We interviewed Bilal Khan, a Cybersecurity Program Support Consultant at MindPoint Group. In this blog, you’ll learn about Bilal’s background, how he got started working in technology, and why he loves working at MPG.
Walk us through your background. How did you get started working in technology/security?
As far back as I can remember, I have been working with computers. My dad (who used to be an A+ CompTIA Certification instructor) has had a huge influence on my interest in technology and taught my brother and me everything he could about computers starting at a very young age. However, it was not until college that I really started to pursue working in technology as an actual career. I was actually down the science and medical track, and I realized that it just was not for me. I decided to move forward with that career path to study Cybersecurity Management and Policy because of my interest in tech and from the positive feedback I had heard about studying security. From there, I worked at a helpdesk and held a few networking jobs before graduating. I started at MPG as an entry-level Analyst as my first job out of college, and I have loved being here ever since!
Describe your current role, and walk us through the typical day?
In my current role as a Program Support Analyst for a Federal agency, my day-to-day job is to review their current ATO and authorization process. This agency has to provide information about its security programs on an annual basis. I do a review of their systems, processes, and documentation to make sure it is being done correctly. From there, I can provide additional recommendations and advice to them.
In addition to my work on the ATO process, I am also on a team that gives FedRAMP guidance and consulting to an agency and a customer seeking certification. Since we’re very skilled with FedRAMP, we’ve also been helping them go through the control responsibility matrix and giving direction on the process.
What are the biggest challenges you face in a day?
My biggest challenge is not working in an office! I loved being able to see my MPG co-workers each day. It made it so much easier to communicate with folks, ask questions, and just catch up in general.
What is your favorite part of your job?
My favorite part of my job is providing recommendations on something and then seeing them come to life. It’s really cool to feel like you’re improving a system and making an impact on an organization. My other favorite part of my job is the people that I get to work with at MPG.
Why do you love cybersecurity?
It has been really cool to see the industry grow and for awareness around security to grow as well. People realize that security and privacy are things that impact everyone and every industry — that will not change going forward. It’s also a cool connection point to have with people as well. A lot of my family works in healthcare, so we have that connection on compliance and HIPAA to talk about as well.
What do you like to do outside of work?
Outside of work, I love to play video games and have recently gotten back into photography as well. I live near a lot of my extended family, so I also love seeing them and my nephews and nieces whenever I get the chance.
Last book you read and/or tv show you binged?
I am currently reading a book called A Curious Mind which has been really good. For Tv, I am actually watching Billions for the second time.
What is your favorite part of MindPoint Group?
My favorite part of MPG is the people who work here. I always feel really comfortable going to them and asking questions, and management does a great job at promoting trust and transparency within the organization and building a positive culture. The partners also have put great people in management positions at MPG, and I’ve always felt really supported in my roles throughout my time here.
Want to know more about what it’s like to work at MindPoint Group? Find out for yourself and apply to one of our job openings.
