Here's how you can showcase your value as a cybersecurity professional in a virtual work setting.

Joining meetings with your video on is one of the best ways I know to build trust in a virtual environment. It shows you are actually there, actually listening, and engaged in what is going on. Make sure to include both the pros and cons of taking a specific action, and provide impact calculus on why you think it is better to take action versus the costs of not taking action. Relate action or inaction to dollars and cents if at all possible, and share references to relevant laws and legal decisions if possible. Showing the stakeholders you considered the situation from multiple angles, including their side will do a lot for your credibility, and reduces the perception that IT / Security is just there to make work life more difficult.

To build trust in a virtual work setting, focus on transparency, communication, education, collaboration, and demonstrating expertise. Regular, clear explanations of security measures, open channels for open communication, engaging security training, and collaborative problem-solving can foster trust. Demonstrate expertise through proactive threat monitoring, delivering on commitments, and highlighting successes and value. Quantify the impact of your work by tracking security metrics and sharing success stories, demonstrating the tangible benefits of strong cybersecurity and reinforcing trust in your expertise.

All remote workers have a PRIVILEGE in working from home, saving commuting time/expense. I personally got back 2 hours of commute time each day over past 5 years. They may even possible flexibility in working slightly different hours if they are a "morning person", etc. as long as they get their hours in. An early start for was helpful with virtual teams in India. As a starting point we need to be TRUSTWORTHY in giving our company an honest & productive day of work if we have that privilege. Many companies augment with excellent professionals from India & other nations. We must respect diversity, and work kindly with others mentoring them to take on greater responsibilities. TRUST is established in "+" relationships & success.

Establishing trust with your team and stakeholders is crucial. Demonstrate reliability by consistently meeting deadlines, maintaining transparency, and delivering high-quality work. Building a reputation for dependability helps foster strong professional relationships.

Also: Some other ways to build trust when working virtually: 1. Be consistent. 2. Deliver on commitments - Do what you said you would do. 3. Transparency, communicate clearly and concisely. Do not use unnecessary jargon. It shows your knowledge and understanding. Ensure what you are communicating is relevant to the problem at hand. That way the people you are communicating with feel heard and understood and that your response is a relevant solution to their issue.

In a virtual work setup, clear communication is very important for showing your value as a cybersecurity professional. Besides knowing technical stuff, it's crucial to explain complex security ideas to non-tech team members in an easy way. Use simple words and visuals to make sure everyone gets why cybersecurity is important. Good communication means sharing security updates and incidents quickly with the right people. By giving clear and useful info about possible threats, you show you can handle new risks and keep the work environment safe. Also, taking part in virtual meetings and sharing tips can prove you're a helpful cybersecurity professional in the company.

In a virtual work environment, cybersecurity professionals must demonstrate their adaptability and expertise. This includes regular security briefings, creating a centralized online resource, implementing secure remote access solutions, and researching cloud security tools. Collaborating with IT departments, delivering virtual team training, and monitoring security incidents are also essential. Regular phishing simulations can assess employee awareness and identify areas for improvement. Regular tracking and reporting of key security metrics and success stories can demonstrate the positive impact of proactive measures on the company's security posture. This approach helps professionals showcase their value in the virtual work environment.

Effective communication is key in a virtual environment. Ensure your messages are clear, concise, and tailored to your audience. Regularly update your team on your progress and be proactive in seeking feedback and clarifications.

It is important to communicate clearly in writing (email) and verbally, keeping in mind that some entry-level members of security team may not be at same level of understanding as others. And in some cases, English may even be a 2nd language. Being respectful & empathic & professional with all members of the virtual security team builds TRUST & understanding. When 1 or 2 members don't understand well, private sessions with TEAMS & sharing desktops, presentations, etc. can help them grow & get synced up on current needs

Clear and straightforward communication is essential when showcasing value. Participate actively in meetings by making insightful suggestions about security concerns and best practices. Demonstrate your knowledge of current dangers to gain trust and demonstrate your dedication to cybersecurity excellence.

Take the initiative to lead cybersecurity projects and tasks. By stepping up as a leader, you demonstrate your ability to manage responsibilities and drive results. Show your capacity to coordinate efforts, solve problems, and guide your team to success.

Leading projects proactively in a virtual work setting as a cybersecurity professional involves anticipating threats and implementing robust security measures. Regularly updating your team on emerging risks and best practices fosters vigilance and trust. Taking decisive action and promoting a proactive security culture ensures a secure and resilient virtual environment.

There are so many different layers of security that must be managed & safeguarded. Security managers cannot lead all projects & support areas alone. Senior security team members can step in, with natural abilities & lead in an "unofficial" manner. They can mentor inexperienced team members & help in project leadership on a more detailed basis than the department manager. However, leading others is more of an "art" than science. Sometimes it may even be like "herding cats" if there are conflicts or personality differences. Still, those challenges can be overcome, but showing steady professionalism. Training & mentoring are also good tools. There are lots of websites & u-tube videos to help folks improve leaderhsip skills.

To demonstrate your value in the virtual security industry, focus on research and proposing solutions for the virtual environment, such as cloud-based security tools and robust Multi-Factor Authentication. Develop expertise in remote security, promoting secure collaboration tools like video conferencing platforms. Track key security metrics and report on your impact. Consider pursuing virtual security certifications, cloud security training, cybersecurity awareness training, and virtual collaboration tool expertise. Stay ahead of the curve by actively seeking out new cyber threats and analyzing them, and participate in online capture-the-flag competitions to test your skills.

Continuously improving your skills and knowledge is essential. Stay updated on the latest cybersecurity trends, technologies, and best practices. Pursue relevant certifications and training to showcase your commitment to professional growth.

Enhancing skills regularly is crucial for cybersecurity professionals in virtual work settings. Continuous learning keeps you updated with evolving threats and technologies, ensuring effective defense strategies. Engage in training programs, certifications, and industry forums to deepen expertise and stay ahead of emerging risks. Applying these skills in real-time scenarios demonstrates your proactive approach and ability to mitigate potential threats effectively. By consistently refining your skills, you not only enhance your professional value but also contribute to a more secure digital environment for your organization.

You should promote awareness by consistently educating colleagues on emerging threats and best practices through workshops and other interactive methods, fostering a culture of shared responsibility for security, and serving as a trusted resource for cybersecurity inquiries, professionals can effectively safeguard digital assets and uphold a secure work environment.

Advocate for cybersecurity awareness within your organization. Educate your colleagues about best practices and potential threats. By promoting a security-conscious culture, you add significant value to your organization’s overall security posture.

Companies truly should invest in an extra full-time resource to head SECURITY AWARENESS. Trained & security savvy users will add even more value to protecting information resources -- than TECH safeguards alone. Security awareness should be promoted on the company's intranet website which would include: * Company policies * Latest breaking news of major security alerts (but in more simplified "what to avoid" context) * Best practices for security protection * Best practices for social media (esp. privacy) * Procedures for reporting security incidents * Monthly security NEWSLETTER links (usually 1 page) * Links to key external security resources * Glossary of terms *

Showcasing Value as a Cybersecurity Professional in Virtual Work 1. Anticipate issues and proactively suggest preventive measures. 2. Respond swiftly to incidents, minimizing downtime with efficient solutions. 3. Leverage past experiences to provide tailored, effective recommendations. 4. Communicate complex security concepts clearly to non-technical stakeholders. 5. Continuously learn and adapt to evolving cybersecurity landscape. Example: During a recent ransomware attack, I quickly identified the vulnerability and implemented a temporary workaround, allowing the team to resume operations within an hour, earning the trust of leadership.

Be proactive in identifying potential security issues and offering practical solutions. Your ability to anticipate problems and provide effective strategies showcases your expertise and problem-solving skills.

As cybersecurity professionals, our value isn’t confined to a virtual or physical setting. Building trust, communicating clearly, leading projects, enhancing skills, promoting awareness, and offering solutions are skills relevant to highlighting the value we provide. The focus shouldn’t be on the setting, but on creating the right environment for professionals to demonstrate their commitment to protecting the company. Leading a global team across 4 different US time zones and other countries, my aim was to nurture a team culture that transcended time and space barriers, fostering cohesion and motivation. Our most notable achievements were the result of each team member’s willingness to go above and beyond. The right culture drives value.

Maintain a strong online presence through professional networking platforms and cybersecurity forums. Share your insights, achievements, and contributions to the field. Engaging with the broader cybersecurity community can enhance your reputation and open up new opportunities for collaboration and career advancement.