Navigating Imposter Syndrome in Cybersecurity: Embracing Expertise from Novices to Seasoned Professionals
Whether you’re brand new to the cybersecurity realm, diving into Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges, experimenting with Azure labs, and offering cybersecurity advice to friends and family, or an esteemed professional with a decade of experience managing information security programs, standards, and policies, one thing is certain: the persistent specter of imposter syndrome can cast a shadow over even the most accomplished individuals.
Welcome to the intriguing world of cybersecurity, where imposter syndrome stealthily lurks, challenging us to reconcile our internal uncertainties with our external achievements. In this blog, we’ll embark on a journey through the landscape of imposter syndrome in cybersecurity, exploring its impact on minds both eager and experienced.
What is imposter syndrome?
Imposter Syndrome, as described by Saymeh (2023), is the feeling of anxiety and internal self-doubt, despite objectively achieving success in external ways. Put simply, it’s like feeling like a complete idiot who has no clue what you’re doing, even though you have the experience and certifications to prove your competence. This phenomenon can make you question whether you belong in your current position or if you should even apply for roles where you don’t feel like a “perfect fit.” Dealing with imposter syndrome can be incredibly overwhelming, as it creates an internal conflict between your accomplishments and how you perceive yourself.
From enthusiastic novices to seasoned experts, imposter syndrome can strike at any stage of our cybersecurity careers. It may lead us to question our worthiness for the roles we occupy or even discourage us from pursuing opportunities. Yet, amid this struggle, lies the potential for growth and self-discovery.
In the pages ahead, I invite you to join me as we unravel the complexities of imposter syndrome in the context of cybersecurity. Together, we’ll shed light on the common fears and doubts that plague us, seeking solace in the knowledge that we are not alone in this battle.
Moreover, I will equip you with practical strategies to conquer imposter syndrome and harness your true expertise. Let us turn imposter syndrome from a formidable opponent into a catalyst for personal and professional advancement.
“They are going to find out that I don’t know what I’m doing.”
This nagging thought is a common thread that weaves through the minds of countless individuals, irrespective of their expertise. The journey in the tech realm can often feel like navigating on autopilot, with an inch-deep understanding in some areas and a mile-deep comprehension in others. Embracing Google as our trusted ally, we seek answers to the unknowns we encounter. And you know what? That’s perfectly normal! In truth, NO ONE knows everything. The dynamic nature of our work ensures that knowledge constantly evolves. For each piece of information we acquire, there arises a multitude of new knowledge, a perpetual learning cycle that keeps us on our toes. Indeed, the field of cybersecurity encompasses a vast array of subdisciplines, each offering unique opportunities for specialization. From log analysis and digital forensics to security frameworks and regulatory compliance, there is a niche for every individual’s strengths and passions.
Embracing our areas of expertise and recognizing our unique strengths is key to navigating the realm of cybersecurity with confidence. Instead of viewing our niche as a limitation, we should celebrate it as our superpower. Our deep knowledge in specific areas adds tremendous value to the cybersecurity community.
Employers know about what they’re asking for just as much as you do.
The truth is, HR and hiring managers often find it challenging to precisely determine what they want from a candidate. When you come across a job description, it can be quite intimidating, presenting a seemingly impossible list of requirements for what is supposed to be an “entry-level” position. I’ve personally encountered job descriptions that demand at least five years of experience in a vast array of specialized areas. But in my experience, I’ve come to realize that a job description is more like a wish list rather than strict criteria. Most employers don’t actually expect candidates to possess every single skill and qualification listed. They are often willing to provide training and support to the right candidate. The hiring team and HR representatives may be dealing with imposter syndrome themselves!
How to conquer imposter syndrome
Conquering imposter syndrome is not a one-time triumph; it is an ongoing journey that can resurface multiple times throughout your career. As you navigate the cybersecurity realm, you may encounter new challenges and opportunities that trigger those familiar feelings of self-doubt. But fear not, for each battle with imposter syndrome is an opportunity for growth and self-discovery.
Acknowledge your accomplishments.
Even if you have no professional experience, acknowledge your accomplishments. Won a CTF on TryHackMe? Acknowledge that by adding it to your resume and LinkedIn profile. Assisted your grandma with a malware infection? Good, you just performed incident response and remediation. Every goal reached, every metric met, and every task completed has some sort of accomplishment that you should be proud of.
Talk about it.
Remember that you are not alone. Although I am not too fond of using arbitrary data to justify a talking point, I will say for the sake of this article that 95% of the time, there is someone within your network who has dealt with imposter syndrome. Reach out to your coworkers, or former colleagues, or even seek guidance from a senior individual whom you regard as a mentor. Engage in open conversations and ask them how they navigated through their thoughts and feelings of doubt. Rest assured, their insights, tips, and personal experiences will offer you valuable tools to chart your course around the imposter syndrome iceberg.
Seeking guidance and sharing experiences with others is an indispensable aspect of professional growth. Together, we can support one another in our journey to conquer imposter syndrome, fostering a community of resilience and empowerment in the cybersecurity community. Remember, you are not alone, and there’s a world of support just a conversation away.
Continuous Learning.
The beauty of conquering imposter syndrome lies in the realization that any objectively identified knowledge gaps can be rectified through learning. Thankfully, the digital age offers a wealth of free and low-cost educational resources that cater to our diverse learning needs. If your dream job necessitates a strong foundation in technical writing, consider enrolling in an online writing course to refine your skills. Lack experience in Python or Bash? Fear not, there is a myriad of YouTube tutorials at your fingertips, waiting to be explored.
Moreover, our network of peers and seasoned professionals can become valuable allies in our pursuit of growth. Leverage these connections to guide your journey in bolstering your reservations and addressing weaknesses. Reach out to a mentor and propose a coffee chat; such informal conversations can do wonders in helping you strengthen your least-developed skills.
Remember, learning is a continuous voyage, and there are infinite opportunities to acquire new knowledge and hone your expertise. Embrace a growth mindset and seize every chance to expand your capabilities. With determination, an open mind, and the support of your network, you can turn imposter syndrome’s shadows into stepping stones toward a more confident and accomplished future in cybersecurity.
Set realistic expectations.
In our journey to conquer imposter syndrome, it’s essential to remember a golden rule: never compare yourself with others. Each of us follows a distinct path in our careers, shaped by our individual experiences and choices. So, investing time and energy into comparing our accomplishments with others’ achievements can lead us down a road of self-doubt and inadequacy.
Instead, let’s shift our focus inward and celebrate our own progress over the years. Take a moment to acknowledge the valuable skills and knowledge you’ve gained and how you achieved them. Reflect on the challenges you’ve surmounted and the strides you’ve made in expanding your expertise.
Remember that mistakes are normal.
Nobody is perfect. Every single person on this earth has made a mistake. The two-decade-experienced cybersecurity engineer has misconfigured a firewall to prevent the CEO from accessing his favorite celebrity news site. The Infrastructure Engineer has accidentally unplugged an ethernet cable from the database server at least once in their career.
Instead of being maliciously critical of yourself, view each mistake as a learning opportunity. More often than not, someone taught you the correct way to perform a function after the fact, and you now know not to make that mistake again. It’s okay, we are all human. You will laugh about it later, I promise.
Celebrate the little things.
With how hypercritical we can be as humans, it is paramount to our mental health to embrace little achievements. Assisting with a small phishing incident is small, but enough of them can become a measurable impact on your resume. Changing one IOC hash on CrowdStrike is worthy of praise. It shows your proactive approach to preventing and detecting breaches. Each little thing you do daily is part of a much larger operation. Remember that your daily tasks help build a security-centric organization and reduce risk, which builds a positive reputation for who you are and who you work for.
Keep a record of positive feedback.
We are all familiar with the gratifying feeling of receiving a “great job” from our boss. While some may consider these instances cliché, others genuinely reflect the impact of our work. Each moment of praise and recognition, no matter how small, holds immense value and should be cherished.
Documenting every instance of praise and recognition is essential, not only for our professional development but also for reinforcing our confidence in performing our duties. By keeping a record of these acknowledgments, we create a tangible testament to our accomplishments, serving as a valuable resource during performance evaluations or when seeking new opportunities.
Life is unpredictable, and we never know when we might need a boost of motivation. Having a collection of positive feedback can be a powerful pick-me-up during challenging times, reminding us of our capabilities and the meaningful contributions we make to our work.
Challenge negative thoughts.
Challenging negative thoughts is one of the most daunting tasks when countering imposter syndrome. It’s human nature to avoid confronting our thoughts and feelings, opting to succumb to self-doubt rather than objectively challenging them.
However, breaking free from these limiting thinking patterns is crucial for our personal and professional growth. When negative thoughts arise, try to take a step back and objectively evaluate their validity. Are these thoughts based on concrete evidence or are they mere assumptions and fears?
Identify the cognitive distortions that might be influencing your thinking, such as overgeneralization or self-blame. Counter these distortions with rational and balanced thoughts. Acknowledge your achievements and the progress you’ve made, rather than solely focusing on perceived shortcomings.
A reliable method to challenge negative thoughts is by writing down exactly what you are thinking at that moment. Then, compile a list of your accomplishments and achievements. Finally, correlate the two and evaluate whether your thoughts and feelings are realistic and true. In most cases, self-doubt is not grounded in objective evidence.
And finally, give support to those who need it.
Remember to extend support to those who may need it. As you embark on your journey to conquer imposter syndrome, be there for others who share similar struggles. Reach out to friends, family, and coworkers who might be facing imposter feelings, and offer a listening ear and a helping hand.
Share your own story of how you navigated the obstacles of imposter syndrome, and let them know they are not alone in their experiences. Your insights and triumphs can be a source of inspiration and encouragement for others on their paths to self-belief and confidence. Heck, write a blog post disguised as an article that you spent 5 days on like the fella who wrote this one. Your support and compassion will create ripples of positivity throughout your circle and the community as a whole.
In Conclusion…
In the exhilarating realm of cybersecurity, imposter syndrome may cast its shadow, challenging us to reconcile internal uncertainties with external achievements. But remember, you are not alone in this battle. Embrace your unique strengths, celebrate every accomplishment, and challenge negative thoughts with objectivity and self-compassion. Extend your support to others facing similar struggles, creating a resilient community. Let imposter syndrome become the catalyst that propels you to greater heights. Together, we thrive, conquering self-doubt and embracing the true power of our expertise in this ever-evolving field. So, step into your full potential and inspire others to do the same. The cybersecurity world awaits, and it’s ready for your impact.
