🎙 The Cybersecurity Professional Unicorn Syndrome1. What It Means
The “cybersecurity professional unicorn syndrome” is the false belief that you must become a mythical unicorn professional — someone who knows everything in cybersecurity — before you can land a job or succeed in the field.
It’s the mindset that says:
You need every certification (CISSP, CEH, AWS, ISO, CISM…)
You must master every domain (pen testing, IAM, GRC, cloud, forensics, DevSecOps…)
You must have years of experience in every tool and framework
This syndrome paralyzes people. It convinces them they’re never ready, never qualified, and never good enough.
Here’s the reality:
No such thing as a unicorn infosec professional exists.
Cybersecurity is simply too broad for one person to master it all.
Even the best professionals specialize, collaborate, and keep learning.
Employers don’t want a unicorn. They want:
Someone who can solve problems in one area
Someone who keeps learning
Someone who can work in a team where skills complement each other
This syndrome leads to:
Overwhelm – drowning under a giant to-do list of goals
Shiny object syndrome – hopping from one course to another without finishing any
Burnout – trying to keep up with “everything” in a field that evolves daily
Missed opportunities – because you’re waiting until you’re “perfect” to apply
To break free from the unicorn syndrome:
Pick a lane. Choose IAM, GRC, cloud, or pen testing. Don’t try to do all at once.
Go deep. Build practical projects, labs, or case studies in that lane.
Show progress. Employers care more about what you can apply than what you’ve memorized.
Collaborate. Cybersecurity is a team sport — you don’t need to be the unicorn.
✅ Takeaway: Stop chasing the unicorn. Progress beats perfection. Employers don’t want mythical superheroes — they want real people who can solve real problems.
🎙️ Cyber Nuggets_Episode 17-Why Our Organization Needs a GRC Program🎙️
In this weekly CyberJA Cyber Nugget, the question of "Why organisations need a GRC Program is addressed.
Key points covered:
Cyber Nuggets_Episode 16-Profit and Loss Statement in relation to InfoSec from a GRC perspective
Welcome back to another powerful episode of Weekly Cyber Nugget — where we break down real-world cybersecurity insights into bite-sized, actionable gems. I’m your host, [Your Name], and today’s episode is all about flipping the script on how we view Information Security.
Traditionally, InfoSec has been seen as a cost center — a necessary expense. But what if I told you it could actually drive value, reduce losses, and even boost your bottom line?
To unpack this, I’m thrilled to be joined by none other than Chris Umar Carter — a seasoned expert in Governance, Risk, and Compliance, with deep insights into how security, when aligned with GRC, becomes a strategic business enabler.
Chris will be sharing practical insights on how organizations can view InfoSec through the lens of a Profit and Loss statement, what metrics matter, and how governance can turn reactive security into proactive business value.
So whether you’re a security leader, a GRC consultant, or just someone passionate about maximizing the impact of your InfoSec program — you won’t want to miss this episode. Grab your notepad, because these nuggets are worth their weight in gold.
Let’s dive in."
🎙️ Cyber Nuggets_Episode 15-How InfoSec Drives Business Growth🎙️
In this Nugget I share how InfoSec can drive financial growth for a business or organization.
In this conversation, Paul Robinson of Tempus Network, Delved into the Importance of Governance and the role it plays in making information security efforts more effective.
🎙️ Cyber Nuggets_Episode 13-Expert Advise on entering the Cybersecurity Profession\Industry🎙️
There will always be people aspiring to be information security professionals, hence the need to have these ongoing conversations as captioned in the topic of this week's Cyber Nuggets conversation.
🎙️In this conversation with Chris, he provided a number of real-life experience strategies along with advice on how to build a successful career in cybersecurity and also how to pivot from an existing career into the cyber industry.
Top of the list in his conversation, was the Ikigai Japanese concept, which can be very helpful in finding your way in any profession.
Ikigai is a Japanese concept that roughly translates to "a reason for being." It refers to the idea of finding purpose and meaning in life. The word is made up of two parts: "iki" (life) and "gai" (worth or value). Ikigai represents the intersection of four key elements:
When these four aspects overlap, it leads to a sense of fulfillment, where you feel both content and motivated by your work or personal life. Ikigai is considered not just a career focus but a broader philosophy that can apply to one's life purpose and overall well-being. It's about aligning passion, mission, vocation, and profession to achieve a balanced and satisfying life.
🗂 Delve into this & other valuable #CyberJA Resources: https://linktr.ee/richeaperry/shop#collection-28c7efac-44b9-4a43-9b76-d2944204a31d & https://www.richeaperry.com
🔦 CyberJA YouTube-https://www.youtube.com/@cyberja
🔦 GRC With Richea Perry YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@GRCwithRicheaPerry
🎙 CyberJA Podcasts-https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/cyberja/episodes
🔌 CyberJA Discord-https://discord.gg/CEQ2FywN
✒ Dedicated to serving & sharing my two cents experience to help others find their path and excel in #cybersecurity.
#CyberSecurity #InfoSec #CyberJA #CyberCareer #Podcasts #TechTrends #informationsecurity
In this conversation, John Kleist III, Provides us with industry insights and expertise; on how SFIA (The Global Skills and competency Framework for the digital world) can help in addressing the "skill-gap shortage" demand for talented Cybersecurity Professionals. John's News Letter Publications covering various topics involving SFIA can be found at: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7054822603856732160/
🎙️ Cyber Nuggets_Episode 11- Bringing Exceptional Cybersecurity Value to the Competitive Marketplace 🎙️
🚀 Want to Stand Out in Cybersecurity? Here’s How! 🔐
Cybersecurity is a competitive industry, but standing out isn’t just about certifications—it’s about bringing exceptional value to the marketplace.
🎙️ In the latest episode of Cyber Nuggets, I break down the key strategies that will help you thrive in cybersecurity and differentiate yourself from the crowd.
✅ Specialize in High-Demand Areas – Cloud Security, Zero Trust, GRC, Threat Hunting, IAM, DevSecOps, or Compliance.
✅ Gain Hands-On Experience – Set up labs, participate in CTFs, contribute to open-source projects, or freelance.
✅ Master Business & Communication Skills – Learn how to explain security risks in business terms and write effective reports.
✅ Stay Ahead of Industry Trends – AI in cybersecurity, cloud security advancements, Zero Trust implementation, and compliance changes.
✅ Build a Strong Professional Brand – Engage on LinkedIn, publish security insights, join forums, and attend industry events.
✅ Seek Mentorship & Continuous Learning – Network with experts, attend conferences, and always stay curious.
✅ Monetize Your Cybersecurity Skills – Consulting, online courses, eBooks, and security resources.
🚀 Cybersecurity isn’t just about fitting in—it’s about standing out! If you want to elevate your career and make an impact in the industry, this episode is a must-listen!
📢 Listen Now! 🔊
💬 **Which strategy are you focusing on right now? Let’s discuss in the comments!**👇
#Cybersecurity #CareerGrowth #CyberNuggets #CyberSecurityCareers #ZeroTrust #CloudSecurity #GRC #EthicalHacking #IAM #SecurityLeadership #CyberJobs
🎙️ Cyber Nuggets_Episode 10-Insider Threats_Part 1🎙️
🎙️In this conversation with Paul Robinson, from Tempus Network, Paul, laid the foundation for a two (2) part series on the subject of Insider Threat as a security risk to businesses and organizations.
Paul, touched on a number of important points associated with insider threats,:
1-Motivations Behind Insider Threats
2-The Psychology of an Insider
3-Types of Insider Threats
4- Indicators of Insider Threats
5- Is this a risk for all types of businesses or organizations?
In part 2, we'll delve further into the tools, strategies, and techniques that can be used to safeguard against this attack vector that poses a risk to our businesses and organizations.
"Nothing in life is more important than the ability to communicate effectively." — Gerald R. Ford, 38th U.S. President.
🎙️In this conversation with Board Certified cybersecurity Industry Expert Umar, Chris, spoke about the importance of effective communication, and how this enabled him to add value to the marketplace and also to his personal development.
Chris, also discussed at length the various challenges associated with communicating risks to senior managment and most importantly strategies or approaches for addressing these challenges.
Managing IAM Risks Without Governance
🎙️ Episode Title:The Hidden Dangers of IAM Without Governance – What Security Professionals Need to Know
🔹 Episode Overview:
In this episode of Cyber Nuggets, we dive into the critical risks associated with implementing Identity and Access Management (IAM) solutions without a governance framework. IAM is essential for securing user access, but without governance, it can lead to privilege creep, compliance violations, insider threats, and data breaches.
💡 What You’ll Learn:
✔️ The biggest risks of IAM without governance, including:
✔️ How to Treat IAM Risks Effectively:
📌 Who Should Listen?
🔹 Security professionals, IAM specialists, compliance officers, and IT managers responsible for user access controls and identity governance.
🚀 Join the Discussion!
Want to learn more about IAM security and governance? Connect with us:
📍 Website:www.richeaperry.com
📍 CyberJA Discord: [Join the community!]
🎧 Tune in now and make sure your IAM strategy is secure! 🔐
Organizations and businesses of all types and sectors, need to ensure that quality time and resources are invested in data classification, asset inventory, developing appropriate policies & procedures, app training, & employee training. Negligence in these areas can lead to a number of security risks. Given the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyber-attacks, these components are critical in building a resilient security posture
🎙️ In this conversation, Paul Robinson from Tempus Network, covered a number of important points as it relates to guidelines/ advice on how an organization needs to prepare itself internally to deal with data classification, asset inventory, policies & procedures, app training, & employee training.
🗂 Delve into this & other valuable #CyberJA Resources: https://linktr.ee/richeaperry/shop#collection-28c7efac-44b9-4a43-9b76-d2944204a31d & https://www.richeaperry.com
🔦 CyberJA YouTube-https://www.youtube.com/@cyberja
🔦 GRC With Richea Perry YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@GRCwithRicheaPerry
🎙 CyberJA Podcasts-https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/cyberja/episodes
🔌 CyberJA Discord-https://discord.gg/CEQ2FywN
✒ Dedicated to serving & sharing my two cents experience to help others find their path and excel in #cybersecurity.
#CyberSecurity #InfoSec #CyberJA #CyberCareer #Podcasts #TechTrends #informationsecurity
🎙️Cyber Nuggets – Episode 005: Managing Security Pressures from Senior Management 🎙️
👉How do you handle security pressures and ignorance from senior management?
🚨 Imagine this scenario: Anew senior manager or high-profile developer joins the company and leadership demands they beimmediately placed on the network with full access—no IAM review, no security controls, no second thoughts.
Segment 1: Understanding the Root of the Problem 1️⃣ The Business-First Mindset
2️⃣ The “We Trust Them” Mentality3️⃣ Lack of Cybersecurity Awareness🔥 Segment 2: Tactical Strategies for Handling Security Pushback📌 1. Lead with Risk, Not Restrictions📌 2. Use Real-World Scenarios to Support Your Case📌 3. Propose a Quick Security-Onboarding Process📌 4. Enforce Policies with Executive Buy-In🔥 Segment 3: Long-Term Fixes – Shifting the Security Culture 🚀 1. Educate Senior Management on IAM Risks🚀 2. Automate Onboarding with IAM Workflows🚀 3. Integrate Security into Business Decisions💡 Final Thoughts & Call to Action (3 Minutes)
🔹Security professionals must learn to speak the language of business.
🔹The goal isn’t to say “no”—it’s to say “yes, but securely.”
🔹If senior management doesn’t take security seriously, we must make them see its business impact.
📢What are your thoughts? Have you faced a similar situation?
Cyber Nuggets_Episode 005- Zero Trust_With Umar Chris Carter
In this cyber nugget conversation the following key areas/questions were addressed:
Is zero trust a tool, concept or strategy?
How can zero trust be implemented?
What are the challenges associated with zero trust?
what are the Pros and cons
Is Zero trust the solution to our information security challenges?
The Kipling Method, inspired by Rudyard Kipling's poem "I Keep Six Honest Serving-Men," is a problem-solving framework that employs six fundamental questions: Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How. In the context of Zero Trust security, this method is applied to develop comprehensive access policies by addressing these questions:
Who: Identifies the individual or system requesting access. This involves verifying the identity of the user or device to ensure they are authorized to access the resource.
What: Specifies the resource or data being accessed. Understanding what is being accessed helps in determining the sensitivity of the information and the level of protection required.
When: Defines the time frame during which access is permitted. Limiting access to specific times can reduce the risk of unauthorized access during off-hours.
Where: Determines the location from which access is requested. Geographical restrictions can be applied to prevent access from high-risk or unauthorized locations.
Why: Clarifies the purpose of the access request. Understanding the reason behind the request ensures that access is granted only when necessary and aligns with organizational policies.
How: Describes the method or process by which access is granted. This includes the authentication and authorization mechanisms in place, such as multi-factor authentication or device compliance checks.
Business context
The 4 R's of 0-trust:
Revenue
Resilience-key factor
Regulatory
Reputation
Benefits
Security
Simplicity
Reduce authentication
Cyber Nuggets-Episode 004_Understanding the Various GRC Roles in an Organization
In this conversation, Jonathan shared his experience as a GRC Professionals and all the nuances associated with the role. Key points:
1- The practical realities of working in a GRC Role
2- The importance of effective communication skills
3- How to transfer your of adjust your current skills to adopting to GRC as an entry point into cybersecurity.
Among many other important points that you will enjoy while listening/watching the podcastand. See link to conversation
Cyber Nuggets-Episode 003 _The Role of Effective Communication in Cybersecurity.
When able to, or you can explain the why behind your recommendations, stakeholders are more likely to trust your guidance.
In this cyber-nugget, I cover the following areas:
Why Communication Matters in Cybersecurity Communication as a Career Accelerator How to Improve Your Communication Skills
Cyber Nuggets_Episode 002- Cybersecurity as a Business Function
In this nugget, I discuss a critical aspect of cybersecurity that goes beyond pen-testing, threat hunting, and firewalls. Cybersecurity isn’t just about cool tech—it’s fundamentally a business function. Key points addressed:
The Broader Role of Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity's Role in Risk Management
Compliance and Regulatory Requirements
Protecting Business Assets and Reputation
Cybersecurity as an Enabler for Business Growth
Conclusion: A Holistic Approach to Cybersecurity
For all CyberJA resources: www.richeaperry.com
Cyber Nuggets: Episode 001 – Security Awareness Training
Paul Robinson, a cybersecurity expert at Tempus Network, addresses critical questions about the state of security awareness training and how organizations can improve it.
Key Points:
Has Security Awareness Training Become a Cost Center?
Why is it viewed as an expense rather than an investment, and how does this perception affect its effectiveness?
Is Security Awareness Training Losing Its Impact?
Has it become too generic or watered down to address real-world threats effectively?
Who Owns Security Awareness Training in an Organization?
Understanding who should take responsibility for designing, implementing, and maintaining an effective program.
How Do We Fix Security Awareness Training Programs?
What steps should organizations take to rebuild and enhance these programs to ensure employees are prepared for modern cybersecurity challenges?
For all CyberJA resources: www.richeaperry.com
Get ready for CyberJA’s Weekly Cybersecurity Nuggets, launching in 2025! Each Thursday, we bring you enriching podcast discussions featuring industry experts who share their insights and analyses of the latest trends in the information security landscape. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting your cyber career, these brief nuggets will keep you updated on key articles and developments shaping the industry. Stay ahead of the curve and boost your cybersecurity knowledge with us! Don't forget to like and share this video to spread the word! #CyberSecurity #InfoSec #CyberJA #CyberCareer #Podcasts #TechTrends
⚙ Understanding ISO 27001 Language: Shall vs. Should🛠 Taking on the task of implementing ISO 27001, for the purpose of certification can be a very daunting & challenging task, especially if you don't have a tested & proven roadmap not to mention that level of experience.💡 In this conversation on CyberJA, with special guest-(Gry Evita Sivertsen)Head of Gritera Stavanger & COO @ Gritera Security, An expert in ISO 27001 implementation, & also top Risk Management voice on LinkedIn,- we delved into The Practical Realities of Implementing ISO 27001 ISMS. Just to give you an idea of some of the things that were covered in our conversation:✒ -What's involved in the initial engagements for the implementation of ISO 27001 ISMS,✒ - How to approach this task of ISO 27001 Implementation✒ - Best Practices for successful implementation and acquiring certification✒ - The challenges involved and how to overcome✒ - Prior knowledge required✒ - Answering the question of: Can someone with no experience implement the ISO 27001 ?✒ - Tips for ISO 27001 Implementation success-should and shallJust to name a few.📎 Links to full live-stream conversation :📽 https://lnkd.in/ddh7an8X🎥 https://lnkd.in/dUkiFXb2
