Profile PicturePaula Gilchrist

Paula is a Senior Security Incident Commander specializing in Cyber Incident Response at a prominent software solution firm. In 2019, she successfully transitioned from her role as a Major Incident Manager, where she adeptly managed major enterprise-level system outages and degradation, to the realm of Cyber Incident Management within the financial sector.    Motivated by a deep fascination with cybersecurity and the desire to guide others in their career transitions, Paula initiated extensive research on suitable cyber certifications. A pivotal moment occurred during a Google search when she came across a report by the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) revealing a substantial shortage of cybersecurity professionals in the United States—ranging between 350,000 and 600,000. Forbes further underscored this gap, stating nearly 465,000 cyber jobs remain unfilled across the nation, with government sectors facing particularly challenging circumstances.  ISC(2).org reports a similar gap of 482,985 for the US in its ISC2_Cybersecurity_Workforce_Study_2023.   This book serves as Paula's contribution to addressing this critical skills gap, aimed at individuals seeking financial growth, expressing interest in the security domain, but hesitant to initiate their move or uncertain about the direction to take. Additionally, it emphasizes the significance of leveraging transferable skills as a foundation for a successful career transition into Cyber Security.   In terms of education, Paula holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Technology from Alcorn State University and a master’s degree in technology management from Southern Polytechnic State University.  She is certified in ITILv3 and is studying for the CC and CISM exams.   Beyond her professional achievements, Paula is a dedicated parent to three children and shares her home with a charming dog named Pepper.

The Cyber Pivot

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