CyBytes

Nik Mohanlal

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CyBytes is a podcast that features bite-sized conversations with tech and cybersecurity pros - sharing insights, stories, and actionable advice to help you navigate and thrive in the industry

2d ago

what incident response REALLY looks like | Renzon Cruz

Subscribe to CyBytes Newsletterhttps://cybytes.io/newsletter Incident response looks very different when you’re dealing with a real organisation, real attackers and a very stressed client. Renzon shares his actual experience on what Incident Response actually looks and feels like. What 'scoping an incident' means and understanding the environment to staying calm when everyone around you is panicking. We shares some crazy war stories, including discovering attackers who had been inside environments for years, investigating two different APT groups targeting the same organisation, and negotiating with a threat actor while he was supposed to be on holiday. We also talk about why incident response isn’t just about tools and logs. Sometimes the most important skill is being the person who can calmly tell everyone what happens next. Follow CyBytesLinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/cybytespodcastYoutube - @cybytespodcast Substack - cybytes.substack.com Follow Nik hereLinkedIn - https://bit.ly/4dGiIY9 Follow Renzon hereLinkedIn - https://bit.ly/4gT2KNfGuideM Cyber Training - https://bit.ly/4qGzU6bXINTRA - https://www.xintra.org/DFIR Report - https://thedfirreport.com/
Sep 28

actual tips on preparing for your first cybersecurity job in GCC | Anya Shpilman

Subscribe to CyBytes Newsletterhttps://cybytes.io/newsletter What should you actually be doing before applying for your first cybersecurity job? We talk about what students and graduates can do to prepare for the GCC cybersecurity market, why hands-on experience matters, finding mentors, trying different areas of cyber and why simply messaging recruiters asking them to “find me a job” probably isn’t going to work. One of the biggest themes: build things. Projects, blogs, labs, portfolios and genuine curiosity give people something to notice — especially when you don’t have years of professional experience behind you yet. Follow CyBytesLinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/cybytespodcastYoutube - @cybytespodcast Substack - cybytes.substack.com Follow Nik hereLinkedIn - https://bit.ly/4dGiIY9 Follow Anya hereLinkedIn - https://bit.ly/46h5n6iCyberFused - https://www.cyberfused.com/ Follow Karim hereLinkedin - https://bit.ly/4zAGDmf
Sep 21

CyberFused can help new cyber companies find the best people in UAE | Anya Shpilman

Subscribe to CyBytes Newsletterhttps://cybytes.io/newsletter What does it actually take to build a cybersecurity team in the Middle East? Not every client is a good client. Anya Shpilman founded CyberFused to specialise in exactly that. We get into how CyberFused works, why Anya moved towards an embedded recruitment model, what happens when a company comes to her with multiple vacancies and why international cybersecurity vendors often struggle when they first start hiring in the GCC. Follow CyBytesLinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/cybytespodcastYoutube - @cybytespodcast Substack - cybytes.substack.com Follow Nik hereLinkedIn - https://bit.ly/4dGiIY9 Follow Anya hereLinkedIn - https://bit.ly/46h5n6iCyberFused - https://www.cyberfused.com/ Follow Karim hereLinkedin - https://bit.ly/4zAGDmf
Sep 14

how geopolitics affects cyber jobs in the Gulf | Anya Shpilman

Subscribe to CyBytes Newsletterhttps://cybytes.io/newsletter Anya shares what she has personally seen across cybersecurity recruitment in the UAE Including jobs being put on hold, offers being withdrawn and companies becoming much more cautious with hiring budgets. With the current tension in the region, what are companies to do? Subscribe to CyBytes for more conversations with people actually working in cybersecurity across the UAE and beyond Follow CyBytesLinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/cybytespodcastYoutube - @cybytespodcast Substack - cybytes.substack.com Follow Nik hereLinkedIn - https://bit.ly/4dGiIY9 Follow Anya hereLinkedIn - https://bit.ly/46h5n6iCyberFused - https://www.cyberfused.com/ Follow Karim hereLinkedin - https://bit.ly/4zAGDmf
Sep 7

how cybersecurity hiring actually works in UAE | Anya Shpilman

Subscribe to CyBytes Newsletterhttps://cybytes.io/newsletter What actually happens when a company in Dubai needs to hire someone in cybersecurity? It’s a lot more complicated than posting a job on LinkedIn and waiting for the right CV. I test Anya on how she approaches a new cyber job off the cuff. From understanding what the hiring manager actually needs, setting realistic salary expectations and finding candidates, through to shortlisting, interviews and negotiating the final offer. Subscribe to CyBytes for more conversations with people actually working in cybersecurity across the UAE and beyond. Follow CyBytesLinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/cybytespodcastYoutube - @cybytespodcast Substack - cybytes.substack.com Follow Nik hereLinkedIn - https://bit.ly/4dGiIY9 Follow Anya hereLinkedIn - https://bit.ly/46h5n6iCyberFused - https://www.cyberfused.com/ Follow Karim hereLinkedin - https://bit.ly/4zAGDmf
Aug 31

has AI made cybersecurity hiring easier? | Anya Shpilman

Subscribe to CyBytes Newsletterhttps://cybytes.io/newsletter In this episode of CyBytes, I sit down with cybersecurity recruiter and CyberFused founder Anya Shpilman to talk about how AI is changing recruitment in the GCC, where it genuinely helps, where it falls short, and why human relationships still matter when you’re hiring people We get into the ever lasting dead internet theory. AI-generated CVs, automated applications, AI interviews and the tools Anya actually uses in her own work. Subscribe to CyBytes for more conversations with people actually working in cybersecurity across the UAE and beyond Follow CyBytesLinkedIn - www.linkedin.com/company/cybytespodcastYoutube - @cybytespodcast Substack - cybytes.substack.com Follow Nik hereLinkedIn - https://bit.ly/4dGiIY9 Follow Anya hereLinkedIn - https://bit.ly/46h5n6iCyberFused - https://www.cyberfused.com/ Follow Karim hereLinkedin - https://bit.ly/4zAGDmf
09/15/2025

New Generation Cyber Training: Bhavikas Journey as an Educator

“Age or education doesn’t matter in cybersecurity. What matters is initiative.” — Bhavika Khetani In this episode, we interview Bhavika Khetani, a cybersecurity lecturer at Curtin University, discussing the importance of education in the cybersecurity field. They explore Bhavika's journey into teaching, the challenges faced in cybersecurity education, and the need for bridging the gap between academia and industry. The conversation highlights the significance of networking, real-world experiences, and the realities of cybersecurity careers. Bhavika shares insights on engaging students, the role of online presence in career advancement, and offers advice for aspiring cybersecurity professionals. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest04:12 Bhavika's Journey into IT and Teaching06:46 Transition from Pen Testing to Teaching09:20 The Importance of Strong Foundations in Cybersecurity Education12:15 Navigating the Job Market in Cybersecurity14:59 Bridging the Gap Between Academia and Industry17:43 Challenges Faced by Educators in Engaging Students20:55 Engaging Students Beyond Grades23:31 The Importance of Presentation Skills27:12 Navigating Job Applications in Cybersecurity29:14 De-stressing in a High-Pressure Industry29:22 Innovations in Cybersecurity Education31:22 Advice for Aspiring Cybersecurity Professionals32:52 Success Stories from the Classroom34:02 The Role of Educators in Cybersecurity36:45 Closing Remarks and Future EngagementTakeaways Teaching is not just about imparting knowledge, but also about learning.There is a growing demand for cybersecurity professionals, but skilled individuals are scarce.Students should engage in continuous learning and networking to enhance their career prospects.Real-world experiences and industry insights are crucial for students' understanding of cybersecurity roles.Engagement strategies, such as discussions and quizzes, can enhance student learning.An online presence is important for job seekers in cybersecurity.Students need to understand the realities of cybersecurity jobs, including challenges and responsibilities.Networking is essential in the UAE job market, especially in tech fields.Teaching requires a commitment from both educators and students for effective learning.Success stories from students can inspire and motivate current learners. Subscribe to CyBytes Newsletterhttps://cybytes.io/newsletter
09/02/2025

Building A Cyber Security Company in Dubai: William Wrights Story

“Degrees give you generalists. Focused training gives you employees who can actually do the job.” — William Wright In this conversation, William Wright, CEO of Closed Door Security, shares his journey from a sysadmin to a chartered pen tester and entrepreneur. He discusses the importance of communication skills in cybersecurity, the challenges of running a business, and the significance of giving back to the community. William emphasizes the need for continuous learning and growth in the field, as well as the unique opportunities and challenges present in the UAE's cybersecurity landscape. He also reflects on his personal interests and the importance of maintaining a work-life balance. Chapters00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity and Personal Journeys03:02 Transitioning from Defense to Offensive Security06:05 Understanding Chartered Pen Testing09:04 Imposter Syndrome and Professional Recognition11:48 Learning Methods in Cybersecurity14:52 The Role of CTFs in Cyber Training17:28 Communication Skills in Cybersecurity20:10 Public Speaking and Overcoming Stage Fright27:24 Embracing the Unexpected in Public Speaking29:46 The Journey into Entrepreneurship34:47 Building Closed Door Security: Challenges and Growth39:57 The Importance of Relationships in Business44:32 Finding Purpose in Cybersecurity50:14 The Gap Between Education and Industry Needs56:23 Leaving a Legacy in Cybersecurity01:00:43 Creating a Safe Learning Environment in Cybersecurity01:02:51 Building a Talent Pipeline in Cybersecurity01:03:42 The Importance of Practical Experience Over Certifications01:07:38 Understanding the UAE Work Culture01:10:17 Navigating Job Competition in the UAE01:13:31 Balancing Work and Personal Life in Cybersecurity01:16:56 The Passion Behind Building a Business01:19:27 The Value of Learning from Others01:21:43 The Challenges of Teaching in Cybersecurity01:25:41 Closing Remarks and Future Engagement Takeaways William Wright is the CEO of Closed Door Security and has a background in both defensive and offensive security.He became a chartered pen tester through a pilot scheme in the UK, emphasizing the importance of giving back to the community.Learning in cybersecurity is often self-directed, and practical experience is crucial for growth.Communication skills are essential in cybersecurity roles to convey risks to non-technical stakeholders.Building a business involves embracing challenges and taking responsibility for the team's success.The UAE offers unique opportunities in cybersecurity, but competition is fierce due to a large pool of talent.Giving back to the community is a core value for William, who aims to help others in their cybersecurity careers.The future of cybersecurity in the UAE involves building relationships and focusing on trust rather than commoditization.Personal growth and learning are ongoing processes, and it's important to seek mentorship and guidance.William enjoys music, gaming, and spending time with his wife as a way to unwind from the pressures of running a business.Subscribe to CyBytes Newsletterhttps://cybytes.io/newsletter

Trailer

CyBytes - Podcast Trailer

CyBytes is a podcast that brings short, bite-sized conversations with individuals who work in cybersecurity across the UAE and the World - beginner or seasoned. Who can provide valuable insight and advice, sharing stories and tips for those looking to get a head start in cyber security and tech. In 15 min episodes you’ll get a chance to learn about what they do, how they got started, methods they use to stay on top of their skills and what keeps them going. As well as providing some actionable insight for those who want to do the same! Contact: LinkedIn

CyBytes is a podcast that features bite-sized conversations with tech and cybersecurity pros - sharing insights, stories, and actionable advice to help you navigate and thrive in the industry

Creator

Nik Mohanlal
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

14
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© 2025 Nik Mohanlal