Thread by @NASSorg

As part of our @NASSorg #NCSAM IT Director spotlight, we wanted to highlight a few key partners in state #cybersecurity.

The first one up is @CISAgov's @CISAManfra. Follow along with this 5 Q&A thread...

Q1: Can you walk us through a day in the life as the Assistant Director for Cybersecurity for @CISAgov?

A1: The thing about cybersecurity is no 2 days are the same & you need to be ready for anything. My day typically starts with reviewing the news & current intelligence &...

A1 cont'd:...receiving updates from my team on operational priorities. Based on this, we determine appropriate actions. This could mean speaking with gov’t partners to declassify information about urgent threats or meeting with @NASSorg to discuss next steps on election security.

A1 con'd: But the one thing that is almost always true … there is no such thing as a quiet day here. (Unless @CISAKrebs is on vacation…😉)

Q2: What is the biggest challenge in dealing with the cybersecurity of the nation’s varying critical infrastructure sectors?

A2: As interconnectivity grows, so does the cyber threat. These aren’t just hacktivists and cyber criminals, but also foreign powers who are growing...

A2 cont'd:...their capabilities for very real & destructive cyber-attacks. This is why we worked with our partners to develop the National Critical Functions. The biggest challenge in cybersecurity of critical infrastructure is clearly defining what it is we are protecting...

A2 cont'd:... in a way that allows us to prioritize our collective resources & actions.

Q3: How do you explain what you do to the average person?

A3: Understanding the technical aspects of cybersecurity is very important to our mission & luckily, we have some of the top experts in this field working here @CISAgov to protect our nation against cyber threats. But...

A3 cont'd:...you don’t have to be a technical expert to understand cybersecurity – or to be safe online. Oct. is #NCSAM & this year’s theme is Own IT. Secure IT. Protect IT. This is a call to action for everyone to understand their digital footprint...

A3 cont'd:..., take some simple steps to keep your information safe, & practice good digital hygiene.
Every individual within an organization – from the intern to the CEO – has a role to play.

You can learn more at cisa.gov/ncsam.

Q4: The gender gap in the cybersecurity workforce is still pretty large. What’s your best advice for young women looking to get into the field?

A4: I have spent my entire career in a male-dominated field & while there is no one right way to do things, there are a few things...

A4 cont'd:...I’ve learned about being a woman in cybersecurity. First, I’ve learned to focus on the work itself & demonstrating your competence in it, because that’s what matters most. We may face skeptical eyes, but this presents an opportunity, because it forces us to be...

A4 cont'd:...creative, be bold & to make sure our work is unparalleled. Next, build your trust groups & confidants. As your career advances, you will probably be thrust into roles that push your boundaries. Having people you trust & can learn from will be invaluable. Finally...

A4 cont'd:...take risks as if you have nothing to lose. Every new job I’ve taken has included risks, but I believe that taking those risks have made me a better person & a better leader.

Q5: Fun question…what’s your favorite binge-able TV show?

A5: @DowntonAbbey...@TheCrownNetflix...I could stay up all night watching a good historical drama.

A big thank you to @CISAManfra for answering these questions! Also thanks to our other @CISAgov partners who work with election officials daily!

Our spotlight will resume on Tuesday with @IowaSOS's IT Director.