working as a consultant for a while, she worked for a Wall Street Firm.
• [11:09] - Alyssa explains how she serendipitously fell into her current role as a CISO.
• [13:41] - In management, Alyssa believes that the ability to translate technical terms to non-technical staff is a requirement for management positions.
• [16:12] - Hackers want to know how things work and how to make them work differently.
• [17:47] - CISO is a role that hasn't existed for a long time.
• [19:13] - Because it is a relatively new role, how is knowledge built for people coming into that role?
• [21:10] - Technology and security have always been connected.
• [23:16] - Risk management is an important part of what Alyssa does.
• [25:56] - Alyssa demonstrates how she communicates risk to business leaders.
• [27:59] - In her current CISO position, she is pulled away from the tech part of things. She likes looking at the bigger picture.
• [29:58] - Misinformation is the main concern for the future in security.
• [32:18] - Privacy concerns will spill into the cybersecurity realm as well.
• [33:37] - The line between physical and digital gets increasingly blurred.
• [34:53] - Kids growing up in this digital world need to learn how to be safe online.
• [37:01] - How will the next generation operate in regards to cybersecurity?
• [39:50] - Colleges need to be focusing on concepts, rather than actual programs.
• [41:52] - There are amazing graduate programs, but there are professionals who are incredible as self-taught.
• [43:42] - This is a hot industry but not everyone is cut out for the skills needed to be right for the job.
• [45:20] - In Alyssa's book, there are activities that help those seeking employment in cybersecurity.
• [46:56] - Her book is available online and in retailers.

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Links and Resources:

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• Cybersecurity Career Guide by Alyssa Miller
• Alyssa Miller on Twitter
• Alyssa Miller Website