Rethinking Cybersecurity Hiring with Naomi Buckwalter

Hacker Valley Studio

Is cybersecurity gatekeeping holding back the industry? Naomi Buckwalter, Senior Director of Product Security at Contrast Security and Founder of the Cybersecurity Gatebreakers Foundation, argues that fresh talent and open doors are crucial for industry growth.

In this episode, Naomi challenges why industry hiring norms fall short, shares candid stories of her own missteps, and explains why humility and learning are just as important as technical skills in cybersecurity.

Impactful Moments:

00:00 – Introduction

03:15 – Building a genuine presence on LinkedIn

07:40 – Founding the Cybersecurity Gatebreakers Foundation

12:00 – Why hiring juniors is a win for cybersecurity

17:58 – Relationship building in cybersecurity

25:27 – Lessons from layoffs and overcoming failure

35:45 – Setting goals and attracting opportunities

Links:

Connect with our guest, Naomi Buckwalter: https://www.linkedin.com/in/naomi-buckwalter/

Learn more about the Cybersecurity Gatebreakers Foundation: https://www.cybersecuritygatebreakers.org/

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