Resilient Cyber Podcast - Episode 22 - Tia Hopkins - Cyber Leader, Empowering Women, Power of Research

In this episode of the Resilient Cyber Podcast, hosts Chris Hughes and Dr. Nikki Robinson are joined by Tia Hopkins, a cybersecurity executive, professor, author, and keynote speaker. Tia shares her journey into the cybersecurity field, highlighting the challenges, failures, and successes that have shaped her career. The conversation delves into personal branding, the importance of authenticity, and the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, particularly in relation to managed service providers and cyber resilience.

Highlights:

1. Tia’s Journey into Cybersecurity:

   • Tia discusses her nontraditional path into cybersecurity, which began with a love for technology and eventually led her to pivot from IT into the cybersecurity space.

   • She emphasizes the importance of hard work, learning from failures, and staying curious.

2. The Significance of Personal Branding:

   • Tia shares her views on personal branding, explaining that while she didn’t set out to build one intentionally, it became essential as she grew in her career.

   • She advises listeners to focus on what makes them unique and to remain authentic in their professional and personal pursuits.

3. Challenges for Women in Cybersecurity:

   • The discussion touches on the underrepresentation of women in the IT and cybersecurity fields, with Tia expressing her passion for bringing more women, particularly women of color, into these industries.

   • She talks about her initiative, Empower Cybersecurity, aimed at increasing diversity in the field.

4. Pursuing a Ph.D.:

   • Tia is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in cybersecurity technology innovation management, driven by her desire to contribute to the future of cybersecurity.

   • She shares insights into how academic pursuits can complement professional roles and the importance of innovation in cybersecurity practices.

5. Cyber Resilience:

   • The episode explores the concept of cyber resilience, with Tia explaining that it goes beyond merely bouncing back from incidents. It involves adaptability, predictability, and proactive measures to prevent and respond to cyber threats.

6. Managed Service Providers and Cybersecurity Risks:

   • The conversation also covers the role of managed service providers in cybersecurity, discussing the risks and due diligence required when outsourcing cybersecurity functions to third-party providers.