Caroline Wong, the Chief Strategy Officer at Cobalt, recently sat down to reflect on her impressive 15+ year career in cybersecurity leadership. Throughout her journey, she has held various roles, including practitioner, product developer, and consultant. Moreover, she is not only a member of the renowned Hash Table but also the author of the highly popular textbook, “Security Metrics: A Beginner’s Guide.” Additionally, Caroline actively teaches cybersecurity courses on LinkedIn Learning and hosts the esteemed podcast, “Humans of InfoSec.”
Caroline’s interest in engineering began early in her life, largely due to the influence of her father. Encouraged by him, she pursued her higher education at UC Berkeley, where she successfully secured a place in their prestigious Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences program. It was during her time as a college student that Caroline sought an internship opportunity and eventually landed a position at eBay. Excitedly, she joined the information security team, starting off in an entry-level role that would shape her career remarkably.
Reflecting on her experiences, Caroline expresses a deep passion for teaching her peers in the cybersecurity community. She believes that being remembered as a knowledgeable and effective teacher would be the greatest legacy she could leave behind. Sharing her sentiment, Caroline explains, “I think that my favorite part of the work that I get to do is teaching. And, in particular, being able to communicate about cybersecurity concepts to a wide audience. I have such tremendous gratitude.”
Caroline’s commitment to education and knowledge dissemination is evident not only through her career choices but also in her contributions to the cybersecurity field. Her textbook, “Security Metrics: A Beginner’s Guide,” has become a go-to resource for individuals seeking a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles within the domain. The book’s popularity is a testament to Caroline’s exceptional capability to conceptualize complex subjects and present them in a digestible manner.
Beyond her written work, Caroline actively engages with the professional community through her online courses on LinkedIn Learning. Leveraging her extensive experience and expertise, she creates educational content that covers a broad spectrum of cybersecurity topics, catering to both beginners and seasoned professionals. Her commitment to making cybersecurity accessible to a wider audience is admirable.
Furthermore, Caroline’s passion for education extends to her role as the host of the “Humans of InfoSec” podcast. In each episode, she invites notable professionals from the industry to share their personal journeys and insights, humanizing the field and providing a platform for meaningful conversations. The podcast has garnered a significant following, resonating with individuals who aspire to make a mark in cybersecurity or simply wish to gain a deeper understanding of the industry.
Caroline’s story serves as an inspiration to individuals looking to forge a successful career path in cybersecurity. Her unwavering passion for teaching and her commitment to excellence have not only allowed her to thrive in diverse leadership roles but also to make a lasting impact in the field. As a respected member of the Hash Table, an accomplished author, an esteemed instructor, and a podcast host, Caroline Wong continues to shape the future of cybersecurity through her invaluable contributions.