3 minute read
Haicheur Ichrak Amani
HAICHEUR ICHRAK AMANI
Haicheur Ichrak Amani is in her second year of study for a master’s degree in cybersecurity at Université des Sciences et de la Technologie ‘Houari Boumédiène’ in her native Algeria after graduating with a Bachelor of Computer Science, Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications from the same university.
She is also a Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador, one of a global group of campus leaders helping fellow students create robust technical communities and develop technical and career skills for the future.
Suppose you met an old friend from your last year at school who, knowing nothing about cybersecurity or what you do, asks you what you are doing. How do you answer them to ‘sell’ them on the idea of a career in cybersecurity?
Cybersecurity is the application of technologies, processes and controls to protect systems, networks, programs, devices and data from cyber attacks. It aims to reduce the risk of cyber attacks and protect against the unauthorised exploitation of systems, networks and technologies. A career in cybersecurity has several paths depending on the interests, goals and experience.
How does the reality of cybersecurity as you experience it today fit with your understanding when you first thought about studying it?
I first thought that cybersecurity is really complicated and hard to learn, but with time I started to learn more about it and the more I learnt, the more I enjoyed. I became passionate about the field and ended up choosing it as a career.
What cybersecurity role would most like to be hired into when you graduate, and why?
The role I would most like to be hired for is a red teamer because I like offensive security more than defensive security.
What was the reaction from parents, peers or career advisors to your decision to get into cyber? Did you face any opposition, if so, how did you feel about this?
My parents were not from the field so they could not advise me, but they always supported my choices. Some of my peers advised me to choose it and others said it would be hard. I felt confused, but I ended up choosing it because I am passionate about it.
What do you see has having been the most memorable and/or significant event in your cybersecurity journey to date, and why?
Being able to achieve my goals and progress in this career. from knowing nothing to an intermediate level.
In addition to your studies, what employment experience do you have in cybersecurity?
I have done three internships in different firms.
The cybersecurity industry abounds with certifications from multiple organisations. Have you gained, or do you plan to gain any of these, if so which ones, and why?
I am planning to gain many certifications, including Certified Ethical Hacker, CEH v12 from the EC-Council and Offensive Security Experienced Penetration (OSEP) from Offensive Security.
We hear all the time that the world of cybersecurity is changing rapidly, particularly with the rate of threat evolution. Do you feel your course is doing a good job of being current?
Cybersecurity requires continuous learning. A cybersecurity student should always keep up to date by taking courses to checking cybersecurity news. That is why learning cybersecurity is challenging.
What aspect of your studies excites you the most?
Learning new concepts and skills and trying to exploit new vulnerabilities.
Have you ever felt disadvantaged or discriminated against by being a woman in cyber, if so, please provide details?
It is true there are more men than women in this field, but I always felt respected and never disadvantaged or discriminated against by my peers. We were evaluated based on our skills not gender.
What measures do you have in place for your personal cybersecurity?
For my personal cybersecurity I like to play capture the flag exercises. They are computer security challenges, available on different platforms. They are fun and very useful.
With the benefit of hindsight, would you change your career trajectory to date, and if so now?
I would never change my career trajectory. I am glad I chose a career I am passionate about.
Have you already sought employment in cybersecurity, if so, what has been your experience of applications/interview?
I have done three internships already, but I applied for more. I was ghosted more than once but I never stopped searching because I was motivated and eager to acquire new skills.
www.linkedin.com/in/haicheur-ichrak-amani-2837371b3
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