Jadee Hanson on Cybersecurity Careers, Insider Risk, and Teamwork

Early Interest in Technology

• 💡 Jadee Hanson's interest in technology began in high school, where she worked for free for the technology coordinator, learning to assemble computer parts for school labs.
• 🎓 She pursued a degree in college, initially in computer science, but switched to computer information systems for its stronger business focus, graduating in three years.

Career Path and Specialization

• 🏢 After college, she initially accepted a cybersecurity role at Microsoft but ultimately joined Deloitte in their enterprise risk services, gaining early experience in computer controls and cybersecurity, including penetration testing.
• 🎯 She later joined Target to help build their cybersecurity program and experienced the large-scale Target breach.
• 🚀 At Code 42, she joined in 2016 to help build security products, particularly focusing on insider risk solutions, leveraging her previous experience leading insider risk functions at Target.

Insider Risk and Team Collaboration

• 🤝 Hanson emphasizes that cybersecurity is a team sport, with her ideal scenario being a team that is proactive and firing on all cylinders.
• 📈 The increase in collaboration software and job mobility highlights the growing importance of insider risk management, an often overlooked area of security.
• 🎯 Her role at Code 42 involves supporting product management with insights from an insider risk perspective.

Leadership and Personal Growth

• 🌟 Jadee values her current boss as an incredible mentor and leader.
• 🧠 She actively seeks to do things that scare her daily, embracing the mindset of being brave enough to suck at something new.
• 💬 She values asking for opinions throughout the company to guide decisions.

Encouragement for Aspiring Professionals

• 👩‍💻 For young women interested in cybersecurity or technology, she advises them to get involved and stay curious, regardless of whether they see people like them in the field.
• ❤️ She stresses that one can love fashion and cybersecurity simultaneously, encouraging individuals to pursue their interests without self-imposed limitations.