Meet Mariam Sanusi ; an experienced and accomplished cybersecurity professional with a robust academic and practical background in the field. Holding a Master of Science in Cybersecurity from the University of Texas Dallas and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Caleb University, Mariam has fortified her education with industry certifications, including AWS Certified Solutions Architect-Associate, (ISC)2 Certified in Cybersecurity, and AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner.
In her professional career, Mariam has excelled in various roles, showcasing her expertise and dedication. As a Cybersecurity Analyst at American Airlines, she effectively utilized Sonrai Security tools for automated access reviews across AWS, Azure, and GCP cloud resources. Her responsibilities included facilitating and tracking audit remediation activities with stakeholders, assessing the effectiveness of controls to mitigate identified risks, and offering solutions for process improvements to enhance overall security posture.
During her internship at Amazon Web Services (AWS), Mariam designed scalable and cost-efficient AWS analytics solutions for data analysis and ETL workflows, implemented critical security measures, and managed network infrastructure. Her work on developing a robust AMI management solution addressed patching and deprecation challenges, demonstrating her technical acumen and problem-solving skills.
At SystemSpecs, she conducted in-depth analyses of error logs, performed vulnerability assessments, and collaborated with legal and compliance teams to achieve 100% compliance. Her efforts significantly reduced threats by 90%, underscoring her ability to deliver impactful security solutions.
Mariam’s journey into cybersecurity was significantly shaped by her participation in the WomenTechsters Cybersecurity Virtual Fellowship, where she gained hands-on experience and a comprehensive understanding of personal security measures. This fellowship ignited her passion for cybersecurity and set her on a path to a successful career in the field.
Beyond her professional roles, Mariam has engaged in several impactful projects and internships, including the Goldman Sachs Technology Bootcamp and a simulated Shark Tank competition. She is an active member of Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) and has participated in various training programs and conferences, reflecting her commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
Mariam’s contributions to the field are further evidenced by her published research. Her paper titled “Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Supply Chains: Enhancing Resilience and Reducing Waste” explores the integration of AI to improve efficiency and reduce waste in healthcare supply chains. Another notable publication, “Enhancing Cybersecurity through Cloud Computing Solutions in the United States,” examines the role of cloud computing in bolstering cybersecurity measures across various industries.
Publications:
- Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Supply Chains: Enhancing Resilience and Reducing Waste
- Enhancing Cybersecurity through Cloud Computing Solutions in the United States
With a strong foundation in cybersecurity, cloud technologies, and data analysis, Mariam is dedicated to advancing the field and contributing to effective security solutions. Her future aspirations include leveraging her expertise to drive innovation and enhance security measures in the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity.
Thus, in this interview with Bridge Africa Technologies, a platform known for celebrating the achievements and impact of Nigerian professionals at home and abroad. We explored Mariam’s contribution to the information technology(IT) industry and cybersecurity.
Personal Background
1. Can you tell us about your journey into the field of cybersecurity? What sparked your interest in this area?
Mariam Sanusi: “My journey into cybersecurity began during my undergraduate studies in Computer Science at Caleb University. I was always fascinated by the complexity and importance of securing information in an increasingly digital world. This curiosity led me to explore various aspects of computer science, but I found myself particularly drawn to the challenges and opportunities in cybersecurity.
The pivotal moment came when I participated in the WomenTechsters Cybersecurity Virtual Fellowship, which provided hands-on experience and a deep understanding of personal security measures. This fellowship ignited my passion for cybersecurity and set me on a path to further my education and career in this field.
The more I learned about the different facets of cybersecurity, the more I realized how critical it is to protect sensitive information and ensure the integrity and availability of data. This realization has driven my commitment to continuously improve my skills and knowledge in this ever-evolving field.”
2. How has your educational background prepared you for a career in cybersecurity?
Mariam Sanusi: “My educational background has been instrumental in shaping my career in cybersecurity. I hold a Master of Science in Cybersecurity from the University of Texas Dallas and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Caleb University. These programs provided me with a solid foundation in both theoretical and practical aspects of cybersecurity. The curriculum covered a wide range of topics, including network security, cryptography, ethical hacking, and risk management.
Additionally, obtaining industry certifications such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect-Associate, (ISC)2 Certified in Cybersecurity, and AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner further validated my skills and knowledge in this field.
These certifications required rigorous study and practical exams, ensuring that I not only understood the concepts but could also apply them effectively in real-world scenarios. My education has equipped me with the technical expertise and analytical skills necessary to tackle complex security challenges and develop robust solutions to protect organizational assets.”
3. What personal qualities do you possess that make you a good fit for the cybersecurity industry?
Mariam Sanusi: “I believe my attention to detail, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills are key qualities that make me well-suited for the cybersecurity industry. In cybersecurity, the smallest oversight can lead to significant vulnerabilities, so being meticulous is crucial.
My analytical thinking allows me to break down complex problems into manageable parts and devise effective strategies to address them. Additionally, I am highly adaptable and constantly eager to learn, which is essential in a field that evolves as rapidly as cybersecurity.
I thrive in dynamic environments where I can stay updated with the latest trends and technologies. Furthermore, my passion for safeguarding information drives me to continuously seek out new knowledge and best practices to enhance my skills. I am also a strong communicator and collaborator, which helps me work effectively with cross-functional teams to achieve common security objectives.”
Professional Background
4. Can you describe your role and responsibilities as a Cybersecurity Analyst at American Airlines?
Mariam Sanusi: “As a Cybersecurity Analyst at American Airlines, I had a range of responsibilities that centered around ensuring the security of our cloud resources. I utilized Sonrai Security tools for automated access reviews across AWS, Azure, and GCP cloud resources.
This involved continuously monitoring access permissions to ensure they were appropriate and aligned with our security policies. I was responsible for facilitating and tracking audit remediation activities with stakeholders, ensuring that identified issues were addressed promptly and effectively. Additionally, I assessed the effectiveness of controls to mitigate identified risks and offered solutions for process improvements.
This required a deep understanding of various security frameworks and best practices to ensure our controls were robust and effective. My role also involved staying updated with emerging threats and vulnerabilities, and proactively implementing measures to safeguard our systems. This experience allowed me to hone my skills in cloud security, risk management, and stakeholder communication, all of which are critical in maintaining a strong security posture.”
5. What were some of the key projects you worked on during your internship at Amazon Web Services (AWS)?
Mariam Sanusi: “During my internship at AWS, I had the opportunity to work on several key projects that significantly enhanced my understanding of cloud security and architecture. One of the primary projects involved designing a scalable and cost-efficient AWS analytics solution for data analysis and ETL workflows. I optimized schemas to ensure data integrity and implemented critical security measures using AWS Identity and Access Management (IAM), AWS Shield, and GuardDuty. These measures helped protect our data and applications from potential threats.
Additionally, I managed network infrastructure, including firewall configurations, VPN setup, and network monitoring, to ensure secure and reliable connectivity. Another significant project was developing a robust AMI management solution to address patching and deprecation challenges across multiple accounts.
I integrated AWS Inspector into the pipeline for automated vulnerability scanning, which streamlined the process and improved our overall security posture. These projects allowed me to apply my technical skills in real-world scenarios and contribute to meaningful improvements in our security infrastructure.”
6. Can you share your experience working at SystemSpecs and the impact you made there?
Mariam Sanusi: “At SystemSpecs, I played a crucial role in enhancing the organization’s cybersecurity framework. I conducted in-depth analyses of error logs to identify potential vulnerabilities and quantify their impact. Using tools like Nessus, I performed vulnerability assessments and wrote Python scripts to automate the remediation process, which significantly reduced threats by 90%.
My work involved collaborating with legal and compliance teams to ensure that our security policies were up-to-date and aligned with industry standards. This collaboration led to improvements in our policies and procedures, resulting in 100% compliance with regulatory requirements.
Additionally, I configured and fine-tuned Phish Alarm’s alerting mechanisms, ensuring that our team received timely notifications of potential threats. This proactive approach helped us respond to security incidents more effectively and minimize potential damage. My experience at SystemSpecs provided me with valuable insights into vulnerability management, policy development, and cross-functional collaboration, all of which are essential for maintaining a secure environment.”
Skills and Expertise
7. What technical skills do you possess that are crucial for your role in cybersecurity?
Mariam Sanusi: “My technical skills span a wide range of tools and technologies essential for cybersecurity. I am proficient in AWS services such as Glue, CloudFormation, Inspector, KMS, and RDS, which are crucial for managing and securing cloud infrastructure. I also have strong programming skills in SQL, Python, Linux, R, HTML, and CSS, which enable me to develop and implement custom security solutions.
My experience with vulnerability assessment tools like Wireshark, Metasploit, Qualys Guard, and Burp Suite has been instrumental in identifying and addressing potential security threats. Additionally, I am skilled in penetration testing using Kali Linux, which allows me to simulate attacks and test the effectiveness of our security measures.
I am also well-versed in regulatory compliance standards such as PCI DSS and ISO 27001, ensuring that our practices meet industry requirements. Lastly, my knowledge of SIEM tools like WAZUH and Splunk helps me monitor and analyze security events, providing valuable insights into potential threats and incidents.”
8. How have you utilized Sonrai Security tools in your previous roles?
Mariam Sanusi: “In my role at American Airlines, I utilized Sonrai Security tools to conduct automated access reviews across AWS, Azure, and GCP cloud resources. This involved setting up automated processes to continuously monitor and review access permissions, ensuring they were appropriate and aligned with our security policies. The tools provided insights into access patterns and potential risks, allowing me to identify and address issues proactively.
I also used Sonrai Security to facilitate audit remediation activities, working closely with stakeholders to track and resolve identified issues. This included documenting findings, recommending corrective actions, and verifying the implementation of solutions.
Additionally, I assessed the effectiveness of existing controls and offered suggestions for process improvements to enhance our overall security posture. The use of Sonrai Security tools streamlined our access management processes, reduced the risk of unauthorized access, and improved our ability to comply with regulatory requirements.”
9. Can you discuss a time when you had to collaborate with cross-functional teams to achieve a cybersecurity objective?
Mariam Sanusi: “While working at SystemSpecs, I collaborated with legal and compliance teams to improve our organization’s security policies. We conducted thorough reviews of our existing policies and identified gaps that needed to be addressed to achieve full compliance with regulatory requirements.
This involved working closely with different departments to understand their specific needs and challenges, and ensuring that our policies were comprehensive and effective. One particular project required us to enhance our vulnerability management processes.
I worked with the IT team to conduct vulnerability assessments and implement remediation measures. Simultaneously, I liaised with the legal team to ensure that our actions complied with relevant laws and regulations. This collaborative effort led to the implementation of enhanced security measures and policy updates, resulting in 100% compliance and significantly reducing our security risks. This experience highlighted the importance of cross-functional collaboration in achieving cybersecurity objectives and maintaining a secure environment.”
Achievements
10. What would you consider your most significant achievement in your cybersecurity career so far?
Mariam Sanusi: “One of my most significant achievements was reducing threats by 90% through vulnerability assessments at SystemSpecs. By conducting thorough analyses of error logs and using tools like Nessus, I was able to identify potential vulnerabilities and develop effective remediation strategies.
I automated many of these processes using Python scripts, which streamlined our operations and significantly improved our security posture. Additionally, my work in collaborating with legal and compliance teams to drive policy improvements was instrumental in achieving 100% compliance with regulatory requirements.
Another highlight of my career was my participation in the WomenTechsters Cybersecurity Virtual Fellowship, which provided me with foundational skills and practical experience that have been pivotal in my career. This fellowship not only ignited my passion for cybersecurity but also equipped me with the knowledge and confidence to tackle complex security challenges.”
11. Can you tell us about your research publications and their impact on the field of cybersecurity?
Mariam Sanusi: “I have published two research papers: ‘Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Supply Chains: Enhancing Resilience and Reducing Waste’ and ‘Enhancing Cybersecurity through Cloud Computing Solutions in the United States.’ These publications explore the integration of AI in healthcare supply chains and the role of cloud computing in strengthening cybersecurity measures, respectively.
In the first paper, I examined how AI technologies can be leveraged to improve the resilience and efficiency of healthcare supply chains, ultimately reducing waste and ensuring the timely delivery of critical supplies. This research highlighted the potential of AI to transform supply chain management and contribute to better healthcare outcomes.
The second paper focused on the benefits and challenges of implementing cloud computing solutions for cybersecurity in the United States. I discussed how cloud technologies can enhance security measures, provide scalability, and reduce costs, while also addressing potential risks and mitigation strategies. My research aims to contribute to the advancement of innovative solutions and best practices in the field of cybersecurity, and I hope it provides valuable insights for both practitioners and researchers.”
Future Aspirations:
12. What are your professional goals for the future, and how do you plan to achieve them?
Mariam Sanusi: “My professional goals include continuing to advance my expertise in cybersecurity and becoming a leading figure in developing innovative security solutions. I aspire to contribute to the industry through research, practical applications, and mentorship.
To achieve these goals, I plan to pursue further certifications, such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP), to deepen my knowledge and stay current with emerging trends and technologies.
Additionally, I intend to stay active in professional communities like Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) and attend industry conferences to network with other professionals and share insights. I also aim to drive impactful projects that address current and future cybersecurity challenges, leveraging my technical skills and experience to develop robust solutions. Ultimately, I hope to inspire and mentor the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, contributing to a more secure and resilient digital world.”
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Conclusion of the Interview Session with Mariam Sanusi
In conclusion, our interview with Mariam Sanusi has provided a thorough and compelling look into her journey, expertise, and achievements in the field of cybersecurity. Mariam’s educational background, with a Master of Science in Cybersecurity from the University of Texas Dallas and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Caleb University, has laid a solid foundation for her career. Her hands-on experience and advanced certifications, such as AWS Certified Solutions Architect-Associate and (ISC)2 Certified in Cybersecurity, have further honed her technical skills and knowledge.
Mariam’s professional roles, particularly as a Cybersecurity Analyst at American Airlines and her internship at Amazon Web Services, have showcased her ability to handle complex security challenges. Her work on automated access reviews, audit remediation activities, and vulnerability assessments has significantly improved the security posture of these organizations. Additionally, her collaboration with cross-functional teams at SystemSpecs highlights her strong communication and teamwork skills, essential for driving policy improvements and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Key projects, such as designing scalable AWS analytics solutions and developing robust AMI management systems, underline Mariam’s technical proficiency and innovative approach to problem-solving. Her research publications on artificial intelligence in healthcare supply chains and enhancing cybersecurity through cloud computing solutions demonstrate her commitment to advancing the field and providing valuable insights for both practitioners and researchers.
Mariam’s dedication to continuous learning, adaptability, and passion for safeguarding information make her an invaluable asset to any organization. Her future aspirations to become a leading figure in cybersecurity, contribute through research and mentorship, and drive impactful projects align perfectly with the ever-evolving demands of the cybersecurity landscape.
Bridge Africa Technologies proudly recognizes Mariam Sanusi as one of the Nigerians excelling abroad in the field of cybersecurity. Her achievements not only reflect her individual capabilities but also serve as an inspiration to others in the industry. Mariam’s contributions have the potential to significantly impact both Nigeria and the global community, paving the way for a more secure digital future.
With her robust academic background, extensive hands-on experience, and unwavering commitment to excellence, Mariam Sanusi is poised to continue making substantial contributions to cybersecurity, ensuring the protection and integrity of information systems worldwide. We look forward to witnessing her future accomplishments and the positive influence she will undoubtedly have on the industry.
