CyberWire Daily Podcast Summary
Episode: Dwayne Price: Sharing Information
Release Date: February 23, 2025

Introduction to Dwayne Price

Timestamp: [00:54]

Dwayne Price, the guest for this episode, introduces himself as a Senior Technical Project Manager specializing in cybersecurity. With a profound fascination for technology, Dwayne pursued his passion by majoring in Information Systems Management at UMBC. He emphasizes his interest in the business aspects of computer implementations, which guided his academic and professional journey.

Educational Background and Early Career

Timestamp: [00:54 – 02:30]

After earning his undergraduate degree, Dwayne continued his education by obtaining an advanced degree in Information Systems Management. His academic journey included a cooperative education experience during college, where he engaged closely with industry professionals. This experience sparked his interest in database security, leading him to specialize in this area.

Dwayne's first professional role was at the U.S. House of Representatives within their Information Systems Department. Initially hired as a programmer, he transitioned into a system administration role following a departmental reorganization. His proficiency in Unix administration eventually led him to focus on database administration. Dwayne notes, “In order to be a great database administrator understanding database security, you have to understand the platform that it sits on” ([02:00]).

Specialization in Cybersecurity Projects

Timestamp: [02:30 – 04:15]

In his current role, Dwayne manages projects aimed at enhancing and increasing cybersecurity capabilities within his organization. His projects primarily focus on:

• Data Security: Ensuring the protection of data in various states—data at rest, data in transit, and data in use.
• Data Loss Prevention: Implementing strategies to prevent unauthorized data exfiltration.
• Database Activity Monitoring: Keeping track of database operations to detect and respond to suspicious activities.

Dwayne highlights the importance of understanding the foundational platforms, stating, “Having that strong Unix administration background really prepared me to understand the relationship between Unix administration and database security” ([03:45]).

Guidance for Aspiring Cybersecurity Professionals

Timestamp: [04:15 – 05:50]

Dwayne offers valuable advice for individuals pursuing careers in cybersecurity:

1. Utilize the NICE Framework: He recommends the NICE (National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education) framework as a resource to explore various cybersecurity roles. Whether aspiring to be a SOC analyst, project manager, or a threat manager, the NICE framework outlines the necessary competencies, training, and certifications required ([04:50]).

2. Seek Mentorship Early: Reflecting on his own career, Dwayne emphasizes the importance of finding mentors early on. He shares, “Having mentors would have propelled me much faster. So that's definitely something I would tell the younger version of myself. Seek mentors in the industry sooner rather than later” ([05:20]).

3. Trust Your Gut: An anecdote from his time at a Fortune 500 company illustrates the significance of intuition in professional relationships. Despite initial reservations, trusting his gut led to a fruitful mentorship that greatly benefited his career ([05:50]).

Emphasizing Information Sharing

Timestamp: [05:50 – 07:00]

One of Dwayne's core professional philosophies is sharing knowledge. Drawing from past experiences where information hoarding was prevalent, he is committed to fostering a culture of open information sharing. “If I can share it with you, it can help the team, it can help the organization” ([06:30]). Whether through attending conferences, reading insightful books, or articles, Dwayne ensures that valuable information is disseminated among his peers and team members.

Enhancing Communication Skills

Timestamp: [04:15 – 05:00]

An unexpected opportunity emerged from a three-sex assessment conducted by a clinical psychologist at Columbia Business School. The psychologist suggested that Dwayne could excel as an adjunct professor, noting his ability to explain technical concepts effectively to both technical and non-technical audiences. Embracing this advice, Dwayne has been a part-time adjunct professor for over a decade, which has significantly bolstered his communication skills. He remarks, “I think that's really strengthened my communication skills, particularly explaining technical subjects to very non-technical people” ([04:50]).

Conclusion and Key Takeaways

Dwayne Price's journey underscores the importance of continuous learning, mentorship, and knowledge sharing in the field of cybersecurity. His dedication to enhancing data security, coupled with his commitment to educating others, makes him a valuable asset to the cybersecurity community. Aspiring professionals can draw inspiration from his advice to leverage frameworks like NICE, seek mentors proactively, trust their instincts, and prioritize the dissemination of knowledge to foster collaborative and secure environments.

Notable Quotes:

• “In order to be a great database administrator understanding database security, you have to understand the platform that it sits on” – Dwayne Price [02:00]
• “Having that strong Unix administration background really prepared me to understand the relationship between Unix administration and database security” – Dwayne Price [03:45]
• “If I can share it with you, it can help the team, it can help the organization” – Dwayne Price [06:30]
• “Seek mentors in the industry sooner rather than later” – Dwayne Price [05:20]

This summary encapsulates Dwayne Price's insights on career development in cybersecurity, emphasizing the interconnectedness of technical expertise, mentorship, and the importance of sharing knowledge within professional settings.