E18 - Nicolas Muguet at Orange Cyberdefense

On today’s episode of the Security Vendor spin-off, were joined by our host Oliver Linsley and special guest, Nicolas Muguet, Security Manager at Orange Cyberdefense. During the episode, they discuss where it all started for Nicolas and his journey into the Security space. Nicolas also shares some of the biggest challenges he’s facing currently as somebody in a high position in the security industry.

Nicolas started his career in the IT industry, working in networking systems for a large company. He spent two years there before realising that he wanted to continue learning new things. This led him to enrol in an engineering school with a specialisation in networking and systems. Here, he was introduced to the world of cybersecurity, and he found it incredibly fascinating.

During the weekends, Nicolas would spend time learning security certifications, as he was keen on developing his skills and knowledge in this field. After completing his studies, he immediately found a job in the cybersecurity industry. Nicolas stresses the importance of getting the hands-on experience right from the beginning of your career, as it allows you to get to grips with how to work with other people in the industry.

Most important thing Nicolas has learned along the way…

Nicolas’ journey into the cybersecurity industry not only highlights the importance of technical skills and knowledge but also the critical role of human interaction in this field. In the past, the stereotypical image of an IT professional was of someone who worked alone on their computer and rarely interacted with others. However, as Nicolas found out, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

One of the most important things he learned during his journey was the value of human interaction. While technical skills are essential, being able to communicate and work effectively with others is equally crucial. Nicolas admits that he used to be that stereotypical IT guy who worked in isolation, but he realised that to be successful in his career, he needed to learn how to talk to people, collaborate with others, and feel like a part of something bigger than himself.

Biggest challenge?

As a Security Manager at Orange Cyberdefense, one of the biggest challenges that Nicolas faces is accurately assessing potential risks and incidents. The responsibility of ensuring the security of their clients is a critical one, and it’s essential that any threats or incidents are detected and addressed as quickly and effectively as possible.

However, the challenge is not just in detecting potential threats, but also in determining whether they are genuine risks or false positives. This can lead to wasted resources, unnecessary alerts, and a loss of trust in the security system.

Nicolas’ advice to anyone who wants to break into the cybersecurity industry is to be curious and to keep an open mind. It’s important to have a broad understanding of the industry as a whole, rather than just focusing on one particular area or skill set.

Tune in on the 04/05/2023 to hear the full episode!