Technology is a consistently evolving field. Those working in cybersecurity have a duty to keep their minds sharp and focused on how their industry is changing.
Technology is a consistently evolving field. Those working in cybersecurity have a duty to keep their minds sharp and focused on how their industry is changing.
Aderonke Adeniji, Director for Information Assurance within the Office of Cybersecurity for the U.S. House of Representatives and proud iSchool MIM alumna, claims cybersecurity is much more than sitting behind a keyboard to stop hackers. She says, “While combating adversarial threats is a critical part of the field, there are several roles that require strong analytical, written and oral communication skills. A well-rounded cybersecurity program includes experienced security practitioners that support security management, operations, and technical areas.”
The most challenging aspect of this field, according to Adeniji, is identifying, hiring, and retaining qualified security professionals. Cybersecurity is a dynamic field and there is a need for those that are highly qualified to keep pace with emerging security challenges and threats in areas such as cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Before joining the House, Aderonke served as a consultant for both large and boutique consulting companies. She supported federal government clients with system assessment and authorization efforts, IT security policy development, and program/project management activities in response to security laws and requirements. Aderonke began her career in Federal service modernizing records for NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.