We interviewed Brandon Hill, an ISSO at MindPoint Group to learn how Brandon got started working in cybersecurity, what he likes about working at MindPoint Group, and hear about his recent CISSP Certification.
Walk us through your background. How did you get started working in technology/security?
I first started working in technology during my time at Community College. I was studying Criminal Justice at the time but wasn’t really sure it was what I wanted to do. My girlfriend at the time (and now wife) suggested I start studying Computer Science and Programming since I had always been interested in computers. I really love those courses and got my first job working in desktop support. From there, I started going even more technical and getting more hands-on experience with support.
I then started working on getting my bachelor's degree in Computer Network Security while also working as a System Admin. From this experience as a system admin, I was able to get more security and monitoring experience and was able to start working as a Cybersecurity Analyst.
From there, I moved up to ISSO support and, eventually, ISSO. It was from my role as an ISSO that I found the ISSO role at MindPoint Group that I am in now.
Describe your current role as an ISSO.
As an ISSO, your main role is to help stakeholders with risk assessments, advise them on any known risks, and always make sure their environments are secure. The specifics can change depending on the day, but typically, we’re helping to monitor logs, help with documentation, give oversight, and make sure anything that needs to be patched is patched.
What are the biggest challenges you face in your role as an ISSO?
In my role, we are depended on to make a lot of decisions. The biggest challenge stems from the need to prioritize decisions and make them quickly in certain situations.
What is your favorite part of your job as an ISSO at MPG?
My favorite part of my job is the team collaboration. I like learning from other people and getting to work together to ensure security. It also helps everyone learn from each other and increases my management skills.
Why do you love cybersecurity?
I love cybersecurity because it is constantly changing, and there is never a dull moment. It is really nice to be part of a cause that is helping a lot of people — it’s a really rewarding job.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I like to play video games and spend time with my family. Outside of COVID times, I also like to travel and go to the beach.
Last book you read and/or podcast you listened to?
The last book I read was actually the CISSP Certification Study book. I highly recommend it!
What is your favorite part of MindPoint Group?
My favorite part is the team culture. Everyone is respectful, and everyone super humble. It is unlike any culture that I have had in previous roles.
Want to know more about what it’s like to work at MindPoint Group? Find out for yourself and apply to one of our job openings.
