Myths About Getting Into Cyber Security Debunked By The National Cyber Director

Harry Coker, Jr. was confirmed by the Senate on December 12, 2023 as the second National Cyber Director in the Office of the National Cyber Director, the White House. Director Coker is a retired Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) senior executive and career Naval Officer, is a graduate of the US Naval Academy, the Naval Postgraduate School, and Georgetown University Law Center.

Coker completed a joint duty assignment as the Executive Director of the National Security Agency (NSA). As the third in command of the largest component of the US Intelligence Community, he directly supported NSA’s Director and Deputy Director in the strategic and day-to-day leadership of the Agency. Coker’s service to the Nation and NSA was recognized with the awarding of the National Intelligence Distinguished Service Medal, the NSA Director’s Distinguished Service Medal, and the IC EEOD Outstanding Leadership Award.

During the first seventeen years of his service with the CIA, Coker was assigned to leadership positions in the Directorate of Digital Innovation; the Directorate of Science & Technology; and the Director’s Area. Key assignments included service as Director of the Open Source Enterprise, which is responsible for leveraging publicly available information; and as Deputy Director of CIA’s Office of Public Affairs, which is responsible for the Agency’s internal and external communications and media relations. Coker was also a member of the small, hand-selected team of senior officers that architected the Agency’s organizational construct and operating model. He also had a key role in formulating and executing the Diversity in Leadership Study; and served on the Executive Diversity & Inclusion Council. Coker’s leadership and contributions earned him the Presidential Rank Award and CIA’s prestigious Don Cryer Award for Diversity & Inclusion.

National Cyber Director, Harry Coker, sat down with Forbes Senior Writer Jabari Young to discuss the challenges the US faces with regards to cyber security threats and the myths that stop people from seeking jobs in the field.

0:00 Introduction
0:31 What's New About The ITI Conference And Its Purpose
1:55 Coker Gives Credit To Congress
3:53 America's Infrastructure: What Do We Need To Know?
6:11 How Could Improved Infrastructure Help Populated Areas Like New York & New Jersey?
7:43 Child Protections Online: What Should Government Regulations Be?
10:16 Harry Coker's Background
15:06 The Impact Of Diversity In Job Hiring
17:29 Coker's Stance On Job Equity And Fulfilling The Role Of National Cyber Director
18:49 Technology And Voting
21:03 Cybersecurity And National Security: Both Are Vital
23:07 A Good Partnership vs. A Great One

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[sammajor]

As an African-American Air Force veteran, breaking into the cybersecurity field, this interview means the world to me.

[davidli]

The biggest myth is the millions of cybersecurity jobs available

[kennethrenquist]

Education is an issue, but the roadmap to actually starting a career in cybersecurity is hazy

[ZeraHorn]

Cybersecurity student at Cal State Long Beach, done this year! 🎉

[bobadot]

Currently getting my Masters in Cybersecurity and these last couple of months have been detrimental to my development and perspective on the field. The January Select Committee hearing was a great watch and definitely recommend it to anyone who wants to learn about the new digital age we live in and how this can pose a serious threat to our way of life. Director Coker's words could not have come at a better time and it is important for every American to feel like they are a part of this fight because we truly all are. I know I am a Patriot by heart and I will do what I must to protect this country and my fellow brother and sisters.

[ITgenius]

I’ve been applying for jobs forever and everybody’s declining. Where are these 500, 000 jobs that they’re talking about?

[michaelbarron]

I would work for this man. Im interested in seeing what the future holds for our country and this field.

[lancemarchetti]

*Cyber Security is now a field that is extremely difficult to define in less than 25 words.*

[alexiaajordan]

Perfect interview! @Forbes, you're VERY SMART to host this interview on your channel. Great job 👍🏾

[lindadukes]

I love this! I am working on Security + certification. I currently work in GRC.

[damonalexander]

This conversation came at a good time for me personally because just a couple of weeks ago I had nearly given up on cyber because of how difficult it seems to get a position. 350 applications in and no resoponses and it gets tuff to see any light at the end of the tunnel

[raymondezell]

Why aren’t they being compensated monetarily, properly? Pay these people before somebody brings it all down. Definitely not something I would want to hear if I wanted to get into the field.

[victorrivas]

That 16 minute time marker! That right there really motivates me to look into Cyber Security with a new light.

[lilianagarcia]

I wish it were as easy as that. I am currently finishing up my master's in Cyber security and working in the field but with little recognition. I feel like an IT help desk person. Jobs don't want to invest in people

[monikakress]

fascinating - I learned a lot. thank you! and thank you for your service to our country.

[Doreencollective]

I really enjoyed this and thank you for sharing light on Harry Coker and opportunities in the field

[BWAcolyte]

Really amazing to see two successful black people discussing this and bringing more attention to the field. Representation is so important

[Flerri]

Don't get your hopes up fellas. I'm a navy veteran and graduate of a cybersecurity bachelor program. Certified Security+ and AWS CCP. No one in security will hire me. I work in a data center for a bug tech company and have tried to transfer over to the security team and they will not take me cuz of "lack of experience." Neither the government nor the private sector are opening entry-level positions in cyber. And in the odd chance there is such an opening, they are flooded with applicants. I'm convinced that all this talk about opportunities in cyber is just part of a large scale psyop to convince people to get into the field to create a pool of potential candidates. But the market is oversaturated with actual talent due to layoffs and now there doesn't seem to be much hope for people getting started in the field.

[NemoOhd]

Loved the video. he is a very inspiring man, and yes quite the hero.

[FarmerRiddick]

Much respect to the Director! I learned things!

I looked up 'Volt Typhoon' and went to a Wiki page where I was left rather astonished.
Apparently, the PLA has basically, an army sized element of 50- 100, 000 personal devoted to cyber warfare. I realized, that's just China!
So, when the director acknowledged there are currently upwards of 500, 000 positions needed, I can see why.