Today we’d like to introduce you to Caitlin Sarian
Hi Caitlin, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
My journey into cybersecurity began unexpectedly. I started with degrees in Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Management, but it was a mentor, Danielle, who saw my potential in problem-solving and learning, and introduced me to cybersecurity. Her guidance turned my curiosity into a passion, and within eight years, I advanced to a Director role—a position that usually takes over a decade to achieve.
Despite my success, I felt disconnected from the community I wanted to protect, so I launched “Cybersecurity Girl,” a social media project to educate the public, attract more talent to the field, and inspire women to pursue cybersecurity. This project quickly grew, amassing nearly 1 million followers and leading to opportunities like leading TikTok’s Global Cybersecurity Advocacy Program.
Realizing my true calling was in public education, I left TikTok to focus on building my brand and business full-time. Today, I’m focused on educating, demystifying, and inspiring others in cybersecurity through various initiatives, including a cybersecurity handbook, an app called “Secure Living,” and a community for aspiring professionals.
My journey has been shaped by mentorship, a passion for learning, and a commitment to making a tangible impact in the world of cybersecurity.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road, but each challenge has played a crucial role in shaping my journey. Early on, transitioning from a background in Aerospace Engineering to cybersecurity was challenging. The field was entirely new to me, and I had to quickly build expertise in an area that was constantly evolving.
One of the biggest struggles was feeling a sense of unfulfillment after reaching the role of Director. While I had achieved significant career milestones, I realized that my work was more focused on corporate interests than on protecting the people and community I was passionate about. This disconnect led to a period of self-reflection and ultimately pushed me to start “Cybersecurity Girl,” but building a brand in a technical field came with its own challenges, including dealing with online bullying. Facing criticism and negativity online was tough, but it only fueled my determination to continue my mission. Building a brand and gaining trust in such a technical field required persistence and resilience.
Additionally, as a woman in a male-dominated industry, I faced moments of doubt and imposter syndrome. Overcoming these insecurities was tough, but they also fueled my determination to create a platform that could inspire and support other women in cybersecurity.
Each struggle has been a learning experience that has strengthened my resolve and deepened my commitment to making a meaningful impact in cybersecurity.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I specialize in cybersecurity education, advocacy, and public awareness, with a unique focus on making complex cybersecurity concepts accessible to everyone. Through my brand, “Cybersecurity Girl,” I use social media to educate the public on staying safe online, demystify cybersecurity, and inspire more women and young people to enter the field. My work spans content creation, public speaking, and developing resources like cybersecurity handbooks and apps that help people protect their digital lives.
What sets me apart is the path I took into cybersecurity influencing. Traditionally, cybersecurity is about lessening your digital footprint to protect privacy and security. So, when I decided to build a public-facing brand, it seemed counterintuitive. However, I recognized that the industry needed relatable, visible role models to break down barriers and encourage broader participation. By leveraging social media, I’ve been able to reach millions, making cybersecurity less intimidating and more accessible to people who might not otherwise engage with it.
I’m most proud of the impact my work has had on inspiring others, particularly women and girls. Hearing from individuals who have entered the cybersecurity field because of my content is incredibly rewarding. It’s this direct impact—helping people start careers in cybersecurity, educating the public, and building a community of like-minded professionals—that drives me.
Ultimately, what sets me apart is my ability to merge technical expertise with a strong, public-facing presence, creating a space where cybersecurity feels both essential, approachable, relatable and digestible.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I’m excited to share more about some upcoming initiatives that I believe will make a significant impact in the cybersecurity space. In the next few months, I’m launching three major projects that are close to my heart.
The first is a comprehensive cybersecurity handbook designed to be a practical guide for implementing cybersecurity measures in everyday life. This handbook aims to demystify the often-complex world of cybersecurity and provide clear, actionable steps that anyone can follow to protect themselves online.
The second initiative is an app called “Secure Living.” This app offers users an easy-to-understand overview of their digital lives, providing insights into the security and privacy practices of popular websites, apps, and IoT devices. It’s designed to help people stay informed about data collection, recent breaches, and safe usage practices, all in one place.
Third, for those who are looking to break into a career in Cyber or enhance their current cybersecurity career, I’m launching a cybersecurity community initiative in collaboration with Chris Cochran, founder of Hacker Valley Studios. This community is dedicated to aspiring and early-career cybersecurity professionals. Our goal is to create a supportive space where members can share their unique stories, learn from each other, and build a strong foundation for long-term success in cybersecurity.
Fourth, for those who want to delete their data online and need some assistance, we are launching a product called “I Know You” that helps users remove their personal data off the internet.
These projects are all about making cybersecurity accessible, understandable, and actionable for everyone. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to deepen your knowledge, there’s something here for you. I’m incredibly excited about the potential these initiatives have to empower individuals and strengthen the cybersecurity community as a whole.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://beacons.ai/cybersecuritygirl
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cybersecuritygirl
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/cybersecuritygirl
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@cybersecuritygirl
