Cybersecurity leaders are important in guiding organizations through the complexities of an accelerating threat environment. These professionals use their thorough expertise in technical and strategic areas to protect assets from emerging threats, extending their responsibilities beyond traditional IT functions. They are essential in developing a security-centric culture, driving innovation and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Btissam Laaouina, a Cybersecurity Manager, integrates cybersecurity with broader organizational objectives, skillfully balancing security measures with business requirements. Having observed the implementation of cybersecurity across diverse sectors, from transport and cruises to automotive and more, she employs comprehensive security frameworks, emphasizing proactive threat management through advanced technologies and threat intelligence.
Her visionary approach, which the user admires for consistently bringing innovation to the field of cybersecurity, enables her to anticipate future trends, shape industry standards and cultivate a security-first mindset. Additionally, she fosters creative solutions through brainstorming, blending technical expertise with strategic foresight to address growing cyber threats.
Exploring Cryptography in Cybersecurity
Btissam’s journey into cybersecurity began with an introduction to cryptography by a former manager. Intrigued by the complexity and critical importance of protecting information, she delved deeper into the field. Her inherent curiosity led her to extensive research, through which she discovered the broader domain of cybersecurity.
Captivated by its adaptive nature and the continuous challenges it presents, this initial exposure not only sparked her interest but also ignited a passion that has grown over the years. This passion has driven her to pursue a career in this developing and essential field.
Approaching Cybersecurity with a Positive Mindset
What truly drives Btissam in cybersecurity is her deep-seated passion for the field, which extends beyond the realm of a conventional job. For her, cybersecurity is a calling to which she is genuinely dedicated.
Each day brings new challenges and opportunities to enhance digital security and this continuous evolution keeps her invigorated. The excitement of resolving complex issues and the gratification of safeguarding critical information are profoundly rewarding to her.
Btissam’s name—meaning “smile” in Arabic—reflects her approach to her work. She addresses every challenge with joy and positivity, finding fulfillment even in the most demanding situations.
Effective Time Management in Learning
While obtaining certifications is crucial, Btissam understands the importance of balancing this with personal development and coursework alongside her career duties. Her credentials include certifications such as CCISO, CISSP and CISM, which attest to her commitment to mastering the field.
To maintain this balance, she ensures that specific periods are allocated for learning activities, integrating these into her daily schedule. This approach allows her to stay updated without compromising her professional responsibilities.
Btissam employs various methods to reinforce her learning, including utilizing online articles and materials, collaborating with study groups and applying newly acquired knowledge in practice.
She acknowledges that there is no one-size-fits-all model for learning; rather, it should be tailored to individual needs and objectives. This perspective helps her effectively navigate her ongoing professional and educational development.
Enhancing Collaboration in Cybersecurity
Throughout her career, Btissam has come to value flexibility, continuous learning and collaboration in cybersecurity. She recognizes that the field’s evolving nature demands constant adaptation and new perspectives. Understanding that each cyber threat is unique, she emphasizes the importance of tailored solutions rather than one-size-fits-all approaches.
Btissam highlights the crucial role of strong communication and analytical skills for addressing complex issues and working effectively with others, which has greatly influenced her professional growth and leadership in cybersecurity.
The Impact of YouTube on Cybersecurity Education
Btissam was inspired to create her YouTube channel as a platform for demystifying cybersecurity and simplifying complex topics within the field. Her goal is to make intricate concepts more accessible and to encourage others to pursue careers in this vital sector.
By sharing her knowledge through videos, she has found tremendous satisfaction in reaching a global audience and contributing meaningfully to the community. This endeavor has also enhanced her professional reputation, leading to opportunities for partnerships and speaking engagements.
In addition to her YouTube channel, Btissam manages a blog called @CyberShapes, where she has cultivated a community for discussing various cybersecurity issues. She believes that cybersecurity is a collective effort and extends an invitation to join her on this journey.
The Importance of Mentorship in Cybersecurity
In the cybersecurity community, Btissam views herself as a resource and a catalyst for growth and learning. Her responsibilities encompass sharing her expertise, providing mentorship, and developing a collaborative environment where professionals at all levels can thrive. Her instructional goals are focused on demystifying complex subjects, promoting best practices and encouraging a proactive approach to cybersecurity.
Btissam is particularly passionate about supporting the next generation of professionals. This commitment is exemplified by her role as a Mentor for the CyberGirls Fellowship 2024 program in Africa, where she guides young women across the continent.
Her ultimate objective is to make a lasting impact by contributing to the development of a more informed and resilient cybersecurity community, recognizing that everyone’s journey is unique and that there is no one-size-fits-all path to success.
The Role of Emerging Tech
Btissam’s future cybersecurity ambitions involve advancing her expertise in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, machine learning and quantum computing, especially in security contexts. She plans to drive industry progress through innovative research, thought leadership and setting new standards.
Central to her vision is continued mentorship to develop future cybersecurity experts. She also aims to provide more detailed instructional content and work with industry experts to tackle pressing cybersecurity issues, emphasizing the need for specialized, adaptable solutions.
The Power of Passion in Cybersecurity Careers
Btissam advises those pursuing a cybersecurity career to follow their passions and seek exciting activities. She underscores the need for a solid foundation in both technical and theoretical knowledge, complemented by hands-on experience, as well as managerial skills and leadership capabilities.
Maintaining curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning is important. Btissam also highlights the value of mentorship, networking and specialization. Emphasizing a unique career path, she encourages approaching work joyfully and optimistically, reflecting her name’s meaning, “smile.”
