🔥 “I didn't have a roadmap. I had to figure out threat intelligence by doing the job.” — Renze Jongman

In this conversation, Renze Jongman shares his journey from law enforcement to the world of cybersecurity, detailing his experiences in threat intelligence and the cultural dynamics of working in the UAE.

He discusses the importance of AI in enhancing threat intelligence capabilities through his company, Liberty 91, and emphasizes the need for continuous learning and networking in the cybersecurity field.

Renze also reflects on the challenges and rewards of building a startup in this space, offering valuable insights for aspiring entrepreneurs and cybersecurity professionals.

Get in Touch!
Liberty91.com (contact@liberty91.com)
Renze Jongman
Nik Mohanlal

Time Stamps

• 00:00 Introduction and Background of Renze
• 00:16 Transition from Law Enforcement to Cybersecurity
• 01:53 The Role of Threat Intelligence in Cybersecurity
• 04:43 The Importance of Coding in Cybersecurity
• 07:39 Cultural Differences in Work Environments
• 10:23 Experiences of Moving to the UAE
• 12:46 Work Culture in Cybersecurity in the UAE
• 15:30 Navigating Office Politics in Cybersecurity
• 17:52 The Reality of Working in Cybersecurity
• 20:46 Personal Journey into Cybersecurity
• 23:41 The Impact of Child Protection Cases on Career Choices
• 25:39 Collaboration with the FBI: Uncovering Suspects
• 27:45 Learning and Skill Development in Cybersecurity
• 30:32 The Importance of Curiosity and Initiative
• 32:44 Finding Balance: Life Outside Cybersecurity
• 34:54 Introducing Liberty 91: A Threat Intelligence Platform
• 38:42 Leveraging AI for Threat Intelligence
• 43:38 Building Liberty 91: The Journey of Entrepreneurship
• 47:17 Future Developments and Accessibility in Threat Intelligence
• 49:34 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs in Cybersecurity

Takeaways

• Renze transitioned from law enforcement to cybersecurity to pursue an international career.
• Threat intelligence is crucial for informed decision-making in cybersecurity.
• Cultural differences play a significant role in the workplace, especially in the UAE.
• AI can enhance threat intelligence by automating data collection and analysis.
• Building a network is essential for success in entrepreneurship and cybersecurity.
• Continuous learning is vital for growth in the cybersecurity field.
• Liberty 91 aims to make threat intelligence accessible and affordable for mid-sized businesses.
• The journey of building a startup involves both product development and marketing efforts.
• AI can help tailor threat intelligence reports for different organizations.
• Maintaining a work-life balance is important for long-term success.

🔥 “You don’t need to be handed a role — you build into it.” - Joan Vidal

In todays episode, Joan shares his remarkable journey from a curious high school student to a cybersecurity professional in the UAE.

He discusses his early influences, the challenges he faced in transitioning to cybersecurity roles, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career.

Joan emphasizes the importance of curiosity, continuous learning, and the value of certifications in the cybersecurity field.

He also touches on his passion for voice acting and his desire to support the Dominican community in the UAE by sharing valuable information and experiences.

Get in touch!
Joan Vidal - LinkedIn, Instagram
Nik Mohanlal - LinkedIn

Timestamps

• 00:00 The Journey into Cybersecurity
• 01:40 Early Experiences and Career Development
• 02:20 Transitioning into Cybersecurity Roles
• 04:57 The Impact of Curiosity in Cybersecurity
• 08:10 Facing Challenges and Building Skills
• 10:21 Defining Moments in Cybersecurity
• 13:03 The Thrill of Real-Time Incident Response
• 16:59 Navigating Ransomware Challenges
• 20:31 The Excitement of Cyber Defense
• 22:24 Red Teaming Insights and Community Engagement
• 24:32 The Joy of Incident Response
• 27:29 Bridging Programming and Cybersecurity
• 30:36 The Importance of Community in Cybersecurity
• 31:22 Certifications: A Pathway to Cybersecurity Mastery
• 40:41 The Value of Cybersecurity Certifications
• 43:36 The Shift Towards Practical Cyber Training
• 46:54 Challenges in the Cybersecurity Landscape
• 52:32 Exploring Voice Acting as a Passion
• 58:34 Supporting the Dominican Community in UAE
• 01:05:40 Advice for Aspiring Cybersecurity Professionals

Takeaways

• Joan's journey in cybersecurity began in high school.
• He transitioned from IT support to cybersecurity roles.
• Curiosity drives Joan's passion for investigations in cybersecurity.
• Facing a ransomware incident was a defining moment for him.
• He emphasizes the importance of foundational knowledge in cybersecurity.
• Joan has experience in both red teaming and blue teaming.
• He values certifications like CISSP for career advancement.
• Joan encourages aspiring professionals to apply widely for job opportunities.
• He shares his passion for voice acting and its connection to his acting dreams.
• Joan aims to support the Dominican community in the UAE through knowledge sharing.

🔥 “Recruitment is broken in this region — and juniors feel it the most.” - Anya Shpilman

In this episode of CyBytes, I get to interview Anya Shpilman, a recruitment powerhouse in the cybersecurity sector.

We talk about the challenges of recruitment in the UAE, the impact of AI on the hiring process, and the importance of networking and personal branding.

Anya shares her journey into recruitment, the current job market dynamics, and her plans for expanding cybersecurity services in the region.

We go over the significance of community in cybersecurity and offers valuable advice for new graduates entering the field.

Get in touch!
Anya Shpilman - LinkedIn
CyberFused - Youtube
Nik Mohanlal - LinkedIn

Timestamps

• 00:00 The Evolution of Recruitment Processes
• 00:43 The Role of AI in Recruitment
• 01:52 Challenges Faced by Recruiters
• 05:35 Advice for New Graduates
• 07:31 The Importance of Personal Branding
• 10:03 Networking in the Cybersecurity Community
• 13:16 The Importance of Sharing Knowledge in Cybersecurity
• 13:47 Navigating Imposter Syndrome in Tech Recruitment
• 15:54 Transitioning from Recruitment to MSSP Partnerships
• 17:55 The Evolution of the Cybersecurity Job Market
• 19:55 Challenges in the UAE Job Market
• 21:55 The Maturity of Cybersecurity Teams in the UAE
• 25:37 The Future of Cybersecurity in the Middle East
• 29:02 Expanding Cybersecurity Services in Saudi Arabia

Takeaways

• Anya fell into recruitment by chance, but found it rewarding.
• The recruitment process in the UAE is complex and often broken.
• Networking is crucial for success in the cybersecurity field.
• AI is changing the recruitment landscape, but personal connections remain vital.
• Candidates should not take rejection personally; competition is fierce.
• Community support in cybersecurity is invaluable for growth.
• New graduates should seek internships and hands-on experience.
• Personal branding is essential in a crowded job market.
• The job market in the UAE is becoming increasingly competitive.
• Anya plans to expand her cybersecurity services into Saudi Arabia.