The Executive Connect Podcast

In this episode of the Executive Connect Podcast, Melissa Aarskaug spoke with Cecile Mengue, a cybersecurity professional and hacker at IBM X Force. Learn about Cecile's remarkable journey from being a victim of a personal cyber-attack to becoming an ethical hacker. 

 

·         Turning Point: Cecile shares the pivotal moment when she fell victim to a cyber-attack, leading her to delve into the world of cybersecurity to understand and track down her attacker.

 

·         Challenges in Transition: Melissa and Cecile discussed the initial challenges of transitioning from a non-technical background in criminal justice to the cybersecurity industry. Imposter syndrome and self-doubt were significant obstacles.

 

·         Overcoming Challenges: With the support of a mentor and a focused approach, Cecile overcame self-doubt, specialized in ethical hacking, and gained hands-on experience through personal projects and engagements with small companies.

 

·         Advice for Career Change: Cecile encourages aspiring cybersecurity professionals to believe in themselves, identify their "why," specialize in a niche, practice consistently, and stay updated on industry trends.

 

·         The Value of Personal Data: Melissa and Cecile emphasize the importance of understanding personal data's value and the need for increased awareness and education to mitigate the growing threat of cyber-attacks fueled by compromised personal information. 

 

Thank you for joining us on the Executive Connect Podcast, where powerful stories shape meaningful connections!

 

If you have any questions about today’s show or have a topic you’d like us to cover, reach out to me at executiveconnectpodcast@gmail.com.

 

Please subscribe so you can catch all our future episodes.

 

About today’s guest:

Cecile Mengue is a Cybersecurity Professional and Hacker at IBM X-Force Red. Cecile's journey in the field of hacking was set in motion by a personal encounter with a cyber attack, igniting her unwavering commitment to championing robust digital security.

 

Cecile's primary focus lies in promoting digital security awareness and understanding among individuals and organizations. Her unwavering advocacy has established her as a key figure in fostering a proactive approach to online privacy and security.

 

Additionally, Cecile is the esteemed author of "Digital Security Overhaul," a comprehensive guidebook designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and strategies necessary to enhance their online security measures. Join us as Cecile shares her expertise and insights, providing invaluable guidance on navigating the complex realm of digital security.

 

About Melissa Aarskaug:

I’m an energetic executive with 15+ years of experience steering companies to new heights of growth and scale. An engineer at heart (I started my career as an engineering manager on one of the world’s largest concrete bridges), I’ve become a trusted leader and business builder in the technology and cybersecurity space.