Cybaverse Success Stories - Silvia Cardascia | Cybaverse

Continuing our series of CybaVerse Success Stories, the first edition of 2024 focuses on our SOC Team Analyst, Silvia Cardascia. Silvia shares the journey of how she switched from a career in the marketing industry, to pursuing her passions and working in the world of cyber security.

Read all about Silvia's story in the below.

Can you share a bit about your professional journey and experience leading up to joining CybaVerse? What attracted you to work here?

Before joining CybaVerse, I worked as a Digital Marketing Lead in a marketing agency. During this time, I honed my strategy, data analytics and reporting, digital advertising, customer engagement, and teamwork skills. What set me apart was my unwavering curiosity about cyber security. This interest was not just a passing curiosity; it was a genuine passion that I nurtured in my spare time. I found myself constantly reading, making home labs and staying updated on the latest developments in cyber security. This fascination was something that had always been in the back of my mind throughout my career. Still, I never had the courage to initiate a career change in my journey until I reached my 30th birthday when I realised I wanted to overcome my fears of leaving a secure job to pursue my dream job. Janis Joplin sang "Freedom is another word for nothing left to lose". This is how I felt. I quit my job and invested my savings and time in my cyber security self-studies.

How has your educational and professional background contributed to your success in your current role at CybaVerse?

My educational and professional background may not have initially aligned with a tech-related field, as I come from a different academic background. However, several key factors have contributed to my success in my current role as a SOC (Security Operations Center) Analyst at CybaVerse.

• ‍Determination and Self-Study: My determination to succeed in the cyber security field has been instrumental in my journey. I recognised the importance of self-study and took the initiative to bridge the knowledge gap. This commitment to continuous learning has allowed me to stay up-to-date with the ever-evolving world of cyber security.
• Cyber Security Certifications: To solidify my knowledge and demonstrate my commitment to cyber security, I pursued a relevant certification. This certification not only provided me with valuable insights but also served as a tangible representation of my expertise. They have been crucial in helping me to step into the tech field.
• Curiosity and Constant Learning: My innate curiosity about cyber security has been a driving force behind my success. I have a genuine passion for the subject, and this curiosity motivates me to constantly learn and explore new concepts and emerging threats. In the rapidly changing cyber security landscape, adaptability and a thirst for knowledge are essential qualities.
• Transferable Skills: My background in a different field has equipped me with transferable skills that have proven valuable in my current role. These skills include critical thinking, problem-solving, effective communication, data analysis and reporting and project management. These abilities enable me to approach cyber security challenges from a unique perspective, often leading to innovative solutions.

In summary, while I may not have had a traditional tech background, my determination to learn, the pursuit of cyber security certifications, curiosity, and the transferable skills I brought with me has been important to my success as a SOC analyst at CybaVerse. My journey underscores the idea that a passion for learning and adaptability can be just as valuable as a specific educational background in the field of cyber security.

What sort of work do you undertake at CybaVerse within your role?

In my current role at CybaVerse, I'm engaged in a variety of significant projects and tasks that allow me to apply my skills and knowledge effectively.

I'm actively involved in monitoring and triaging security incidents using tools such as Microsoft Sentinel and Crowdstrike. This role requires real-time monitoring and analysis of potential threats, allowing for immediate responses to security incidents. This proactive approach is essential in minimising potential damage and ensuring our clients' security remains robust.

Furthermore, I have the opportunity to support our Red Team with external penetration testing. This involves simulating cyber attacks to identify vulnerabilities in our clients' systems, networks, and applications.

I also conduct configuration reviews of our client's infrastructure. This process involves a thorough examination of the configuration settings for their Microsoft Office 365 environment. The goal is to ensure that these configurations adhere to industry best practices and security standards.

In your opinion, what sets CybaVerse apart as a workplace? How does the company foster a positive and inclusive culture?

One of the best qualities of working at CybaVerse is that it supports employees in maintaining a healthy work-life balance. This involves flexible work arrangements. Also, the employees at CybaVerse are known for their welcoming and supportive attitude, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere in the workplace. CybaVerse offers training opportunities to help employees grow in their roles and feel supported in their professional development.

Have you undertaken or plan to undertake any training or development that will assist with your role at CybaVerse?

I have recently completed and obtained the SC200 certification and I am Blue team Level 1.

What are your hobbies or passions outside of work? What do you like to do in your free time?

I love going to the cinema, cycling and watching a pretty sunset.

If you could give one piece of advice to new employees joining CybaVerse, what would it be?

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Ask as many questions as you can. There are no silly questions.