Just jump in: Cyber needs you

Caitlin Sarian is a multi-award winning cybersecurity leader and influencer, also known as Cybersecurity Girl. With well over 1.2 million followers, she’s on a mission to educate the public on online safety and inspire women to pursue STEM careers. 

We caught up with Caitlin at Black Hat MEA 2024 for a quick-fire Q&A session. Here’s what she told us. 

Why is Black Hat important for the cybersecurity community? 

“Black Hat is so important for the cybersecurity community. First of all, it allows the community to get together — we get to learn from each other, learn from each other’s mistakes, cherish each other when we’re talking about triumphs; and everything we do makes us better as a community. It’s so important.” 

What’s been your highlight at BHMEA 2024? 

“Honestly, the biggest highlight so far this year has been seeing all the incredible women. This conference has the most women I’ve seen in a cybersecurity conference ever, which is so refreshing to see. And it’s women in every area of cybersecurity too, which is also incredible.” 

Describe BHMEA in three words? 

“Innovative, game-changing, fresh.” 

What’s one thing you’re taking from the conversations here? 

“Everyone wants to help each other here. Everyone wants to learn from each other, help you, guide you, mentor you — and build the best product ever. It’s constant community and mentorship.” 

How do you think Saudi Arabia is playing a part in the future of cybersecurity?

“Saudi Arabia is, obviously, putting on this incredible conference, which is going to play a huge part in the future of the cybersecurity community. It’s enabling us to learn and grow and innovate in ways we never imagined before.” 

What’s your experience been like in Riyadh?

“My experience has been incredible. Honestly, I will say I was a little nervous, but everyone is so welcoming, so helpful, so happy — it’s been an amazing experience, I could never ask for anything better.” 

What advice would you give to people working in cybersecurity right now?

“Join a community. That could be coming to these conferences and finding your group. Black Hat has such an incredible community around the globe, and this allows you to interact with people closer to you, especially if you’re in the Middle East or Africa. Join a community, find a mentor, really just get plugged into everything that’s around you.” 

What new or emerging technology is most exciting to you right now? 

“Something that actually excites me is not actually any of the technology, but what we’re going to be building together in the future. If you hear some of the conversations that people are having right now, trying to figure out ways they can work together to merge problems, issues, incidents with AI and future technologies…I really am excited just to see what that looks like next year.” 

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to women interested in getting into cybersecurity?

“Just jump in. Don’t be nervous, we need you. There are all types of people in cyber, we need every type of person – we need the experience that you bring to the table. And it’s incredible — there are so many amazing women here already, and if you want to join you’ll be another amazing woman in cyber.” 

Want to join us at Black Hat MEA 2025? 

Registrations are open now. Immerse yourself in the heart of the global cybersecurity community.