In our last Seccuri Session held on Tuesday, November 21st, we had the privilege of interviewing Marcos Polanco, Director of Presales and Strategic Services at Scitum, the leading cybersecurity company in Mexico. During the session, Marcos shared valuable advice and insights on the evolution of the cybersecurity field, the key skills and knowledge required for enthusiasts and professionals to succeed in this challenging field, and some of the lessons learned throughout his cybersecurity projects throughout his professional career.

Here are the key takeaways from our Seccuri Session with Marcos, which you should keep in mind when pursuing cybersecurity education and seeking to advance your professional career:

1. Breadth and depth in training

Marcos emphasized the importance of having a broad education in cybersecurity, covering everything from networks to operating systems, application development, and cloud security. He also highlighted the need to delve into specific areas according to professional goals.

2. Continuous learning

Cybersecurity is a dynamic field that constantly evolves. During the session, Marcos stressed the importance of continuous learning, suggesting that professionals should be willing to stay updated and participate in certification programs that require the demonstration of continuous learning.

3. Integrating cybersecurity with business

A key piece of advice from Marcos is the need to speak the language of business. Cybersecurity should not be seen as an obstacle but as a business enabler. Understanding the business model and strategy is essential for effectively aligning security.

4. Having diverse perspectives

Marcos emphasized that cybersecurity is not exclusive to engineers; professionals from various fields, such as legal, art, or music, can bring valuable perspectives to the field. Diversity of skills and approaches can enrich how we tackle security challenges.

5. Roles in cybersecurity

For those starting their careers in cybersecurity, it is recommended to explore opportunities in consulting roles. This role provides a broad perspective in addressing various issues before specializing. Consulting allows professionals to gain experience in different areas before making more specific career decisions. Additionally, frameworks like NIST NICE, the United States' national initiative for cybersecurity education, serve as a reference for understanding the knowledge, skills, and capabilities needed to perform various cybersecurity roles within an organization.

6. University-Industry Collaboration:

From his experience as a lecturer at the University of La Salle, Marcos emphasized the importance of linking theory with business reality. Integrating practical cases and real examples in academic training helps students understand how to apply their knowledge in real-world situations.

7. Recognition of cybersecurity educators

It is crucial to highlight how the Seccuri Awards, held by Seccuri since October, have recognized and rewarded the best cybersecurity educators in Mexico. This recognition not only highlights the exceptional work of educators but also promotes collaboration among professionals and creates a valuable reference for students seeking quality education. The Seccuri Awards are a testament to the cybersecurity community's commitment to promoting excellence in teaching and strengthening the foundations of knowledge in this dynamic field.

8. Utilizing platforms like Seccuri to advance your cybersecurity career

Additionally, Marcos highlighted the importance of Seccuri, the global cybersecurity skills and talent platform, which offers enthusiasts and professionals the opportunity to assess their cybersecurity profile for free. Seccuri provides personalized recommendations for professional development through some of the most in-demand career paths in the market, access to numerous cybersecurity job opportunities worldwide, and a training ecosystem in collaboration with renowned partners such as SANS and CompTIA. This platform is an invaluable resource for those looking to strengthen their skills and take their career to the next level.

We invite you to register as a Talent user at www.seccuri.com to access all of Seccuri's services. Additionally, by registering, you will have the opportunity to be invited to future Seccuri Sessions with some of the industry's most prominent experts. Take advantage of the opportunity to learn from their experience and discover keys to success in the exciting world of cybersecurity. Don't miss this unique opportunity to boost your cybersecurity career!

Remember that you can access the full recording of the session on our YouTube channel by clicking here.