CyberEd Pro with Brandy Harris

Professional Certifications & Continuous Training , Security Awareness Programs & Computer-Based Training , Training & Security Leadership

To Be a Cybersecurity Pro, Think Like a Puzzle Solver

How Curiosity and Gamification Drive Cybersecurity Excellence
To Be a Cybersecurity Pro, Think Like a Puzzle Solver
Image: Getty Images

Curiosity is one of the most important traits for success in cybersecurity. Professionals in this field regularly face complex problems that require more than just technical skills. An inquisitive mind - one that finds joy in solving puzzles and uncovering hidden details - can be the difference between merely maintaining security and truly excelling at protecting systems. Developing this mindset enhances your problem-solving abilities and fuels creativity and innovation, which are essential for tackling the challenges unique to cybersecurity.

See Also: Nudge Toolkit: Your Key to Enhanced Cybersecurity

The Joy of Solving Puzzles

I've always been fascinated by puzzles. As a child, I would spend hours poring over jigsaw puzzles, riddles and games of strategy. Whether it was piecing together the intricate sections of a 1,000-piece puzzle or cracking a complex code in a mystery game, I loved the satisfaction of uncovering a solution that wasn't immediately obvious.

That love for puzzles never faded. As I transitioned into the cybersecurity world, I quickly realized that defending a network is a lot like solving a puzzle. But instead of fitting together jigsaw pieces, you're analyzing network traffic, investigating system anomalies and solving multilayered problems. The same mindset that led me to search for hidden clues as a child now helps me detect threats that lurk in unexpected places.

Whether it's uncovering a vulnerability no one else spotted or building a defense strategy that stays one step ahead of attackers, cybersecurity is filled with puzzles, and the professionals who thrive are the ones who enjoy unraveling them.

Curiosity Drives Success in Cybersecurity

Why is an inquisitive mind so critical in cybersecurity? The answer lies in the nature of the job itself. Being a cybersecurity professional involves:

  • Anticipating evolving threats: Attackers are always changing their tactics. To stay ahead, cybersecurity professionals must be proactive and continuously ask questions such as, "What's the next move the attacker might try?" and "How could this system be exploited?" Without curiosity, it's easy to fall into a reactive mindset and wait for threats to emerge rather than anticipating them.
  • Uncovering hidden vulnerabilities: Just as in a puzzle, where every small detail might be a clue, cybersecurity professionals must be attuned to minor anomalies. A spike in network traffic, an unusual login time or a slight change in system behavior can indicate a deeper problem. Those who enjoy solving puzzles are more likely to investigate these subtle signals and uncover vulnerabilities others might miss.
  • Building resilient solutions: In cybersecurity, there's rarely a one-size-fits-all solution. Each network and system has its own unique risks, requiring defenders to think creatively. Asking "What if?" at every turn helps professionals develop robust, tailored solutions. Those who bring curiosity and creativity to the table often find innovative ways to protect systems from evolving threats.

Cultivating Curiosity

So, how can you develop and nurture this inquisitive mindset? Here are some practical tips:

  • Ask questions. Don't accept things at face value. Whether you're reviewing a system's architecture or analyzing security logs, always ask yourself, "Why does it work this way?" or "What would happen if we changed this?"
  • Experiment with new tools. Cybersecurity is constantly evolving, and the tools available are changing as well. Stay curious about new technologies. Explore them, and see how they can improve your defenses.
  • Engage in hands-on learning. Capture-the-flag challenges, ethical hacking competitions and penetration testing labs are great ways to build your skills while engaging your curiosity. These real-world problem-solving exercises mimic the challenges you'll face in defending a network.

Gamified Training: Unlocking the Power of Play

If you’re a leader looking to cultivate this mindset in your team, there's no better way to do so than through gamified cybersecurity training. These training exercises put teams into simulated attack environments where they must solve complex problems to defend against threats.

Gamified training taps into the same joy of problem-solving that I felt as a child solving puzzles. It encourages professionals to think critically, work collaboratively and engage their natural curiosity - all while learning in a fun, high-stakes environment. The more you engage with the problem, the more satisfying it is when you find the solution. Fostering this inquisitive, puzzle-solving mindset builds stronger cybersecurity teams and empowers professionals to grow and innovate in their roles.

Finding Joy in Curiosity

Whether you’re just starting out or leading a cybersecurity team, fostering a culture of curiosity through gamified, hands-on learning is one of the best ways to develop an inquisitive mindset. For more information about our gamified training options, feel free to contact sales@cybered.io.



About the Author

Brandy Harris

Brandy Harris

Director, Learning And Organizational Development, CyberEd.io

Harris has more than 20 years of experience in education and is dedicated to evolving the cybersecurity workforce. She develops and evaluates cybersecurity programs. Harris promotes diversity and inclusion in cybersecurity by fostering collaboration between industry and academia, aiming to bridge the talent gap and drive positive change. She previously served as assistant dean and faculty member in the graduate cybersecurity program at Grand Canyon University.




Around the Network

Our website uses cookies. Cookies enable us to provide the best experience possible and help us understand how visitors use our website. By browsing careersinfosecurity.co.uk, you agree to our use of cookies.