Q: If people want to find you online where should they look?
A:You can find me on Linkedin at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonali-tyagi-92309798/ or
email me at my university email at tyagi36@purdue.edu
Q: Is this your first time going to a hacking or Information Security event?
I have attended SecCon (Cisco) and multiple capture the flag events. I have also
presented at Cisco Live, but this is my first time with Diana Initiative and I am looking
forward to Las Vegas.
Q: What is the thing you are most hoping to go home with, a memory, an experience, a
new skill, knowledge around a specific topic?
A: I am eagerly looking forward to engaging with the Infosec community and building
professional relationships that can foster future collaborations. This is the best
opportunity one could have to network with worldwide experts from the Infosec
community.
Q: What are you studying in school? How do you like it?
A: I am a PhD student studying Cyber Forensics at Purdue University. My research
interests lie at the intersection of Digital Forensics and understanding behavioral profiles
of trending cybercrimes. So far during my first year as a Graduate Instructor for the
Cyber Criminology class, I have delivered weekly lectures on niche cybercrimes, such
as hacking, trolling, cyberbullying, cyber harassment, identity theft, and fraud. Handling
PhD research and teaching a class of 60 students has been an enriching experience
which has enhanced my analytical thinking, intellect, and time management skills.
Q: What is your biggest topic of interests in infosec?
A: My biggest topic of interest in information security is understanding and mitigating cyber
threats through the lens of behavioral analysis and digital forensics. I am particularly
fascinated by the evolving tactics of cybercriminals and how we can develop proactive
measures to prevent and respond to cyber incidents. Another area of interest for me is
network security and communications as I have worked on multiple projects in that area.
Q: Have you ever worked at a security company, full time or intern? Where and how was
that experience?
A: I have worked at Cisco as a security consulting engineer for 6 years in Bangalore, India.
Those years of my life molded me into what I am today. I led numerous projects,
including gathering client requirements, designing secure networks, and implementing
comprehensive security solutions. I worked on client projects based in Japan, Australia,
Singapore, USA and Qatar. The travel and experience of working with different cultures
and regions of the world evolved me and made me ready for my adventures in the US.
Q: What is your dream job?
Q: What sparked your interest in infosec?
A: My interest in information security was sparked by a combination of academic curiosity
and practical exposure. During my undergraduate studies, I was intrigued by the
complexities of cybersecurity and how it impacts every facet of modern life. My
experience working on real security projects with the Delhi police Cybercrime Branch
during my masters opened me up to a wide variety of possibilities in the infosec area.
If there is a question you would rather answer instead feel free to do that!