Name: Aoba Mari
Title: Security Analyst
Employer: LAC / JSOC (Japan Security Operation Center)
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Degree: Bachelor’s Degree in International Policy
Years in IT: 5 years
Years in information security: 5 years
Cybersecurity certifications: SSCP
How did you decide upon a career in cybersecurity?
Among the various fields in the IT industry, information security is the fastest growing and at the same time, I think there is a high demand for rare technical skills. For me, more than anything, that’s the biggest reason why I think it’s a very interesting field. I was involved in forensic analysis, and after that I have been working as a security analyst.
Why did you get your SSCP®?
I’ve always wanted to acquire a professional certification but back then, my work experience was a little less than 3 years only. So in order to qualify for the CISSP certification, I decided to take the SSCP as a stepping stone since my seniors around me also took the SSCP first before advancing to CISSP.
What is a typical day like for you?
As a member of a team of analysts working 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, we are in charge of analyzing the customers’ environment through security monitoring. At the same time, we are constantly gathering information whether vulnerabilities or attack codes exist or not. Since vulnerabilities and attack codes are launched as soon as an attack takes place, we create signatures to verify and detect attacks and then we issue alerts to the customer.
Can you tell us about a personal career highlight?
As a trainer, I am in charge of the lectures and coming up with problem exercises used for the workshop in a women-only version of CTF* (Capture the Flag, a security technology competition), this community is called “CTF for GIRLS.” Since there are so many talented women with high level technology skills, it’s a very good motivation to boost my career. We held an event that collaborated in a dramatic setting with the animation "Ghost in the Shell" and it gave me such an extraordinary experience that I would not gain in my usual work life.
How has the SSCP certification helped you in your career?
In my day-to-day work, I think I was narrow-minded before with regards to technology and security incidents, but after getting my SSCP, my way of thinking and judgement has changed. Now I can see the bigger picture by taking into consideration the overall organization and the entire IT operations.
What is the most useful advice you have for other information security professionals?
I feel cybersecurity is an industry full of opportunities. Especially for young people, they should quickly grab more and more of the sudden opportunities coming, and including taking the SSCP or the CISSP, they should be prepared for more chances in the security industry and for many more opportunities to come.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?
My goal is to advance from SSCP to CISSP, so I would like to become a CISSP in 2017!
For more information on the Systems Security Certified Practitioner certification, download our Ultimate Guide to the SSCP.