Flash Security Services Ltd’s Post

The crucial aspect of cybersecurity lies in its impartial nature—cyber threats do not discriminate. Regardless of our diverse backgrounds, cyber risks affect us universally. #Cybersecurity #InclusiveTech #DigitalSecurity"

As we enter Black History Month, let's shine a spotlight on the outstanding Black leaders who continue to shape the future of cybersecurity. To strengthen our collective cybersecurity efforts, we must continue to promote diversity in all its forms. Diverse teams bring a wealth of perspectives, ideas, and skills that are crucial in addressing the multifaceted challenges we face in the digital age. It's not just about acknowledging achievements during Black History Month; it's a year-round commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all. Are you in?

During #BlackHistoryMonth we asked colleagues from our VIBE Employee Resource Group to share what the month means to them. Here is what they said. Video Description: What does Black History Month mean to you? “A chance for purposeful reflection and taking the time to think of where I am today.”- Michael Vieira, Manager, PFS New Business Support. “We get to take some time to put a spotlight on those fearless leaders, inventors, activists, and change makers that have made it possible for us to take our cause to the next level.” - Tabathia Floyd, Quality Assurance Senior Analyst. “Black history to me is a vital part of human history… it frames my view to live with a measure of hope that we all recognize acceptance as the key to making definitive progress.” - Candice Caines-Francis, AVP Strategy, Global Inforce Management. “A great opportunity to reflect and celebrate the achievements and history of Black individuals; while also understanding the struggles faced and the progress made in the pursuit of equality and justice.”- Martin Hairston, Rollover Education Specialist.

Members of our Employee Resource Group, VIBE, shared with us what #BlackHistoryMonth means to them. Here is what they said. Video Description: What does Black History Month mean to you? “We get to take some time to put a spotlight on those fearless leaders, inventors, activists, and change makers that have made it possible for us to take our cause to the next level.” - Tabathia Floyd, Quality Assurance Senior Analyst. “A great opportunity to reflect and celebrate the achievements and history of Black individuals; while also understanding the struggles faced and the progress made in the pursuit of equality and justice.”- Martin Hairston, Rollover Education Specialist. “A chance for purposeful reflection and taking the time to think of where I am today.”- Michael Vieira, Manager, PFS New Business Support. “A time when I get to reflect on the achievements of Black leaders and community activists who took risks, organized, and dedicated their lives for change.” - Janell Akoi, Executive Assistant.

Creating opportunities for those who come after is not equally, but far MORE important than just being the first. It is the difference between trivial historical footnote and truly historic impact. Becoming the first is not an achievement; it’s an ASSIGNMENT. #TheSuccesspert #iwd2024 #blackwomanpower #womenshistorymonth #mentoring #mentorship

“How do you expect me to remember instructions that we discussed a month ago?…” These were the words shared by an employee. Rather than being deterred, I was inspired to create more streams of communication and to share resources in different formats. We have all spent time creating protocols, developing systems and have shared standard operating procedures. What we don’t do a good enough job of is sharing these resources in different ways for our people to feel connected. Communication, Communication, Communication and some more communication. We can all agree that communication is a key component to success in business, strategies, relationships and so much more. Get informed, be inspired and stay connected. Chicago Defender has been a constant fabric in the American black experience. More than a local paper, The Defender has been an engine of ideas and opinions that galvanized black people nationwide. Founded in 1905,The Chicago Defender celebrated its 115th Anniversary in 2020 and the evolution being recognized nationally as the 2nd most widely read and best African-American Newspaper by Nielson and Essence Survey 2014. Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture

As we honor Black History Month, I reflect on the journey that brought me here – a proud Black individual thriving in the dynamic world of cybersecurity. I'm reflecting on the remarkable journey of Black individuals who paved the way in various fields, including tech and cybersecurity. As a Black Canadian working in this predominantly white domain, I stand on the shoulders of giants like Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Margaret Hamilton, whose brilliance and perseverance broke down barriers and inspired generations. 🚀💻 The official theme for this year's Black History Month in Canada is "Black Excellence: A Heritage to Celebrate; a Future to Build" My path in cybersecurity hasn't always been easy. Facing stereotypes and navigating underrepresentation can be challenging. But the passion for protecting information and securing systems, coupled with the support of mentors and allies, fueled my determination. In an industry where diversity is still evolving, I stand as a testament that barriers can be broken, and ceilings shattered. 🌐🔐 Embracing my identity, I've navigated through challenges, carved my path, and succeeded in a domain that has been historically dominated. Today, I'm proud to contribute to a more diverse and inclusive cybersecurity landscape in Canada. I mentor aspiring Black youth, actively advocate for representation in STEM fields, and work towards building secure digital spaces for everyone. Cybersecurity isn't just about codes and firewalls; it's about breaking through stereotypes, defying expectations, and proving that excellence knows no color. 🌈🌐 To all aspiring minds, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds, know that your unique perspectives and talents are essential in building a safer digital future. 💪🏿💡 This Black History Month, let's celebrate our collective achievements while acknowledging the ongoing need for inclusivity and equity. Let's continue to celebrate diversity, challenge norms, and collectively shape an industry that welcomes everyone. Here's to a future where every face in cybersecurity is a reflection of the vibrant tapestry that is humanity! 🌍🚀 #BlackHistoryMonth #Cybersecurity #DiversityInTech #BlackInTech #BreakingBarriers #TechExcellence

This Black History Month NAC is looking at how we can be better allies in our workplace. 💙Look out for racial gaslighting and make sure that we don’t refute people’s lived experience. 💙Respond to racism in the moment by challenging, questioning, or calling out what is happening. 💙Don’t penalize victims in the process of resolving issues. Make sure to center the victim in your response. 💙Interrupt bias in evaluations by working through your company’s practices and determining lingering bias in standards for employees. 💙Move to skills-based hiring practices instead of degree based and create more equity in hiring practices. Each day brings a new opportunity for us all to be better allies and create a better workspace for everyone.

For this Black History Month and beyond keep these things in mind. 1. Black History is more than just Martin Luther King and Rosa Parks. Use your platform to celebrate the vast intersectionalities of Blackness and honor those mentioned and those who don't get the attention they deserve. 2. Move beyond performative action to shift policies that negatively impact Black employees. That means reviewing hiring practices, performance management policies, and even benefits to ensure that you are creating a space that is accessible and inclusive. 3. Center the narratives of those most impacted. Understanding our stories doesn't mean you have a role in validating or invalidating our experiences. Our experiences exist and are valid because they are ours. Your job is to get out of the way to allow those with contextual expertise to be centered. 4. Keep it cute. If you don't know, it's okay to be quiet, listen, and do your own work. No one is asking you to be an expert in the experiences of Black folks,’ but you learn more when you listen than when you talk. 5. Lastly, Black History is 365 (366 this year) days. Our history is engrained in this country, and without our story and our experiences, you wouldn't have a complete narrative. Honor these stories every day. #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackVoices #Inclusion #Equity #diversity

🌟 Celebrating Black Excellence in Security 🌟 Join us in honoring the achievements and contributions of these remarkable African American leaders in the security industry. Their dedication, innovation, and leadership 📌Robert Abbott: Founder of the Chicago Defender newspaper, Abbott advocated for civil rights and exposed racial injustices, contributing to broader societal changes. 📌Robert C. Weaver: The first African American to serve in the United States Cabinet, Weaver focused on addressing housing inequality and urban blight, laying the foundation for efforts to improve living conditions and security. 📌Philip Emeagwali: A pioneering computer scientist, Emeagwali's work in parallel computing has had far-reaching implications for various industries, including security and surveillance technologies. While these individuals may not have been exclusively focused on security in the traditional sense, their contributions to civil rights, urban planning, technology, and journalism have had profound impacts on the safety, security, and well-being of African American communities and society as a whole. #BlackHistoryMonth #BlackExcellence #SecurityLeaders #Inspiration #safewatchlive #security #blackhistorymonth