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Welcome to Edition #37 of The Career Compass! This week, we're helping you unlock six-figure cybersecurity roles—even if you're not from a tech background. From building real-world experience without a job to understanding the power of AI in security, mastering salary negotiation, and exploring threat intelligence careers, this issue is packed with strategies to level up your career.

Plus, we’re offering subscribers an exclusive coaching discount to help you fast-track your success.

News & Trends in Cybersecurity

Generative AI & the Cybersecurity Catch-Up

Cybersecurity teams are scrambling to keep pace as GenAI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini become standard in business workflows. With employees increasingly using LLMs for content creation, code generation, data processing, and more, the risk of unintended data leakage and exploitation is growing.

CISOs now face the challenge of implementing governance policies around prompt management, API security, model usage, and shadow AI tools not vetted by IT.

🔹 Why it matters:

• Prompts may inadvertently expose sensitive company data or trade secrets

• LLM-generated code can introduce subtle bugs or security flaws into production environments

• Employees may unknowingly bypass security protocols by using third-party AI tools

• AI models themselves can be targeted through data poisoning, prompt injection, or training data exposure

To stay ahead, organisations must implement robust AI risk management strategies—this includes educating staff, deploying AI-specific monitoring tools, and establishing secure use policies.

As AI adoption grows, expect a surge in demand for professionals who understand both cybersecurity and machine learning. Look for roles like "AI Security Analyst," "LLM Threat Hunter," and "Model Governance Officer" to become increasingly common in 2025 and beyond.

🔐 FBI Issues Advisory on Business Email Compromise (BEC)

The FBI reports a $2.9 billion loss from BEC scams in 2023 alone, marking one of the most financially damaging cybercrimes affecting businesses globally. These attacks typically involve cybercriminals impersonating executives, vendors, or trusted contacts through email to manipulate employees into transferring funds or updating payment information to fraudulent accounts.

What makes BEC particularly dangerous is its low-tech nature—no malware required. It relies almost entirely on social engineering, exploiting trust, urgency, and poor verification protocols.

🔹 Common Tactics:

• Spoofing a CEO or CFO to authorise a fake wire transfer

• Impersonating a vendor requesting updated banking details

• Hijacking legitimate email threads to introduce fraudulent instructions

• Creating lookalike domains to trick employees into believing the message is real

🔹 Why it matters:

• These attacks bypass technical defences like firewalls and antivirus tools

• Human error is the weak link, making security awareness training essential

• Organisations are increasingly hiring professionals who can design and deliver employee training programs, implement multi-factor authentication, and monitor email traffic for suspicious patterns.

In-demand roles related to BEC defence include Security Awareness Officers, Email Security Specialists, GRC Analysts, and Incident Response professionals. Blending technical skills with communication and training ability is a significant asset in combating BEC threats.

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Cyber Career Spotlight: Threat Intelligence Analyst

Threat Intelligence Analysts are the investigators of the cyber world. They collect, assess, and distribute intelligence on emerging threats to help organisations make informed security decisions.

🔹 What They Do:

• Monitor dark web forums and threat feeds

• Analyse malware behaviour and tactics

• Deliver intelligence briefings and reports

• Collaborate with SOC teams and red/blue teams

🔹 Key Skills:

• OSINT tools and threat intelligence platforms (e.g., Recorded Future, MISP)

• Understanding of APTs, malware, and exploit kits

• Analytical writing and communication

• Pattern recognition and critical thinking

🔹 Career Path:

• Entry-Level: Intelligence Researcher / TI Analyst (Junior)

• Mid-Level: Threat Intelligence Analyst / Threat Hunter

• Senior-Level: Threat Intel Lead / Cyber Intelligence Director

Video of the Week: Unlock $100K+ Cybersecurity Jobs with YOUR Current Skills!

Unlock $100K+ cybersecurity jobs using the skills you already have! No coding or tech degree needed. We uncover 5 hidden cybersecurity careers—like compliance specialists ($63K–$108K) and cybersecurity UX designers ($80K–$120K)—perfect for designers, educators, or crisis managers.

With over 70% of cybersecurity pros coming from non-tech backgrounds, your communication, problem-solving, or crisis management skills can lead to a six-figure career.

🔹 Learn how to pivot into cyber with certifications like CompTIA Security+ or the Google Cybersecurity Certificate.
🔹 Check out my Security+ vs. Google Cert breakdown here:
🔹 Share your best skill in the comments—I’ll match it to a cybersecurity role!

💰 Mastering Salary Negotiation: Secure the Pay You Deserve

Received a job offer? Congratulations! This is an exciting step, but before you sign on the dotted line, ensure you're being fairly compensated. Effective salary negotiation can increase your lifetime earnings, reflect your true market value, and set a positive tone for your role.

Here’s how to approach it like a pro:

🔹 Do Your Homework: Use tools like Glassdoor, Payscale, Levels.fyi (for tech roles), and LinkedIn Salary Insights to benchmark salaries for your position, experience level, industry, and location. Take note of market ranges and any patterns related to company size or specific benefits.

🔹 Highlight Your Value: Prepare a document outlining your relevant skills, certifications, past achievements, and measurable impacts in previous roles (e.g., "reduced incident response time by 30%" or "led migration to cloud, improving security posture"). Show how your work will directly benefit the company.

🔹 Be Strategic: When presented with an offer, express appreciation and ask for time to review. Use that time to calculate what you want based on your research and unique strengths. If needed, submit a respectful counteroffer with clear justification.

🔹 Consider Total Compensation: Salary is just one part of the package. Factor in healthcare, retirement plans, PTO, training stipends, stock options, sign-on bonuses, and remote work policies. Sometimes, a lower salary with better perks or career growth can be a better long-term move.

🔹 Practice the Conversation: Rehearse with a friend or mentor. Use confident, non-confrontational language like: "Based on my research and the value I bring to this role, I’d like to propose a base salary of X."

🔹 Be Ready for Different Outcomes: Even if they can't match your number, you may negotiate other elements like a title upgrade, earlier review cycles, or relocation support. If the offer truly falls short, be prepared to walk away confidently.

Negotiating isn't about being pushy—it's about being professional, informed, and self-assured. This one conversation could add thousands (or tens of thousands) to your annual income. Don't miss the opportunity.

The Power of Career Coaching (Exclusive Offer Inside!)

Ready to truly own your career path? Let's talk about the undeniable power of Career Coaching! 🚀

As a Career Coach, I consistently witness incredible transformations when individuals decide to invest in their professional future.

In today's fast-paced world, feeling stuck or uncertain about your next move is common, but it doesn't have to be your reality. This is precisely where partnering with a career coach becomes an absolute game-changer.

Think of me as your strategic partner, sounding board, and accelerator.

Just as top performers in any field rely on expert guidance, you too can benefit from a dedicated professional who sees your potential, challenges your limiting beliefs, and helps you craft a clear, actionable roadmap to success.

Through my coaching, clients often experience:

🎯 Crystal-Clear Direction: Uncover your true passions, values, and ambitious career goals.

🛠️ Strategic Action Plans: Develop concrete, step-by-step strategies to make your aspirations a reality.

💡 Breakthroughs: Overcome self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and other obstacles holding you back.

📈 Enhanced Capabilities: Sharpen your professional skills and marketability.

💪 Unshakeable Confidence: Step into your power and pursue opportunities with conviction.

I'm passionate about empowering professionals to build successful and deeply fulfilling careers. It's about moving from "what if?" to "what's next!"

If you're ready to explore how dedicated coaching can transform your career journey, let's connect. DM or email me at [email protected]

What's one career goal you're currently working towards? 👇

💬 Special Offer for Newsletter Subscribers: As a thank you for being part of The Career Compass community, I’m offering 50% off a private 1:1 coaching session. If you’ve been curious about what coaching could do for your career, now’s the perfect time to find out.

📩 Reach out directly to discuss your goals and claim your exclusive discount!

💬 Challenge of the Week

Try one of these visibility boosters this week:

✅ Post on LinkedIn about a cybersecurity concept you recently learned
✅ Share a screenshot or short clip of your home lab setup
✅ Comment on 3 posts from cybersecurity professionals you admire

📣 Tag me @LukeGough and use the hashtag #TheCareerCompassChallenge when you post. I’ll be highlighting the best submissions in future editions!

Little actions lead to significant results over time. Let’s build your momentum!

Thank you for being part of The Career Compass community. Keep levelling up your career, stay consistent, and take your career into your own hands. I’ll see you in the next edition!

Best Wishes,
Luke Gough
Career Coach / Founder of The Career Compass

P.S. Remember to share The Career Compass with your network, and let’s work together to empower more careers!