Neill Pert - Senior Security Technical Specialist at Microsoft
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A Journey in Cybersecurity
Hello CyberFirst Yorkshire, I am Neill, your CyberFirst Ambassador. As a Senior Security Technical Specialist at Microsoft, I assist UK Government organisations in protecting their systems from cybercrime by educating them on security features like identity protection, threat detection, and data security. Microsoft is dedicated to safeguarding against online threats, and I am here to share my journey and experiences with you, the future of cybersecurity.
When I left school I had an aspiration to work at Microsoft, a company renowned for its innovation and impact on the tech world. Achieving this goal was a significant milestone in my career. This year, I celebrated another significant achievement: passing my 5-year milestone at Microsoft and receiving a crystal award in recognition of my dedication and contributions.
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One memorable moment was having the opportunity to present at the Science Museum in London, where I discussed the use of generative AI in cybersecurity before an audience of over 400 people. Although I was anxious to talk to so many people, I felt privileged to show a large audience how they could leverage innovative technology to make their organisations safer.
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Recently, I had the opportunity to visit the Office of the Prime Minister, Number 10 Downing Street to discuss improving their security against cyber threats. It was a proud moment for me, knowing that my expertise could contribute to the safety of such an important institution.
This year colleagues at Microsoft recognised me for my demonstration skills in using AI to combat cyber threats, which reflects on the idea of continuing to have a Growth Mindset we have at Microsoft. This is a big honour as my workmates are all held to a very high standard to represent Microsoft, and the with the pace of change it is huge to be at the forefront.
Working in technology has been a privilege which has allowed me to travel and work in different places in the UK and overseas, from Aberdeen to York, London, Melbourne (Aus), & Doha (Qa). It never stays still, so the opportunity to evolve and find something that excites you is never far away.
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I look forward to engaging with all of you and I hope that you will join the next generation of cybersecurity experts. Together, we can make a difference and create a safer digital world for everyone. Stay curious, stay safe, and never stop learning!
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