Ina Bilaj: Navigating the cyber world

2.10.2023

Everything started a couple of years back. I had just finalized an online purchase when I received a phone call from my bank. It was late evening, so that was already awkward. At the other end of the line, my bank representative informed me that my credit card had been successfully used for another purchase in some geographically distant location, literally seconds after I finalized my purchase.

She immediately took action to block my card and cancel the transaction, but what was left behind from that conversation was insecurity and curiosity. At that very moment, I embarked on an exciting journey into the world of cybersecurity. Something that started as a learning journey for my safety quickly became my mission, and my mission was clear—to safeguard businesses and individuals. I hold a master’s degree in natural sciences and worked as a biologist and teacher for a couple of years. Coming from a science background, I initially believed I had to build everything from the ground up.

To my surprise, I discovered that cybersecurity thrives on a triad of people, processes, and technology. With a solid foundation in the former two, I honed my technological skills. In this blog, I share practical tips and the resources that fuelled my journey, as well as tips on navigating safely online, hoping that this can contribute to encouraging and guiding professionals thinking of making an exciting career change like mine.
 

   1. Seek knowledge from diverse sources

My journey toward deepening my knowledge in cybersecurity began with a cybersecurity boot camp provided by a UK-based training provider, during which I immersed myself in cybersecurity-related courses as well as in soft skills, hands-on labs, and client projects. This gave me a very profound understanding of cyber trends and landscapes in the market and gave me a solid foundation in all cybersecurity subdomains. Alongside my intensive training, I also supplemented my learning with invaluable free resources, including top-tier YouTube channels, LinkedIn learning courses, etc. One of the crucial elements you need to succeed in cybersecurity is being curious and constantly learning new things.
 

   2. Mastering time management

Revolutionizing my productivity with the “Pomodoro” technique was a game-changer. Focused work in 25-minute blocks, punctuated with five-minute breaks, proved highly effective. Identifying your peak hours and aligning study/work sessions accordingly can significantly enhance efficiency.
 

   3. Fuelling motivation and commitment

Transformational journeys require unwavering commitment and boundless motivation. Having a mentor or someone to guide you is invaluable. I utilized a well-crafted personal “mission statement” and and wrote down my goals. These served as constant reminders of my purpose when faced with challenges. Prioritizing good quality breaks and mental well-being is extremely important on such journeys, so stop and rewind whenever you feel you need it.
 

   4. Embrace evolving knowledge

What I mostly like about cybersecurity is that it is a constantly evolving, dynamic field, and it requires constant improvement and staying updated on the latest trends and news. I have made it a daily ritual to start my day by perusing the daily digest from the National Cyber Security Centre of Finland (part of TRAFICOM). While commuting, tuning into podcasts keeps me abreast of the industry’s latest developments. Some of my favourite podcasts include those by the following:

• Darknet Diaries 
• Cybersecurity Headlines
• Daily StormCast by SANS
• Hacking Humans
• TED Talks Daily
   

   5. Harness the power of networking

Networking proved to be my secret weapon, especially as a newcomer in the country. Attending tech and cyber-specific events allowed me to connect with inspiring individuals, providing a powerful boost of motivation and self-confidence.
 

Practical tips for cyber-awareness month

Stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing this transformational journey was undeniably challenging, but the rewards have been immeasurable.

To conclude, I would like to share some practical cyber tips’as we are heading into October, which is a cyber-awareness month, and some of these tips I had to learn the hard way:

• Reduce your digital footprint as much as possible. Cybercriminals can use every piece of information we share online, so avoiding being the target is extremely helpful.
• Be sceptical of unsolicited requests: Whether it’s a phone call, email, or message, be cautious about providing personal information to unknown or unverified sources.
• Educate yourself: Stay informed about the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices. Knowledge is your best defence!
• Have a sanitation routine for your apps, accounts, and devices. Keep an eye on your bank and credit card statements for any unauthorized transactions. Report any suspicious activity immediately.

I am adding here my motto that has accompanied me on this exciting journey:

Find yourself a role model, someone that will act as an inspiration; if you can’t find one, then become one.
 

To all the aspiring cybersecurity trailblazers out there, your journey begins with that above mentioned first step. Seize it with courage, and let your determination light the way. Cybersecurity needs more diversity, and your transferable skills, experiences, and perspectives will contribute to building a better, safer digital world.
 

Ina Bilaj

• My role at Deloitte: I am a cybersecurity consultant at Deloitte, and my primary focus is on supporting companies to build a solid and comprehensive cyber strategy that will help them navigate the complex transition towards digitalization.
  
• My background: A little more than two years ago, I moved to Finland with my family from Albania on a journey to give our daughter a chance to experience one of the world’s best educational systems and further develop my career in cybersecurity.
  
• What you didn’t know about Ina: I am very much interested in volunteering in different projects, especially those promoting diversity and gender equality.