2025-08-04 –, Florentine B
Networking is an essential skill for cybersecurity professionals looking to advance their careers. In an industry as fast-paced and constantly evolving as cybersecurity, building meaningful relationships can open doors to job opportunities, mentorship, and knowledge exchange. This session will provide participants with practical strategies for networking both online and in person, focusing on how to make the most of industry events like BSides, leverage platforms like LinkedIn, and approach networking with a focus on relationship building rather than self-promotion. Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned professional, this session will help you strengthen your professional network and boost your career.
In the competitive world of cybersecurity, building a professional network is more than just a nice-to-have—it’s essential for career growth. While many professionals understand the importance of networking, they often focus too much on self-promotion rather than relationship-building. This session will focus on how to approach networking with authenticity, with the goal of building genuine connections that can lead to future job opportunities, collaborations, and career advancement.
Participants will learn about the best practices for networking at events like BSides, where like-minded cybersecurity professionals gather to share knowledge and forge new relationships. Attendees will also explore strategies for using LinkedIn and other social media platforms to connect with industry leaders, while maintaining an authentic and helpful presence online.
Mentorship plays a crucial role in career development, and this session will guide participants on how to find a mentor, engage in meaningful mentor-mentee relationships, and benefit from those connections. The session will also discuss the long-term nature of networking, emphasizing how to stay engaged with your professional network over time and continue adding value to others’ careers.
By the end of the session, participants will walk away with actionable tips for building and maintaining a strong professional network that supports their growth as cybersecurity professionals.
Heather Morris is the Director of Talent Acquisition at Redhorse Corporation, where she spearheads strategic initiatives to attract, recruit, and retain top talent across the organization.
With more than a decade of experience in recruitment, Heather is a seasoned professional known for aligning recruitment strategies with business objectives. She excels in developing innovative talent acquisition processes, optimizing applicant tracking systems and reporting, and fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion. Heather’s leadership in building high-performing teams plays a crucial role in supporting the company’s ongoing growth and success. Her commitment to excellence ensures that the organization consistently attracts the industry’s brightest talent, keeping it at the forefront of its field.
Prior to joining Redhorse, Heather served as the Recruiting Manager of the National Security portfolio at Accenture Federal Services and Novetta. While in that role Heather led improvements to the overall recruitment process, managed the recruitment team, and collaborated with department heads to meet staffing needs efficiently