Absolutely STOP blocking the wrong port, and I do NOT mean the port on your firewall or WAF.

I am speaking of the main port or gateway into a challenging, but rewarding career in cybersecurity.

For those that are paying it forward and helping aspiring professionals navigate their way into this field disregard this message, and thank you for what you have done, and are still doing to move this industry forward.

For the experienced professionals on the other side of this coin if you are constantly ignoring messages in your inbox about getting starting in this field, and not proactively helping prospects you notice that are trying to get into cybersecurity, and miserably failing you could be missing an opportunity to help the Stephen Curry of this field who by the way was told he was too small to play even at the college level, and only got accepted to a small community college just outside of Charlotte, NC, now he is considered one of the top players in league history, and arguably one of the greatest 3-point shooters ever.

And just like Curry in his early years, some prospects may not look like the next big thing to most people, but this is not our place to judge.

Give them a chance!

I am almost certain everyone here today was giving that same chance.

I just touched on the good side of helping them get a sit at the table, now let’s explore what could happen if we don’t lay out the red carpet.

The industry could potentially discourage hopefuls who have invested time, and money in degrees in information assurance, and have the drive to eventually do well, and prosper in this industry.

These same people could permanently be turned-off from navigating this terrain.

Further adding to the dreaded statement “The Cybersecurity talent shortage”

No “change control” is needed, please set this port to: Any -> Any ASAP.

By George McPherson, CASP, SSCP, C|EH
Cybersecurity Professional | Military Veteran | Security Researcher