Cyber Secuirty notes per speaker:

David Tomasz

  • Discussed major cybersecurity threats such as ransomware and foreign IP theft (especially from countries like China).

  • Stressed the importance of learning from skilled peers and maintaining strong connections within the field.

  • Highlighted the value of professional networking and soft skills, especially leadership — something I also recognize as important, given how often colleges focus on leadership experience.

  • Pointed out that the traditional 9-to-5 work model is becoming outdated — an idea I’m still considering, but it aligns with the way the tech industry is evolving.

Tricia Mercer

  • Helped stop data theft and trained soldiers on data security.

  • Inspired by The Cuckoo’s Egg and enjoys the idea of “catching the bad guys.”

Highlighted the importance of:

  • Learning computer science fundamentals

  • Understanding how to speak the “business language”

  • Developing skills in phishing defense, which is a more specific niche in the field

Victor Nzeata

  • Shared his experience preventing military data leaks and investigating a senior executive leaking company secrets.

  • Stressed the importance of earning an IT degree and specializing, especially in areas like AI security, which is a growing field.

  • Talked about the risks of weaponized AI and explained zero-day vulnerabilities — flaws in software that attackers exploit before developers are even aware of them.

Overall Takeaways (challenges + key points):

  • Success in cybersecurity relies on a mix of strong technical skills and strong people skills.

  • Specializing in a specific niche, like healthcare or finance, can open doors to more opportunities and long-term success.

  • Career paths are available in government, the military, and the private sector.

  • Leadership, teamwork, adaptability, and clear communication — especially when working with non-technical decision-makers — are essential skills.

  • Building a strong professional network is crucial, as a lack of connections can limit your growth in the field.

  • The cybersecurity field is highly competitive, and being able to confidently explain your work to business professionals is an important part of the job.

  • Staying ahead of constantly evolving security threats is a major challenge. I also learned that vulnerabilities often don’t just come from your own code, but from third-party libraries and external tools — which can create security risks even if your own work is solid.

My Reflection:

Hearing from the speaker about cybersecurity really opened my eyes to how much the field combines both technical knowledge and strong people skills. I found it especially valuable to learn about the importance of leadership, communication, and networking — skills that are useful in any career, including the medical path I want to follow. I really thought it was cool to hear from Mr. Tomasz as he was and FBI agent; he expressed the importantce of knowing what you are doing in coding as if you dont it is easier to get hacked! This really stood out to me since sometimes as a coder I dont fully understand what I am working on; however his perspective and information helped motivate me to make sure I understand what I do in code and in general. Overall, the talk gave me a new perspective on the role cybersecurity plays across different industries and even at school in our CSP class.

Me and my friends at the panel!