Hey everyone,

I hope you had a joyful and restful festive period filled with laughter, good company, and a chance to recharge. As we wrap up the holiday season and prepare to welcome the new year, it’s the perfect time to reflect on achievements, set meaningful goals, and plan for the exciting opportunities ahead. Let’s dive into this week’s edition of The Career Compass.

The New Year: Time to Set Your Goals

With the new year just approaching, it’s a fantastic opportunity to set clear, actionable goals for your personal and professional growth. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

• Reflect on 2024: Take a moment to celebrate your wins, big or small, and identify areas where you’d like to improve.

• Define SMART Goals: Ensure your goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound.

• Focus on Growth Areas: Whether it’s upskilling, networking, or pursuing a new role, pinpoint the areas that will have the most significant impact on your career.

• Break It Down: Divide larger goals into smaller, manageable steps to maintain momentum throughout the year.

Setting intentions now can help you launch 2025 with purpose and clarity. Take this opportunity to align your aspirations with a plan for success!

Latest Cyber News & Trends

Critical Gmail Warning—Don’t Click Yes To These Google Security Alerts

Cybersecurity experts are warning Gmail users about a new scam targeting account security. Fraudsters are sending fake Google security alerts that prompt users to click “Yes” in response to a suspicious login attempt. By doing so, users unknowingly grant attackers access to their accounts.

What You Need to Know:

• Be Skeptical of Alerts: Always verify the source of security notifications before taking action.

• Check the Details: Legitimate Google alerts provide additional context, such as device information and location. If something seems off, don’t proceed.

• Enable 2-Step Verification: This adds an extra layer of security to your account, making it harder for attackers to gain access.

Stay vigilant and double-check every alert to protect your sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands.

Salt Typhoon Strikes Ninth Telecom Company

The cyberattack campaign known as "Salt Typhoon" has targeted its ninth telecom company, compromising sensitive data and disrupting critical operations. Experts are urging telecom providers to strengthen their defences against this advanced threat actor, known for exploiting vulnerabilities in SaltStack configurations. This incident highlights the ongoing risks essential service providers face in the digital age.

Three of the Biggest Cybersecurity Stories of 2024

1. CrowdStrike's Meltdown

   • CrowdStrike experienced a significant crisis this year when its platform suffered a major outage during a critical period for many of its clients. This failure disrupted essential business operations and highlighted vulnerabilities in centralised cybersecurity systems. Many clients expressed concerns about the reliability of such platforms, raising broader questions about the industry's dependence on singular, large-scale solutions. In response to these challenges, CrowdStrike acted promptly by addressing the issues and implementing infrastructure upgrades to restore trust with their customers. This incident serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of contingency planning in cybersecurity.

2. Deepfakes Become a Growing Threat

   • The sophistication of deepfakes has increased significantly, presenting major challenges for businesses, governments, and individuals. Cybercriminals are using this technology to commit fraud, manipulate stock prices, and perform identity theft with remarkable accuracy. In one notable case, a major corporation was deceived into transferring millions of dollars due to a convincingly deepfaked voice of its CEO. As this threat continues to grow, organizations are being urged to adopt advanced detection tools and train their employees to recognise deepfake scams. This situation highlights the urgent need for global efforts to combat the misuse of artificial intelligence.

3. Ransomware Attack on Change Healthcare

   • Change Healthcare, a vital player in the healthcare sector, fell victim to a massive ransomware attack that severely disrupted its services and compromised sensitive patient data. The attackers demanded a significant ransom, putting critical healthcare operations at risk. This breach highlighted the sector's vulnerability to cyber threats and the devastating impact such attacks can have on patient care. It also reinforced the necessity for healthcare providers to invest in robust cybersecurity frameworks, including comprehensive risk assessments and incident response strategies. This attack has spurred conversations about the importance of securing critical infrastructure across industries, particularly in sectors like healthcare, where lives can be directly affected by digital vulnerabilities.

Tip of the Week: Small Steps Lead to Big Wins

The start of a new year can feel overwhelming, but remember that progress is built on small, consistent steps. Instead of trying to overhaul everything at once, focus on:

• One Skill at a Time: Pick one new skill to develop over the next few months.

• Daily Habits: Incorporate small, positive habits into your routine that align with your goals.

• Tracking Progress: Use a journal or app to record milestones and stay motivated.

Each step, no matter how small, brings you closer to your bigger objectives. Celebrate the journey as much as the destination!

Thinking About a New Job in 2025?

If you’re considering a job search in 2025, now is the perfect time to get ahead. Use the holiday season to prepare and position yourself for success:

• Update Your Resume: Ensure all of your skills and achievements are clearly stated. Write a personal summary at the top that explains why you’re the right fit for the positions you’re targeting.

• Keep It Concise: Aim for one to two pages max. Hiring managers appreciate clarity and brevity.

• Tailor for Each Role: Customise your resume for every job application to align with the specific requirements of the position.

• Start Networking: Begin connecting with industry professionals on LinkedIn, X, or through professional groups. Building relationships now can open doors later.

By taking these proactive steps, you’ll be ready to hit the ground running and make 2025 the year you achieve your career goals. Remember, preparation and perseverance pave the way for success!

Featured Video of the Week: How I Would Learn Cybersecurity from Scratch in 2025

Are you ready to kickstart your career in cybersecurity in 2025? Whether you're a total beginner or looking for a roadmap, this step-by-step guide has got you covered. I talk through exactly what I would do if I were learning Cybersecurity from scratch in 2025. Learn the essential certifications like CompTIA Network+ and Security+, explore exciting career paths (ethical hacking, cloud security, and more!), and discover tips to network like a pro and gain hands-on experience through internships.

Weekly Challenge: Plan Your First Goal for 2025

This week, I challenge you to sit down and write out one key goal you’d like to achieve in the first quarter of 2025. Break it into actionable steps, set a deadline, and outline how you’ll track your progress.

How to Get Started:

• Reflect on what you want to accomplish most in the new year.

• Write your goal in clear, actionable terms.

• Identify the first step you can take today to move closer to achieving it.

Planning now sets the tone for a productive and rewarding year ahead! Let me know what goal you set, I would love to know.

That’s it for this week!

Thank you for joining me in this post-Christmas edition of The Career Compass. Here’s to a fantastic start to the new year filled with opportunities, growth, and success. Let’s make 2025 our best year yet!

Keep levelling up your career. See you in the next edition! 👋

Luke

P.S. Don’t forget to share The Career Compass with anyone who might benefit from it. Together, we’re building a supportive community for everyone navigating their career journey.

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