Networking challenges ahead for your security career

One of the most important tools used by security professionals as they pursue career development is the opportunity to network with peers. The global lockdowns, travel restrictions, expansion of remote working arrangements and numerous cancellations of professional programs and events we are now experiencing will have a profound impact on the opportunity to develop your security career through networking.

These challenging times show little sign of abating anytime soon, and some of the programs that normally bring in hundreds or even thousands of participants are being revamped to be virtual. Some have been more adept at making the leap than others. Some will simply fail.

Virtual events can disseminate the information at the core of a program, but they do not provide the same opportunity to meet with peers, be introduced to new friends and colleagues or have spontaneous side bar computer science or computer engineering. While you can break off into groups during a virtual event or message individually with questions, career networking is often done in a more personal manner and would be inappropriate for an open or online forum. There is also something to be said for being observed in a Q&A discussion.