S3E5: Kelsei Young

In this episode of Resilient Cyber, Chris Hughes and Dr. Nikki Robinson are joined by Kelsei Young, lead M&A security expert at IBM and Ph.D. candidate at Capital Technology University. Kelsei shares her unique journey in cybersecurity, from mergers and acquisitions (M&A) to her doctoral research on embedded software security for medical devices. 🛡️

🔑 Key Highlights:

• Kelsei’s background as the M&A security lead at IBM and her role in ensuring security in acquisitions

• The importance of security posture, asset inventory, and penetration testing in M&A due diligence

• Kelsei’s Ph.D. research on embedded software security and its significance in protecting medical devices

• Why securing the software supply chain for medical and IoT devices is critical in today’s threat landscape

• Practical tips for cybersecurity professionals navigating M&A processes

• The role of passion and unconventional career paths in advancing a cybersecurity career

• Insights into balancing a practitioner role with academic research

Kelsei also offers advice for those interested in pursuing higher education and research in cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of following your passion and finding your niche.