Issue 44  April 1st 2024

Chapter Member Interview by Bryon Singh: Aaron Ferraro, Cyber Security Analyst | GCIH | GCIA | GPYC | GSEC | GISF | GFACT | Security+ | Air Force Veteran

Bryon: Tell me about yourself?

Aaron: I'm a father, husband, and always striving for self-improvement. Currently, I serve as the sole cybersecurity analyst at Federal Farm Credit Bank Funding Corp, where I handle various tasks, including vulnerability management and SOC monitoring. With a background in the Air Force, I've been passionate about cybersecurity for about 5 years. I'm completing my degree in Applied Cybersecurity from SANS Technology Institute, focusing on enhancing my skills in threat hunting.

Bryon: How do you stay updated with the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape?

Aaron: I rely on curated cyber news sites, Discord groups, and webinars to stay informed. I dedicate 1-2 hours weekly to learning something new to stay ahead. Crucially, I employ a strategy of listening and doing, continuously learning from others and immediately applying newfound knowledge.

Bryon: What recent trend in cybersecurity significantly impacts the industry?

Aaron: The pervasive threat of ransomware is a significant concern. I emphasize security awareness training, prompt patching of vulnerabilities, and continuous learning to stay abreast of evolving threats.

Bryon: Can you share an experience educating non-technical staff on cybersecurity practices?

Aaron: Simplifying technical concepts and emphasizing practical risk mitigation strategies without causing alarm proved effective. I engaged them by illustrating potential risks and demonstrating measures to mitigate them, fostering understanding and cooperation.

Bryon: What's the most complex cyber threat you've encountered?

Aaron: Encountering Black Basta Ransomware underscored the importance of understanding network baselines and proactive threat hunting. Through a coordinated response, including alert monitoring and collaboration with IT teams, we successfully contained and eradicated the threat.

Bryon: How did you like mentoring in Cyber Pathways?

Aaron:. Mentoring in Cyber Pathways was fulfilling. Sharing insights with aspiring cybersecurity professionals and witnessing their career growth was gratifying.

Bryon: What tips can you give cyber professionals?

Aaron: Forge connections with mentors, dedicate time to continuous learning, prioritize self-care, and pursue your passions within the field for sustained success

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JuMPstart Mentorship Program

Dear Members,

As we continue to enhance our mentoring program, we're exploring software tools aimed at improving the mentor-mentee experience. Our focus is on finding a solution that facilitates effective collaboration, learning, and progress tracking, all while considering the costs to keep the program accessible. We are in the early stages of this exploration, we expect more details on the software and its integration will be shared in our next update.

We're pleased to report that the program is progressing well, thanks to the dedication of our participants. Your feedback and participation are crucial as we work towards enriching our cybersecurity community. Stay tuned for more updates and thank you for your ongoing support.

Get Involved:

• Interested in mentoring? Join our dynamic roster by signing up here.
• Your feedback shapes our program. Reach out at mentoring@isc2chapternj.org.

Warm regards,
Matthew Lang and The Mentorship Committee

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