Gaylynn was the first person to reach out to me on the first day I announced my venture and website, The Triangle Net. She simply asked how she could help. What I learned from this initiative is that everyone has this amazing power to make a difference in the life of another person. It is as simple as asking: “How can I help you?”
Gaylynn’s story is yet another testimony of how the investment in community can generate a much greater return than you could ever expect. There is a circular movement in how a giving person feels a sense of obligation to pay it forward when given a chance, an opportunity that helps them grow and move forward.
I absolutely love Gaylynn’s commitment to helping others find their path into cybersecurity, and to supporting more women overcome obstacles along their way. It is always a rewarding experience meeting someone who understands their purpose. Gaylynn has that vision and perspective like an old soul. How grateful I am she reached out to me!
I hope you will find my chat with Gaylynn inspiring and riveting. I encourage you to wonder how you can help someone along their journey. You would be amazed of the endless ways you too can make a positive impact. Try it. What do you have to lose?
Gaylynn’s Recommendations
- You can learn anything you set your mind to.
- Don’t underestimate yourself.
- Trust yourself.
- Never quit on your pursuit of a career in cybersecurity.
- Be active and involved on LinkedIn.
- Expect change. Embrace change. Change is good!
- Expect adversity. Prepare early for it.
- Three basic security best practices to start using now (like right now):
- Use a password manager (e.g. LastPass) and don’t reuse passwords
- Use 2-factor authentication (e.g. Google authenticator app in any app store)
- Think (and hover over the link) before you click. Be suspicious of unexpected email. Slow down.
- There are real-world consequences to your actions. You play a part in keeping organizations you belong to secure.
- Cybersecurity is a lifestyle.
- Consider attending capture the flag competitions to gain hands-on experience in cybersecurity. There are fun ways to learn cybersecurity.
- Find your people. Surround yourself with the people who believe in you and support you.
- Be a leader. You too can be a role model and a mentor. Lead by example.
- Invest in your community.
- Pay it forward. Ask someone how you can help them.
- Live your purpose.
- Break down doors. Break glass. You got this!
Resources & References
- Personal LinkedIn
- Studied:
- Volunteers for Information Systems Security Association of Raleigh
- Volunteers for Women in Cybersecurity (WiCys) Raleigh chapter
- Podcast hosted by Renee Small – Breaking into Cybersecurity
- Podcast hosted by Karen Worstell – MOJO Maker
- Defcon919
- Capture The Flag ( CTF) competitions
Biography
Gaylynn is an information security professional based in Raleigh, NC. She has experience optimizing processes and services, and has served in roles in various security programs, including identity and access management, threat and vulnerability management, security awareness & training and data loss prevention. She is a proud member of the InfoSec community, and participate in multiple networking groups around the Research Triangle, including Infragard, Raleigh ISSA, and (ISC)2. Gaylynn serves as a volunteer board member for Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) NC Affiliate.
Additional Resources
- Check out the pocket guide: Cybersecurity for Everyone: A Human-Centered Approach to Protecting Yourself and Your Community
- Break into Cybersecurity supporting content
- Hack Like a Girl
- Women in Cybersecurity, Unite!
Credits
Created with the support of T&T Creative Group.
Music by Wolves: “Life Stories”, “Kenya”, “We Make It”
