From CyberPatriot to AI Security: How She Broke Into Cybersecurity | Sana Talwar

🎙️ From High School Cyber Competitions to AI Security 🔐

At RSA Conference 2026, I sat down with Sana Talwar to talk about breaking into cybersecurity—and what it really takes.

💡 How she started:

• AP Computer Science

• CyberPatriot (CTF-style competitions)

• Passion for problem-solving

🚀 What actually got her into cyber?
Internships.
She explored multiple paths:

• Software engineering in security

• Network security (hands-on + server rooms ❄️)

• Embedded security

👉 Didn’t love most of them… and that’s the point.
That trial-and-error led her to Product Security.

🤖 What she’s focused on now:

• AI Security & AppSec

• Prompt injection risks

• Making security easier for beginners to understand

📈 Her take on AI:

• Not replacing jobs—but reshaping them

• Some entry-level tasks may fade

• New opportunities are emerging fast

• The key = adaptability

🧠 Advice for anyone trying to break in:

• Don’t skip fundamentals (networking, systems, architecture)

• Certifications help—but real understanding matters more

• Learn by doing

• Use LinkedIn to network & find opportunities

🤝 Why RSAC matters:

• Meet people you’ve followed for years

• Turn online connections into real conversations

• Learn what others are building right now

🎧 Real conversations. No scripts. Just value.
I’m Efren Salazar with Wake Up X Solutions—bringing you insights straight from RSAC.

#CyberSecurity #AISecurity #RSAC #RSAC2026 #CyberCareers #Networking #WomenInCyber #TechGrowth #Podcast #WakeUpXSolutions