Recruitment & Reskilling Strategy
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Training & Security Leadership
Mitigate Career Risk With a Self-Audit, Targeted Training and Real-World Testing
Changing jobs or going after that promotion can be a difficult undertaking, even in a field like cybersecurity where the demand for skilled professionals is high. Often, the biggest career challenge is not that advanced persistent threat or the zero-day vulnerability. It’s what we call “mental malware.”
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Like viruses designed to avoid detection, mental malware consists of all the self-limiting beliefs and doubts that undermine our confidence in job searches and career growth. If left un-remediated, it can keep us from pushing forward for new roles or promotions, even when we’re fully capable of doing the job.
The first step to avoid falling into this trap is recognizing the symptoms of mental malware. “Imposter syndrome” is probably the most common form. Depending on which study you read, anywhere from 50% to 80% of people report experiencing symptoms of imposter syndrome while at work or looking for a new job. You might feel as though your achievements are a fluke, or that you’re not a “real” cybersecurity professional. Imposter syndrome convinces many skilled individuals to avoid applying for roles in which they could excel.
If you find yourself scanning job requirements like you would a security checklist, you might be dealing with “perfection paralysis.” Studies show this disproportionately affects women more than men, but often neither will apply for a job if they don’t meet 100% of the “required” qualifications. Yet, in practice, roles often accommodate training or on-the-job learning – something you might miss out on if you never apply.
“Fear of failure” can be debilitating, leading you to stick to familiar roles or responsibilities. This form of mental malware can become so embedded that it infiltrates the root of your mental operating system, rewriting your internal processes to continually prioritize safety over growth. Like encryption malware that locks up your systems, fear of failure disrupts your motivation and keeps your career stuck in place.
Strategies for Patch Management
- Conduct a self-audit. Just as cybersecurity professionals conduct vulnerability assessments, analyze your own strengths and gaps. Identify where you excel, and make a plan for improving weaker areas. This honest view is far more accurate – and kinder – than warped perspectives imposed by self-doubt.
- Implement positive defenses. Just as security teams share information for threat intelligence, your network of professional mentors and colleagues can provide encouragement and honest feedback. By surrounding yourself with supportive voices, you can build an early detection system against negative thoughts.
- Regularly update your mindset. Hackers are always innovating, so it’s a good idea to stay current on industry best practices, attend conferences and earn relevant certifications. Ongoing professional development helps you stay confident about your skills and is an effective method to counter mental malware before it spreads.
- Test for real-world readiness. Consider joining hackathons or capture-the-flag events. When you subject your skills to real-world problem-solving, you get a tangible sense of capability. This process is like pen-testing for your confidence, proving that you do, in fact, belong in the field.
Breaking Out of the Quarantine
Like any sophisticated attack, mental malware thrives in isolation. By recognizing the signs and taking targeted action, you can neutralize these career threats. Whether you’re new to cybersecurity or a seasoned professional, confronting mental malware is the key to unlocking bigger roles and exciting projects.
The next time you see a job posting that sparks your interest, remember, the only guaranteed way to fail is by not trying. Embrace your expertise, learn where you need to grow, and trust that you’re equipped to succeed.