Cybersecurity Content creation is not for everyone but here's what to consider

As a "Content Creator" who has been inconsistent with this newsletter for months 🤡 , let's talk about "Content Creation".

Aug 30, 2024

It’s been a while, folks.

If you’re still here, thanks for sticking around despite my concerning inconsistency with this newsletter.

It’s one thing to have ideas, but it’s another thing to flesh them out and structure them but either way, I’m not entirely giving up on this, so here’s to getting back on track with the newsletter :)

Now, today’s topic.

Content Creation

As a cybersecurity professional and content creator, I've been on this journey for over four years, and I can tell you firsthand that it's not always smooth sailing. There have been countless times when I've wanted to throw in the towel, but something keeps pulling me back (I honestly don’t know what it is yet).

Let me share my experiences and insights on creating cybersecurity content and why it's okay if it's not for everyone.

My first ever video!

The Consistency Conundrum

One of the most common questions I get is,

"How do you stay consistent?"
“How do you combine this with everything you do?”
“How do you make time for it?”

The truth is, after years of practice, it's become second nature. I genuinely enjoy sharing my cybersecurity knowledge, whether it's discussing the latest threats, sharing other people’s career journeys, explaining complex concepts, or providing practical tips for online safety.

I also love the impact I can have on thousands of people’s cybersecurity careers.

The Idea Factory

Another frequent topic is about coming up with ideas.

There's never a shortage of topics in cybersecurity. My mind constantly processes new information, and I've developed a habit of jotting down ideas as they come, whether in Notion or my Apple notes.

Sometimes, it's a new attack behavior or detection methodology; other times, it's a career-growth-focused topic.

I've found that different ideas lend themselves to different mediums. A complex topic might work better as a longer video, while a quick security tip could be perfect for a Twitter or LinkedIn post.

My full Notion guide.

Finding Your Niche

It's crucial to remember that you don't have to excel in every content medium - you just have to be good at the medium you’re capable of using best.

Some cybersecurity professionals are fantastic writers but struggle with video content. Others might shine in hosting podcasts but find writing challenging. The key is to identify your strengths and focus on them.

If you excel at breaking down complex threats in written form, focus on that. If you can explain security concepts on camera and make them digestible, focus on that.

My Journey

I remember when I first started creating video content about cybersecurity. My early attempts were, frankly, not great. I stumbled over technical terms, my editing was choppy, and I was far from confident on camera.

But I kept at it, improving bit by bit. Now, my cybersecurity explainer videos have become one of my most popular content types, helping to demystify complex topics for a wider audience.

Content creation in cybersecurity, like the field itself, is challenging, ever-changing, and not for the faint of heart. It requires dedication, continuous learning, and a genuine passion for sharing knowledge. But if you find your niche, stay consistent, and focus on providing value, it can be an incredibly rewarding endeavor.

Remember, it's okay if you're not a master of every content medium - find what works for you and excel at it.

The cybersecurity community needs diverse voices and perspectives; yours could make a real difference.

It's important to remember that content creation is a skill that can be developed over time. Not everyone starts out as an expert, and that's perfectly fine. The key is finding your niche and improving your craft in that area.

Consistency and dedication can lead to significant growth and success in any medium, whether it's writing, video, podcasting, or any other.

Systems for Consistency

I love systems and mechanisms. It’s something I learned from Atomic Habits (highly recommended read).

While passion is a great motivator, having systems in place can significantly boost consistency in content creation or anything else.

Here are some strategies I've developed over the years:

Content Calendar: I plan my topics in advance, aligning them with what I’m learning, current trends, personal experiences, and upcoming events in the cybersecurity world.
Batch Creation: I dedicate specific days or time blocks for content creation, often producing multiple pieces simultaneously to maintain a steady flow.
Regular Learning Time: I allocate weekly time to stay updated on the latest cybersecurity developments & news, which helps me maintain a constant influx of fresh ideas.
Feedback Loop: I regularly analyze the performance of my content and adjust my strategy based on what resonates most with my audience.
Outsourcing: I outsourced my video editing the moment I could afford it, and it’s been one of the best investments ever. It helps me focus more on writing and creating content.

Remember, consistency doesn't mean rigidity. These systems provide a framework, but I always leave room for spontaneity when breaking news or urgent cybersecurity issues arise, like the recent crowdstrike one.

Cybersecurity Jobs

Adding a new section here for jobs!

🏰 Forta is hiring for a couple of MSS jobs across the world.

👨🏽‍⚖️ The City of Chicago is hiring for a truly entry-level Information Technology Security Analyst role.

🦅 Crowdstrike is hiring for multiple security roles. My former manager is also leading some other roles; she’s great!

🏡 Airbnb is hiring for multiple security roles.

🪟 Microsoft is hiring for multiple security roles.

🐕 Datadog ($formeremployer) is hiring for multiple security roles.

🐺 Huntress is hiring for a couple of security roles.

🛡️ Binary Defense is hiring for a couple of security roles.

☁️ AWS ($dayjob) is hiring for multiple security roles.

🏦 CITI is hiring for multiple security roles.

Recent Content

Live tonight at 8 PM CST! We’ll talk to Cybersecurity boot camp grads and hear the truth about whether they’re truly worth it. There will also be a live Q&A section at the end. See you there!

Recent YouTube Videos

🤷🏽‍♂️ After exploring both worlds, I decided to share my perspective on choosing between threat detection and incident response roles. Details covering necessary skills, responsibilities (including my personal experience), specialization, and salary expectations.