Speaker Spotlight: Amy Tom - Building the Local Cybersecurity Community: Meet Up by Meet Up

Unlock the power of community in cybersecurity! In this episode, we discuss how local meetups can transform your career and build valuable connections. Join us as Amy Tom shares insights on finding your place in the cybersecurity world, especially if you're new or transitioning careers. Key takeaways: * The importance of community in cybersecurity * How to find and attend local meetups * Building professional relationships through networking * Overcoming the fear of attending your first event * Real-world examples of community impact Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 00:42 The value of community in cybersecurity 01:14 How local meetups create opportunities 02:12 Amy's journey in building community 04:20 Overcoming introversion in networking 06:22 Low-pressure ways to engage in community 08:15 Panel discussion on community building 10:00 The role of AI in cybersecurity 12:12 How to get started in local communities What's your biggest challenge with finding your cybersecurity community? Drop it in the comments! Subscribe for more insights on building your cybersecurity career. JOIN US AT BSIDES VANCOUVER ISLAND 2026 BSides Vancouver Island is a community-driven, grassroots cybersecurity conference bringing together security practitioners, researchers, students, and technology enthusiasts to learn, connect, and share knowledge. Friday, September 25, 2026 Victoria Conference Centre — Victoria, BC This year marks our fifth anniversary*, with *two talk tracks for the first time. 🎟️ Tickets and conference details: https://bsidesvi.com #CybersecurityCommunity #Networking #BSidesVI