Editor’s note: Oleksii Baranovskyi, CISM, of Ukraine, is the recipient of the ISACA Educational Excellence Award for contributions to cybersecurity education in Ukraine and worldwide. Dr. Baranovskyi began his career as a security analyst at a software product company before transitioning into the banking industry and ultimately into a professional cyber security services company and academic institutions. Find out more about him in this Q&A with the ISACA Now blog below, and learn more about ISACA’s Global Achievement Award recipients here.
ISACA Now: What inspired you to pursue a career in the security field?
The spark that ignited my passion for a career in security can be traced back to a seemingly unassuming moment: watching the movie “Hackers” starring Angelina Jolie and Jonny Lee Miller back in 1995. True story! It might sound a bit naive, but that movie planted a seed in my mind: the idea that I, too, could become a hacker. Of course, I mean that in the most noble sense of the word: a cybersecurity expert :)
Since embarking on my university education in 2001, I’ve remained steadfast in my dedication to cybersecurity.
ISACA Now: Why is being not just a security practitioner, but an educator as well, important to you?
Being intertwined in the roles of both a security practitioner and an educator holds a profound significance for me. It’s like standing at the crossroads where the theoretical knowledge from the academic realm meets the practical realities of the cybersecurity market. There’s a gap here, and I’ve come to see it as my calling to bridge this divide. I aim not just to educate but to inspire a new generation to delve deep into the realm of cybersecurity.
ISACA Now: Along those lines, what have been one or two of your favorite educational experiences so far?
Perhaps the most impactful was my involvement in developing a program and teaching officers from the cyber police of the Ukrainian National Police. It was a rare and valuable opportunity to directly link theoretical knowledge with practical application in real cybercrime investigations.
ISACA Now: How has the security community in Ukraine evolved the most during these tumultuous past couple years?
The cybersecurity community in Ukraine has undergone remarkable changes, especially in the wake of the challenges we've faced since 24 February 2022. Prior to this, we were a community of colleagues, partners, and sometimes competitors. However, from that day forward— we became friends and brothers in arms. There is increasing interest among students in pursuing cybersecurity as a profession. And I do like that!
ISACA Now: What does this award and being part of the ISACA community generally mean to you?
Receiving this award from the ISACA community is incredibly meaningful to me. It’s a validation of my mission and a reminder that the efforts and dedication I’ve poured into this field have a real impact.