In this episode, Gene Fay interviews Sammy Migues, Principal at Imbricate Security, about his journey into cybersecurity and his work on the Building Security in Maturity Model (BSIMM). Sammy shares his experience starting in computer science in the late 1970s and how he became a computer security professional. He explains the motivation behind creating the BSIMM and how it helps organizations measure and improve their software security practices. Sammy also discusses the trifecta for career success, which includes setting a strategy, translating business objectives into actionable steps, and contextualizing skills within the organization. Finally, Sammy shares his thoughts on the cybersecurity shortage and the challenges in hiring and retaining skilled professionals.

Takeaways

• Starting a career in cybersecurity can begin with a degree in computer science and a willingness to adapt and learn as the industry evolves.
• The Building Security in Maturity Model (BSIM) is a framework that helps organizations measure and improve their software security practices.
• The trifecta for career success in management includes setting a strategy, translating business objectives into actionable steps, and contextualizing skills within the organization.
• The cybersecurity shortage is not just a lack of professionals, but also a result of challenging hiring processes and unrealistic job requirements.