At CybaVerse, we believe every team member has a unique and different story to share. Our next Success Story spotlights Maxwell Adams, our talented Penetration Tester, whose professional journey and passion for cyber security have made a significant impact on our team.
Can you share your professional journey and the events that led you to joining CybaVerse? What inspired you to take this step in your career?
Before beginning my career at CybaVerse, I earned a BSc (Hons) in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics from the University of Portsmouth. During my studies, I developed a strong interest in ethical hacking and penetration testing, enjoying the challenges and problem-solving opportunities they provided. As I entered my third year, I took the initiative to build a professional network on LinkedIn, aiming to establish valuable connections within the cyber security industry. It was through this platform that I connected with Gemma, who viewed my profile and reached out. After connecting, we discussed the possibility of an 8-week internship at CybaVerse, an opportunity I was thrilled to accept.
The internship allowed me to gain hands-on experience across multiple areas of cyber security, including SOC, penetration testing, and compliance. This exposure not only deepened my expertise but also reaffirmed my passion for penetration testing. At the end of the internship, I was offered a full-time position at CybaVerse, which I accepted without hesitation. Having already enjoyed working in such a supportive and collaborative environment, I was confident that continuing my career at CybaVerse would allow me to grow professionally and make a meaningful impact.
How has your education and professional background prepared you for your role at CybaVerse?
My academic background in Cyber Security and Digital Forensics, combined with my hands-on experience, has played a key role in shaping my career path. Through my studies, I not only developed a deep interest in ethical hacking and penetration testing, but also refined valuable skills such as critical thinking, troubleshooting, and effective communication. These skills have been crucial in both my professional development and in navigating the complexities of cyber security.
Additionally, my previous experience in luxury retail sales played a significant role in developing my client-facing communication skills. Working in retail, I gained valuable experience in building relationships, understanding client needs, and delivering exceptional service. These abilities have seamlessly translated into my cyber security role, especially when collaborating with colleagues and clients, ensuring that security solutions align with their needs and expectations.
What unique strengths, skills, or perspectives do you bring to your position at CybaVerse?
My diverse background combines both technical expertise and customer-focused experience, offering a unique blend of skills to my role at CybaVerse. The practical knowledge I gained through my academic training in cyber security, particularly in penetration testing, equips me with technical abilities to assess vulnerabilities and identify solutions. On the other hand, my experience in luxury retail has provided me with a strong foundation in effective communication, relationship-building, and delivering tailored solutions that are essential for client interactions and teamwork.
This combination of academic knowledge, technical experience, and customer service skills allows me to approach problems from multiple angles. I bring a well-rounded perspective to my role, one that merges technical precision with a customer-centric approach. I’m able to bridge the gap between technical solutions and client needs, ensuring the best outcomes for both security objectives and user satisfaction.
Can you highlight some of the work or projects you've been involved in since joining CybaVerse?
Since joining CybaVerse, I have had the opportunity to work on a wide variety of projects. My role has involved scoping calls with clients to determine the necessary timeframes for testing, as well as collaborating with the sales team to ensure projects are signed off and ready to proceed ahead of personally performing the testing.
In addition to these responsibilities, I have conducted a diverse range of penetration tests, including internal, external, application, wireless (Wi-Fi), and API testing. Each of these experiences has significantly expanded my knowledge and expertise in penetration testing across various domains.
I’ve also participated in numerous red-team engagements, where the objective was to gain physical access to client offices and carry out comprehensive testing using a variety of approaches. These projects have been incredibly rewarding and have provided invaluable learning opportunities, allowing me to continue growing both technically and professionally.
In your opinion, what sets CybaVerse apart as a workplace? How does the company promote a positive and inclusive culture?
CybaVerse fosters a positive and inclusive culture by helping employees find the career path that best suits them. The company offers opportunities to explore different areas within the organisation, along with support for career-enhancing certifications and courses, enabling employees to continuously develop their skills. Additionally, CybaVerse values and encourages the contributions of all team members, promoting a collaborative and supportive environment where everyone's input is recognised and valued.
Are there any training or development opportunities you have pursued or plan to pursue to grow in your role at CybaVerse?
So far during my time at CybaVerse, I have focused on using platforms such as TryHackMe and HackTheBox to further develop my penetration testing skills. I successfully completed the TryHackMe Jr Penetration Tester pathway, which provided me with valuable experience and a solid foundation in the core technical skills required for penetration testing.
Additionally, I have started preparing for the CREST CPSA and CRT certifications, with the aim of obtaining them by mid-2025. These certifications will not only expand my knowledge but also allow me to demonstrate my capabilities, further enhancing my ability to support clients in improving their security postures.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of work? How do you like to spend your free time?
Outside of work, I focus on both my physical and mental well-being by playing golf and going to the gym with friends. These activities help me stay fit while also providing valuable time with those close to me. I also enjoy going on road trips, exploring new places, and experiencing different cultures with friends. In addition, I make time to relax in the evenings and spend quality moments with my family.
If you could give one piece of advice to new employees joining CybaVerse, what would it be?
My advice to anyone joining CybaVerse is to be yourself and have confidence in who you are. The team is incredibly friendly and supportive, always willing to help. Don’t hesitate to ask for advice or assistance if you're facing challenges; doing so will help you grow and progress in your career. We all enjoy collaborating to tackle problems, so if you believe something can be improved, speak up and share your solution – your input will be valued.