Dustin's Journey from IT Intern to Security Analyst | Ep 38

IT Unplugged

In this revealing episode of IT Unplugged, we sit down with Dustin from Green Bay Packaging to explore his remarkable journey from IT intern to full-time security analyst. This conversation is packed with practical advice for anyone looking to start or advance their cybersecurity career.
🔒 CAREER INSIGHTS:
Dustin shares how he navigated multiple IT roles at Green Bay Packaging, starting as an application development intern, then moving to desktop support, and finally finding his passion in cybersecurity. Learn how building trust and taking ownership of projects helped him secure a full-time position at this major company with 5,000 employees.
🔒 CYBERSECURITY ROADSHOW:
Discover how Dustin helped lead a nationwide cybersecurity awareness initiative, visiting 36 of Green Bay Packaging's 42 divisions across the United States. This "Cybersecurity Roadshow" demonstrates the importance of putting a face to security teams and how personal connections improve incident reporting and response times.
🔒 SECURITY COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES:
Learn effective techniques for communicating complex security concepts to non-technical stakeholders. Dustin explains his "who, what, when, where, why" approach to simplifying technical information and gaining buy-in for security initiatives across a large organization.
🔒 BREAKING INTO CYBERSECURITY:
Why building a home lab is crucial for landing your first security role
Which certifications provide the best foundation (GSEC from SANS)
How to demonstrate initiative and passion in interviews
The misconception that cybersecurity is a 9-to-5 job
🔒 EMAIL SECURITY & DMARC:
Dustin explains how his company, One Two Seven Security, helps businesses implement proper DMARC configuration to prevent email spoofing. Learn how this implementation helped Green Bay Packaging secure their 3-4 million monthly emails, with 88-90% now coming from approved sources.
🔒 PASSWORD MANAGEMENT:
Discover why password management remains Dustin's biggest security pet peeve and his practical recommendations for both technical and non-technical solutions.
Whether you're a student considering cybersecurity, an IT professional looking to specialize in security, or a business leader wanting to better understand security communications, this episode delivers valuable insights from someone who's successfully navigated the path from internship to security analyst.
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