What do you do at OPSWAT?
I am working with the product teams to increase the security posture of our products.
When did you join OPSWAT?
November 2020
Your time at OPSWAT
How did you begin your career in the cybersecurity industry?
Before I started at OPSWAT in 2020, I worked on mainly e-commerce websites, ERP systems, and homepages. The fact that OPSWAT deals with the protection of critical infrastructures really piqued my interest. I felt this was an opportunity to get closer to the cybersecurity industry, which has always impressed me.
What is the best career lesson you've learned so far?
Never underestimate yourself, and work hard for your goals. I believe nothing is impossible, and if you are interested in an area and you have the opportunity, you should go with it. Of course, it will take time to learn and gain experience in that area, but don't be impatient. Practice makes perfect.
Why do you think Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) is important?
We - as humanity - created and developed great, complex, and powerful inventions in the technical field that provide many benefits for society. But because of these qualities, if these infrastructures are not protected properly and they do not function or are abused, that could have a huge impact on the everyday life of people. We have to do our best to protect those infrastructures and take responsibility for what we created. I believe that this kind of awareness will lead us in the proper direction to use technology in the proper way.
What do you like most about the office where you work?
It is hard to choose one. I like the people and the atmosphere. But to me the location of the office is also important. When I am on my way to Veszprém, I travel through the countryside and I see how diverse it is. I really like the changing of the seasons. For me, it is also a plus that the office is not in the capital and there are a lot of green spots around the building.
What do you do to protect critical infrastructure?
I am an application security engineer and I work with the engineering teams to increase the security of our products. My primary duty is to incorporate security in all phases of the software development lifecycle.
The you outside of work
What are your favorite activities outside of work?
Gardening, hiking, and baking bread. These are simple activities that help to relax my mind. But if you are curious enough to check what is going on behind the scenes then you will see the complexity of the natural phenomenon and processes.
What are some of your favorite local spots to visit?
My favorites are the Balaton Uplands National Park's spots. Especially the Pannon Observatory at Bakonybél. There is an exhibition about meteors and they have a piece of stone meteor that the visitors can touch. I find this really special and exciting! Other spots of the National Park are also impressive, and of course, there are several hiking trails at the Balaton Uplands and in the Transdanubian Mountains.
What keeps you motivated and focused?
I think I have two pillars. My opinion is incorporating security into the software development lifecycle is essential because as engineers we are responsible for our systems, especially in a world where cybersecurity threats are everywhere. This fact gives me a big power boost. But on the other hand, my family and my friends are the real strength. At the end of the day, they are the ones who help me get through hard days, make me smile when I am exhausted, and help me to recharge my batteries.
