Networking Strategies in Cybersecurity
Networking in cybersecurity offers far more than just potential job leads. Good networking helps you gain insider knowledge and stay updated on industry trends. You gain access to a wealth of collective experience and insights by engaging with peers and thought leaders.
Cybersecurity can be a challenging and high-pressure field. Building a professional network provides you with an invaluable support system. You will become part of a community of like-minded professionals who understand the unique demands of the job and the job search process. This network can offer guidance, mentorship, and emotional support, helping you navigate career challenges, combat burnout, and find encouragement in difficult times. Effective networking in cybersecurity will open doors to new opportunities. It will foster continuous learning and create a support system to help your long-term success in this field.
LinkedIn for Your Brand
LinkedIn is more than a social media platform. It can be the first impression you give to a potential employer. Your LinkedIn profile is like an actor’s calling card. The profile should make them want to hire you.
Professional Profile Picture
Some of us may be shy about taking pictures, but this is one moment when you really need to get over that fear and post a profile picture. They say, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” Take a high-quality headshot where you are dressed professionally.
Select a neutral background that doesn’t distract from your face. Consider customizing your background image or banner using a tool like Canva to reflect your personal brand. In addition, create a custom professional URL for your profile (e.g., linkedin.com/in/yourname). This URL looks much more polished when it is included in job applications and resumes. Make sure your contact info is up-to-date so recruiters can easily reach you. If you do not want to spend a bunch of money on a professional headshot, this is an area where AI can excel. We have found the AI company Dreamwave AI to offer an affordable package for producing professional quality headshots from a number of your less professional selfies. They will send you hundreds of AI-generated images, and one or two are bound to look just like you.
Headliners
Craft a catchy headline that goes beyond your job title. Include your expertise and what you bring to the table. Look at this from the point of view of what the hiring manager is hiring for. For instance, they’re not hiring for an engaging creative artist; they’re hiring for an Entry-Level or Aspiring SOC Analyst and the skills associated with it. Incorporate industry-specific keywords to enhance search visibility. You can find specific keywords by looking over job postings and taking some of their content to describe your experience.
Remember, hiring managers are always more inclined to employ likable employees. Do not be afraid to make it personal and authentic when you share your career goals, motivations, and values in the About Section. Use storytelling to connect with your audience.
Work Experience and Key Skills
List relevant work experiences and use specific keywords related to your industry. As much as possible, highlight your achievements rather than the tasks you did in each role. Focus on quantifiable results (show them the data!) and use action verbs.
Identify and list 10–20 relevant skills used for each position. When recruiters search LinkedIn, they are searching for these skills; if they aren’t there, they can’t search for you. And, as you write each experience, make sure to show how you used those skills in practice.
Do not hesitate to list any internships or volunteer experiences that are relevant to the roles you are seeking.
Endorsements and Recommendations
Do not be afraid to ask those you have worked with you for LinkedIn recommendations.
You will build credibility with every personalized recommendation and skill endorsement from colleagues and supervisors. Recruiters will read through any recommendations to gauge your ability to work with them. They will also take time to look into your skills and qualifications. But to be successful, remember: don’t just take!
Networking is an equal parts dance, so offer to write recommendations for others to encourage reciprocity.
Multimedia Content & Projects
Add multimedia elements like videos, presentations, or portfolios to showcase your work.
Ensure all content is professional and aligns with your brand. Use the Projects section to detail key initiatives you’ve worked on. Include measurable outcomes to demonstrate your impact.
The featured section is critical to your LinkedIn profile. This is an opportunity to link to your blog, GitHub, and other websites so that the recruiter or hiring manager spends more time considering you as a candidate. Don’t waste this opportunity.
Optimizing your LinkedIn
To maximize your networking potential on LinkedIn, start by optimizing your profile for cybersecurity roles. Highlight relevant skills, certifications, and experiences that showcase your expertise in the field. When job hunting, leverage the “Open to Work” feature strategically. When you are still employed, consider setting its visibility to “Recruiters Only” — this discreet option signals your availability to recruiters without alerting your current employer or colleagues. You can maintain confidentiality while still opening doors to new opportunities. However, making your job search public has potential advantages since it could prompt your network to share leads. While there are fervent teams on each side of the “Open to Work” banner, it seems that when the profile meets the qualifications, the recruiters will reach out.
Remember, your LinkedIn profile is often your first impression on employers, so ensure it accurately reflects your cybersecurity focus and career aspirations.
Connecting with Recruiters
There are two general strategies for recruiters and LinkedIn, the first is to reach out to recruiters, and the second is to make recruiters come to do, and you need to be doing both. By optimizing your LinkedIn profile above, you will occasionally get targeted messages from recruiters who are looking to fill a role that matches your profile. To reach out, the first thing you need to do is identify relevant recruiters. The easiest way to do this is to find them from job postings on LinkedIn, but you can also do a text search for recruiters who have posted that they’re hiring for positions. Once you’ve identified relevant recruiters, the next step is to reach out and establish a connection. Here’s how to do it effectively:
Sample Message Template
When contacting a recruiter, keep your message concise, professional, and tailored to your situation. Here’s a template you can adapt:
Subject: [Your Job Title] Seeking New Opportunities
Hi [Recruiter’s Name],
I hope this message finds you well. I’m a [Your Job Title] with [X] years of experience in [Your Industry/Field], currently exploring new opportunities in [Target Industry/Role].
I noticed that you are recruiting/hiring for a [Specific role], and I’d love to connect to discuss how my skills in [Your Key Skills] might align with your client’s needs.
Would you be open to a brief conversation about potential opportunities or reviewing my resume?
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
Remember to personalize this template based on your research of the recruiter and their specialization. Keep your message under 100 words for higher response rates.
Follow-up Strategies
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t receive a response to your initial message. Follow these strategies for effective follow-up:
Wait about one to two weeks before sending a follow-up message. Be polite and professional. Maintain a courteous tone, acknowledging that recruiters are often very busy. In your follow-up, provide new information to reiterate your interest, but always keep it brief. Your follow-up should be even shorter than your initial message.
Example follow-up message:
Hi [Recruiter’s Name],
I hope you’re having a great week. I just wanted to follow up on my previous message about potential opportunities in [Target Industry/Role]. I’ve recently [completed a relevant project/earned a new certification], which I thought might be of interest.
I’m still very interested in connecting. If now isn’t a good time, please let me know when would be better to reach out again.
Thank you for your time.
Best regards,
[Your Name]
If you don’t receive a response after your follow-up, it’s best to focus your efforts elsewhere for the time being. Remember, building relationships with recruiters is a long-term strategy. Even with no immediate opportunities, maintaining professional connections can be valuable for your future career moves.
Networking with Others
While connecting with recruiters is crucial, networking with fellow cybersecurity professionals can be equally valuable for your career growth and job search. When reaching out to peers, focus on building genuine relationships rather than immediately asking for job leads.
Here’s a sample template for connecting with cybersecurity professionals:
“Hi [Name], I came across your profile and was impressed by your work in [specific area of cybersecurity]. I am also in the field, I’d love to connect and share about [relevant topic]. Would you be open to a brief chat?”
OR
“Hi [Name], I was reading your post on [chose something recent] and appreciated it because [mention something you liked]. I am also in the field, I’d love to connect here.”
When interacting on LinkedIn, maintain professional etiquette. Always personalize your connection requests and engage meaningfully with others’ posts. Share valuable content related to cybersecurity, and be respectful of others’ time and boundaries. Avoid hard-selling yourself or your services in initial interactions. Instead, focus on building rapport and establishing yourself as knowledgeable and collaborative. This approach can lead to organic opportunities and valuable professional relationships over time. Your connections will also notice when you engage with their content. So, actively participate in their posts before you reach out to them. You will have a higher chance they will want to connect with you, and you will have something to talk about with them right away!
LinkedIn Groups
Engaging with LinkedIn groups is necessary if you want to expand your network and improve your job prospects. By actively participating in relevant cybersecurity groups, you can connect with like-minded individuals, industry experts, and potential employers.
Within these groups, actively share insights so you can position yourself as a knowledgeable contributor in the field. Contribute valuable content, ask thoughtful questions, and engage in meaningful conversations. You can build relationships that may lead to job opportunities and collaborations, strengthening your presence in the competitive job market.
Here are some LinkedIn Groups you can consider joining:
-Information Security Careers Network (ISCN)
-Cyber Security Forum Initiative (CSFI)
Industry Conferences and Events
Attending industry conferences and events is an essential aspect of networking in the cybersecurity field. These are great opportunities to connect with peers, learn about the latest trends, and showcase your expertise. Several high-profile conferences stand out in the cybersecurity field. I want to recommend some of the best below.
Major Cybersecurity Conferences
Black Hat: Known for its technical focus, it attracts security professionals, researchers, and hackers worldwide. It features cutting-edge research presentations and hands-on training sessions. It’s expensive.
DEF CON: The world’s largest hacker convention, DEF CON is famous for its informal atmosphere and various activities, including capture-the-flag contests, lock-picking villages, and social engineering competitions. Due to its affordability, this is likely the first big conference you will go to, and it is one you won’t likely forget.
RSA Conference: This conference is one of the largest in the industry, covering a wide range of cybersecurity topics. It’s a valuable opportunity to network with vendors and learn about new security products and services.
Local and Regional Cybersecurity Meetups
While large conferences are important, don’t overlook the value of smaller, local events. They’re nearby, and you can get to them easily and more frequently.
OWASP Chapters: Many cities have local chapters of the Open Web Application Security Project, which organize regular meetups and workshops.
BSides Events: These community-driven conferences occur in many cities worldwide and offer a more personal setting for networking and knowledge sharing.
Industry-Specific Meetups: Look for gatherings that focus on your particular area of interest within cybersecurity, such as cloud security or incident response.
Virtual Conferences and Webinars
In recent years, virtual events have become increasingly popular and offer unique networking opportunities as well:
Online Conferences: Many major conferences now offer virtual attendance options, allowing you to network globally without travel.
Webinars: Regular webinars hosted by companies (including our own at Cyber NOW®), educational institutions, or industry leaders can be excellent opportunities to learn and connect with speakers and attendees.
Networking Tips for In-Person Events
Like with online networking, you will create connections with peers and potential employers. Since you will be interacting in person, it can be helpful if you have come up with a couple of ways to introduce yourself. If you are more introverted, practice introducing yourself at home with family and friends. This will help you feel less anxious and look relaxed when interacting. Your introduction to the employer can highlight your passion for the industry and what you hope to gain from the event.
Preparing Your Elevator Pitch
Craft a concise, engaging introduction that highlights:
- Your name and current role
- Your key skills or areas of expertise
- What you’re passionate about in cybersecurity
- What you’re hoping to gain from the event
For example, you might say, “Hi, I’m Alex Johnson, a recent graduate with a background in computer science and a strong passion for network security. I specialize in threat detection and vulnerability assessment, and I’m eager to learn more about the latest trends in cybersecurity.”
Make sure you take a notebook and pen to the in-person events. Ask everyone you meet for their contact information. Most people will happily provide you with their LinkedIn and email addresses. Write down this information and a brief note on what you discussed with the person. I suggest this method over using your phone because it is more personal.
Follow-Up Techniques Post-Event
In-person networking is only as effective as your follow-up strategy. The goal is to turn conference connections into lasting professional relationships.
Within 48 hours of meeting someone in person, send them a personalized connection request on LinkedIn. You can reference your specific conversation or shared interests in your follow-up message. If you promised to share relevant articles, resources, or your resume during your interaction, do so in your follow-up message. One way to track where and when you met each contact is by reiterating this information in your first message. If appropriate, suggest a virtual coffee chat to continue the conversation.
Remember, the goal of attending these events is to collect business cards or LinkedIn connections and build meaningful professional relationships that can enhance your career in cybersecurity.
Joining Professional Organizations
Becoming a member of professional cybersecurity organizations can significantly increase your networking opportunities and career development. These associations offer many resources, educational opportunities, and platforms for connecting with industry peers.
Cybersecurity Associations to consider:
(ISC)² (International Information System Security Certification Consortium)
(ISC)² is renowned for its prestigious Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification, which is highly regarded in the industry. In addition to the CISSP, the organization offers a variety of other certifications, including the Systems Security Certified Practitioner (SSCP), Cloud Security Professional (CCSP), and Certified Secure Software Lifecycle Professional (CSSLP). (ISC)² focuses on developing and maintaining high professional standards in information security, providing members with access to a wealth of resources and a global network of security professionals. ISC(2) has chapter meetings in most cities with a membership that isn’t related to being a credential holder. Many people attend ISC(2) meetings without having one of their certifications. Membership to an ISC(2) requires dues that are collected separately from ISC(2) themselves.
ISACA (Information Systems Audit and Control Association)
ISACA is known for providing globally recognized certifications such as the Certified Information Security Manager (CISM), Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA), and Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC). The organization emphasizes the importance of governance, risk management, and information systems control, making it a valuable resource for IT governance professionals. ISACA also offers extensive resources, including research, training, and networking opportunities, to help members stay current in an ever-evolving field.
ISSA (Information Systems Security Association)
The Information Systems Security Association (ISSA) is a not-for-profit international organization dedicated to information security professionals and practitioners. ISSA promotes management practices that ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information resources. The association facilitates interaction and education among its members, fostering a collaborative environment that enhances global information systems security. Through various events and resources, ISSA aims to create a more successful and secure information security landscape.
OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project)
The Open Web Application Security Project (OWASP) is a nonprofit foundation dedicated to improving software security. It is best known for its Top 10 Web Application Security Risks report, which highlights the most critical security issues in web applications. OWASP offers local chapter meetings and global events that bring together security professionals to share knowledge and best practices. By fostering a community focused on improving application security, OWASP plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall security posture of organizations worldwide.
Benefits of Membership and Participation
Joining and actively engaging with professional cybersecurity organizations can significantly boost your career development and networking opportunities. These associations offer a wealth of resources for professional growth, including access to cutting-edge training, workshops, and conferences that keep your skills sharp and current.
Many organizations provide pathways to earn industry-recognized certifications, often at discounted rates for members, adding to your credibility and marketability. The networking potential is immense, with opportunities to connect with peers, mentors, and potential employers through both in-person events and online forums. Members typically gain access to exclusive career resources, including specialized job boards, career guidance, and salary surveys specific to the cybersecurity field.
Online Communities
Online platforms have become invaluable tools for networking in the cybersecurity field. These virtual spaces offer unique opportunities to connect with professionals, share knowledge, and stay updated on the latest trends and threats in the industry.
Discord is a very popular platform for cybersecurity communities, offering real-time communication and collaboration. The Cyber NOW Education (CNE) Discord server is too quiet sometimes, and we’re waiting for you to come to add value. Another Discord community you can join is the Black Hills Information Security (BHIS) server. This much larger discord is often very active and offers a great place to meet other professionals just like you. The BHIS Discord has a library of resources, including access to webcasts, tools, and discussions with experienced professionals. Def Con also has its own very active Discord server. Darknet Diaries is also a good place to meet folks and an excellent podcast to listen to! There is one called InfoSec Community, and Wild Wild West Hacking Fest gets active around the time of their conference.
Reddit serves as another powerful platform for cybersecurity networking and information sharing. The r/netsec subreddit is a goldmine for technical discussions on network and information security. It’s an excellent place to find in-depth analyses of recent vulnerabilities, tools, and research papers. You can also join r/cybersecurity for a mix of news, career advice, and industry trends. Take time to engage with experts and peers through comments and discussions. But be careful here; Reddit can be very toxic, so watch for trolls and remember to let the water roll off your back.
By actively participating across these platforms — sharing insights, asking questions, and engaging in discussions — you can expand your network, enhance your knowledge, and stay up-to-date with the field. By a general rule of thumb, the smaller a group you participate in, the more impact you have in making meaningful connections. There is nothing more potent than a one-on-one conversation with someone.
Tyler Wall is the founder of Cyber NOW Education. He holds bills for a Master of Science from Purdue University, and also CISSP, CCSK, CFSR, CEH, Sec+, Net+, A+ certifications. He mastered the SOC after having held every position from analyst to architect and is the author of three books, 100+ professional articles, four online courses, and regularly holds webinars for new cybersecurity talent.
You can connect with him on LinkedIn.
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