Octavio Gomez

Bio 

Octavio, a SANS-trained Certified Information System Security Professional (CISSP), holds a BS in Systems and Network Engineering from New England Institute of Technology. His career journey began as an IT Specialist at a Fortune 500 company during his academic pursuit. Octavio's pivotal role in the company's major acquisition and significant contributions led to a well-deserved promotion.

His career path then transitioned into Network Operations, ultimately evolving into a cybersecurity focus. He continued to excel as a Cybersecurity Administrator at a global travel and tours leader and later as a Senior Manager of IT at a biotechnology research firm. Octavio is passionate about making cybersecurity accessible to all and advocates for an inclusive, people-centric security culture.

With a blend of academic excellence and hands-on industry experience, Octavio is a dedicated professional committed to advancing cybersecurity and mentoring the next generation of security professionals.

Abstract:

In today's rapidly evolving digital landscape, the demand for cybersecurity professionals has reached unprecedented heights. However, a substantial skills gap continues to undermine our collective ability to defend against ever-advancing cyber threats. This presentation, titled 'I am the one who knocks: why we should focus on sponsoring the next generation of security professionals,' is a call to action.

We will address the formidable challenges that budding security professionals face, such as the need for hands-on experience, industry-specific knowledge, and relevant certifications. The core of this talk revolves around the pivotal role that mentorship plays in nurturing and developing the next generation of cybersecurity experts.

Attendees will gain an understanding of the benefits of mentorship, which encompass knowledge transfer, skill development, networking opportunities, and personal growth for both mentors and mentees. Real-world success stories and practical insights will illustrate how experienced professionals can actively contribute to closing the cybersecurity skills gap.

This presentation invites you to become a part of the solution. We'll explore tangible ways that established security experts can guide and support those entering the field. By fostering a collaborative environment, where organizations, educational institutions, and industry leaders work together to create pathways for aspiring professionals, we can strengthen the cybersecurity workforce and collectively fortify our digital defenses.

Join us for this enlightening discussion and discover how you can make a significant impact on the cybersecurity industry by sponsoring the next generation of security professionals.