Getting Started: My Networking Journey

Networking has been an absolute game-changer in my security career. I owe a huge chunk of my success to the amazing community I stumbled upon, the awesome friends I made, and the mentors who’ve guided me. It’s not just about career growth either – these connections have opened doors to incredible opportunities, provided a sounding board for ideas, and sparked endless discussions on all things security and work-related. Trust me, if you’re looking to kickstart your journey into the security field, finding and jumping into a local infosec community should be your very first move.

Networking Wisdom: A Valuable Recommendation

I’ll never forget the day I stumbled upon my cybersecurity crew. It was way back in 2010 when I decided to check out DC404, Atlanta’s Defcon group, for the very first time. I have to admit, I almost talked myself out of going, but I’m glad I didn’t! I walked in a bit nervous and met the event organizers, who were welcoming and made me feel comfortable. I even struck up conversations with a few others in the room. Little did I know, that day marked the beginning of something truly awesome.

At that meetup, I also got wind of a conference called Outerzone, which would become my very first security conference adventure the following year. Fast forward, I’ve attended countless meetups and conferences, hung out with the fantastic people I met at these events, and, believe it or not, many of them have become lifelong friends, key references for my career, and my ultimate go-to conference partners. These people have been my champions in many ways, from job referrals to invaluable advice.

If I were just starting in the cybersecurity world, I’d tell myself to start by checking out local groups like Defcon, 2600, or OWASP. These places are goldmines for networking, learning, and personal growth. Plus, keep an eye out for local conferences; websites like meetup.com, eventbrite, and good ol’ Google are your pals for finding these gems. And hey, if you happen to be in the Atlanta area, here are some of the meetups I frequent.

Atlanta Security Groups

  • DC404 - https://dc404.org/
  • ATL2600 - https://atl2600.org/
  • OWASP Atlanta - https://owasp.org/www-chapter-atlanta/
  • ISSA Metro Atlanta Chapter - https://www.issaatl.org/

Atlanta Security Conferences

  • BsidesATL - https://www.bsidesatl.info/
  • BsidesAugusta - https://bsidesaugusta.org/

In Conclusion: Networking for Success

If you’re thinking about diving into the cybersecurity world, here’s my advice: put networking right at the top of your to-do list. There are some awesome folks you’ll cross paths with and incredible ways they can enhance your personal and professional journey. The community is overall great. Of course, we have some drama like many other industries but I have been fortunate to be surrounded by amazing and passionate security people. Don’t let your fear or lack of time hold you back from something great.

References

Groups

  • https://www.2600.com/meetings
  • https://forum.defcon.org/social-groups
  • https://owasp.org/chapters/

Conferences

  • https://defcon.org/
  • https://phreaknic.info/
  • https://futureconevents.com

General Searching for Groups and Conferences

  • https://www.meetup.com
  • https://www.eventbrite.com/
  • https://www.google.com/search?q=security+conferences+2023+atlanta
    • Change out year and city with your own.