Issue 40  November 20th 2023

Join Our Discord Server!

We now have over 350 members on our Discord Server!

By adding a Discord server to the mix of our communication tools, we now have real-time collaboration between our members 24/7.

Our Discord Server is a dynamic hub for job seekers, offering firsthand job opportunities in various IT and Cyber positions from chapter members. It's also a resource for members seeking internships, aiming to enhance their skill sets, or wanting to share resumes for reviews and feedback, including interview skills assistance. In addition to our website and newsletter, we announce upcoming events through Discord Server notifications. You'll receive regular reminders, so you won’t miss out on our engaging events! Moreover, our mentorship program is hosted on Discord, facilitating interaction with mentors during your cohort.

For those members that want to communicate on a variety of topics between meetings using Discord, just send Ken an email at president@isc2chapternj.org to get the link.

We are always looking for ideas and volunteers to help make Discord a better and fun place. Please reach out to Bryon Singh at bryon@isc2chapternj.org with ideas or ping him on Discord!

The members of the Discord Committee are Bryon Singh, Tran Cheung, Giovanni Mercado, John Linkowsky , Krishna Nekkalapudi, Matthew Lang, Michael LeBlanc, Nikunj Shah, Brett Smith and Saurabh Sagdeo.

ISC2 NJ Chapter  

Interview with Audy Batista (member of ISC2 New Jersey Chapter) by Bryon Singh

Bryon: Tell me about yourself?

Audy: I hold an Associate's Degree in Electrical Technology from Bronx Community College and several prominent certifications, including CISSP, CISM, CCSP, CYSA+, and ITIL. I am actively involved with organizations such as the ISACA NJ Chapter, Toastmasters International, and ISC2 New Jersey Chapter. Professionally, I serve as the VP of Security Operations at Thrive Networks and contributes as a mentor for ISC2 Volunteer Work. My core cybersecurity skills include Security Engineering, Incident Response and Management, Network Security, as well as Team Leadership and Development. Outside of work, I enjoy watching movies and spending time with my three young daughters. A unique personal detail about me is that I have a twin sister.

Bryon: What made you want to get into Cyber Security?

Audy: I have been working in IT since 1996, starting with older versions of Windows like NT in administration, then moving into networking in the 2000s with design and implementation, and later transitioning into IT management with managed service providers. I officially got into cyber security in the last few years. It seems I had already been involved in similar roles, developing a strong interest in security operations, management, and incident response. My years of experience naturally led me into incident response.

Bryon: What made you join the ISC2 New Jersey Chapter?

Audy: I knew John Manley previously, and then learned that he was part of the ISC2 New Jersey. He told me more about the chapter, and coincidentally, I started working at the same company he was already at.

Bryon: What made you want to be a part of the Mentorship program as a Mentor?

Audy: I find that mentoring allows me to share my experience with others. Interestingly, only about 20% of my discussions are about cybersecurity; most of the time, I mentor people on soft skills and career navigation. I also follow up with mentees to see their progression and offer further assistance.

Bryon: What certifications are you currently working on and what tips would you recommend?

Audy: I am studying for the Akalayde A/CCRF certification, which tests theoretical knowledge of the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) and its practical application in organizations. This certification gives me a different perspective on the framework, explaining its origin and original purpose. I also recommend the Security+ for fundamentals. If you're interested in security operations, the CYSA+ is beneficial. Additionally, Network+ is vital for understanding networks and communication between various devices, systems, and applications.

Bryon: What encouragement do you have for members and potential new members to join the mentorship program?

Audy: Knowledge is limited to one's exposure, and the only dumb questions are the ones you don’t ask. Joining the mentorship program provides exposure to scenario-based discussions relevant to the career path one wishes to pursue. It can help individuals find and target more specific areas in cybersecurity, which is a very broad field.

ISC2 NJ Chapter