At CybaVerse, we believe every team member has a unique and different story to share. Our next Success Story spotlights Ned Stedman, our talented SOC Analyst, whose professional journey and passion for cyber security have made a significant impact on our team.
Could you tell us about your professional journey and experiences that led you to join CybaVerse? What drew you to working with us?
Before starting with CybaVerse, I worked within the IT support industry for four years. My journey began with an apprenticeship in Networking and Infrastructure, where I gained hands-on experience in setting up and managing network systems.
After completing my apprenticeship, I transitioned into a role providing direct support for customers. This role involved both remote and onsite support, where I handled a wide range of IT-related issues. From resolving software glitches and performing system upgrades to ensuring data security and conducting hardware maintenance, I enjoyed the problem-solving nature of IT support. I often collaborated with clients to understand their specific needs and provided tailored solutions to enhance their IT infrastructure's efficiency and reliability.
Following several years in IT support, I decided to take a career break. I travelled solo to Australia for a three-month period to explore, unwind, and enjoy some personal time. During my stay, I purchased a campervan, which allowed me to travel across the country and see a different side to the country away from the typical tourist spots.
Whilst in Australia, it gave me a chance to return with a renewed focus on my career. I knew that whilst I enjoyed IT support, I wanted to specialise in a specific area of the IT field – cyber security.
When I discovered CybaVerse, I was immediately drawn to their mission and innovative approach to cyber security and the future. I was particularly attracted to CybaVerse's commitment to continuous learning and staying ahead of the latest cyber security trends and technologies. Joining CybaVerse felt like the perfect next step in my professional journey, allowing me to apply my IT support experience while diving deeper into the specialised and impactful field of cyber security.
What unique skills, experiences, or perspectives do you bring to your role at CybaVerse?
Coming from an IT background, I have had experience dealing with Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) from the customer side. This has provided me with a deep understanding of how processes like Cyber Essentials and Cyber Essentials Plus can seem overwhelming to organisations. I have developed a strong skill set that allows me to empathise with customers, addressing their concerns and assisting the Cyber Essentials team with any queries that arise.
As a Security Operations Center (SOC) Analyst, I bring a unique perspective to my role at CybaVerse. My direct involvement with SOC operations has equipped me with a keen understanding of the daily challenges and pressures faced by our SOC customers. This experience allows me to relate closely to our direct contacts, quickly grasping their needs and the underlying concerns driving their queries. By understanding the nuances of their roles, I can offer targeted support and solutions that address their specific security challenges.
My unique blend of IT support experience, customer-facing skills, and SOC expertise positions me to contribute significantly to CybaVerse's mission of providing top-tier cybersecurity solutions.
Provide a summary of some of the work you've undertaken at CybaVerse, such as 'calls with clients, involvement in specific projects etc.
I have spent a lot of time working on internal projects within the company to help strengthen our own cyber security, such as setting up a phishing campaign tool and making best practice changes to our Azure and Intune environments.
Aside from this, my main role as a SOC Analyst takes a lot of my time both monitoring for potential threats and ensuring that our clients’ environments are secure and safe.
In your opinion, what sets CybaVerse apart as a workplace? How does the company foster a positive and inclusive culture?
With previous employment I have sometimes felt held back due to my age, this is not the case at CybaVerse. The company does truly operate on the principle of “best person for the job”, no matter who they are.
I also find that all of the management team, including the CEO, are always happy to take feedback onboard and will genuinely listen if someone believes that something can be done differently or better, this helps to create a truly great work culture which makes it easy to get work done.
What are your hobbies or passions outside of work? What do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy going to the gym, even though it might not be obvious just yet! Recently, I’ve also taken up golf, which has been fun but a bit hard on my wallet.
I’ve also started a creative project with recycling clothes, like turning old jeans into shorts, and I’m working on updating old clothes with embroidery pieces. It’s all a work in progress but it’s great to see things coming together.
If you could give one piece of advice to new employees joining CybaVerse, what would it be?
Push yourself, if you’re looking to progress then the support system is here. If you want to work on something, ask, it’s good to get involved if you’re interested and you won’t be turned away.