We‘ve been working with Eleven Fifty Academy to help US veterans transition to an important line of work that they are well suited – cybersecurity. 

In this episode of Cyberbit’s Podcast Parabellum, we were joined by Teddy Guzek, Director of Cybersecurity for Eleven Fifty Academy, for a lively discussion on bridging the gap of cybersecurity knowledge in the business world.

Guzek provided an overview of his background in cybersecurity, and how Eleven Fifty Academy recruited him to head up their cybersecurity program. Eleven Fifty Academy is a non-profit, Indiana-based, learning academy featuring advanced coding bootcamps for anyone who has a desire to learn to code or upskill their talent. Guzek’s uses his role at the Academy to connect employers with academy graduates and keeping up with the latest trends in cybersecurity.

Guzek discussed his work on penetration testing for testing infrastructure with both large and small enterprises. We’ve introduced the hands-on role today’s CISO needs to play. Guzek said the ranges, the ages, and the backgrounds of today’s CISO’s vary by a wide degree. The conversation segued into the cybersecurity talent gap, and this is the area the Eleven Fifty Academy is concentrating on. Guzek stated that college education is not necessary to obtain a job in cybersecurity, but a rigorous training program that provides hands-on experience is. Eleven Fifty’s training, which they call a ‘boot camp’ uses Cyberbit Range to train their cybersecurity students.

The conversation concluded with a reminder that cybersecurity is a field in need of skilled workers, and it can be a great opportunity for veterans seeking employment opportunities after their military service has ended. The Eleven Fifty Academy encourages veterans to consider a career in cybersecurity, and often their GI Bill benefits will cover the cost of the education and more.

Hear the full interview on the Parabellum podcast: