Chigozie Ejeofobiri is a seasoned Network and Cloud Security Engineer with over 10 years’ experience in designing and implementing enterprise level cybersecurity solutions.
His work spans multiple industries, from tech giants like TikTok in UK to senior consultancy roles in South Africa and Nigeria where he has designed solutions to protect businesses against diverse cyber threats.
He is highly skilled in defense-in-depth architectures, zero-trust security models, and AI-driven security solutions which has provided the platform to secure networks and digital assets across the globe. In this interview, we explore his journey, insights, and vision for the future of cybersecurity.
TE: Can you tell us about your journey into cybersecurity and what sparked your interest in the field?
Chigozie: My journey into Technology began with my background in Electrical and Electronic Engineering. I was always fascinated by how technology can be used both constructively and destructively.
Early in my career, I worked as a network engineer, where the foundation of whole career experience was shaped. I was exposed to the importance of security in digital infrastructure and my desire for securing networks from cyberthreats motivated me towards the field of cybersecurity.
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to design and implement security solutions for various organizations, and my passion for this field has only grown stronger. I have built on this passion by acquiring expert level trainings, education and certifications to position myself as a leading talent in the field.
TE: You have worked with multiple organizations, including TikTok. What has been the most challenging aspect of securing a global platform?
Chigozie: One of the biggest challenges of securing a global platform like TikTok is the scale and complexity of the infrastructure. With millions of users worldwide, the attack surface is vast.
Threat actors are constantly evolving their tactics, so we need to stay ahead by implementing proactive security measures.
At TikTok, my role involves designing comprehensive network security strategies, ensuring compliance with global security standards, and managing large-scale firewall operations.
The need for real-time threat detection and response adds another layer of complexity, but it’s also what makes the job exciting.
TE: How has cybersecurity evolved in recent years, and what trends do you foresee shaping the future?
Chigozie: Cybersecurity has evolved significantly and this trend will continue especially with growth of cloud computing, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and hybrid work environments. In recent years, we’ve seen a shift toward zero-trust security models, which focused on verifying every user and device before granting access to the network.
AI is the current game changer and it is already making a significant impact in cybersecurity. As the use of AI becomes easily accessible for both good and bad usage, one of its key benefits will be in analyzing vast amounts of data sets quickly to detect anomalies that could indicate potential threats.
I believe we will see a massive adoption of AI-driven automated threat detection and response in cybersecurity operations, enhanced identity and access management solutions to counter the bad usage of AI.
There will also be need for Governments and regulatory bodies to introduce strict data protection laws for AI usage.
TE: What advice would you give to aspiring cybersecurity professionals?
Chigozie: My biggest advice is to stay curious, motivated and never stop learning. Cybersecurity is a rapidly evolving field, and staying ahead requires continuous education.
I recommend gaining hands-on experience with security tools, attending trainings, obtaining industry certifications, and participating in local cybersecurity meetups communities.
It’s also important to develop a problem-solving mindset because every security challenge is unique.
Lastly, always approach security with a proactive rather than reactive mindset to anticipate threats before they become incidents.
TE: What is one cybersecurity myth that you would like to debunk?
Chigozie: One common myth is that cybersecurity is solely an IT issue. In reality, cybersecurity is an enterprise wide responsibility. While Security teams implement security strategies and measures, employees at all levels must be aware of security risks and best practices.
A single weak link such as falling for a phishing email or clicking a malicious link, can lead to a najor security breach for the whole organization which could cost losses to the organizations from reputation damage, financial losses and regulatory fines. This is where user awareness and training comes into play.
Organizations need to foster a culture of security awareness and ensure that cybersecurity is integrated into business strategies.
TE: What excites you the most about the future of cybersecurity?
Chigozie: I’m excited about the possibilities that emerging technologies will bring to cybersecurity. The convergence of AI, blockchain, and quantum computing could lead to groundbreaking security innovations especially in the area of cryptography.
Additionally, as cyber threats become more sophisticated, I hope to see more collaboration between industry leaders, researchers, and governments to combat cybercrime.
The future of cybersecurity is not just about protecting systems but also about enabling businesses to innovate securely. I look forward to being part of this evolution and continuing to contribute to the field.
Chigozie Ejeofobiri’s journey in cybersecurity is a testament to the importance of expertise, adaptability, and innovation in the digital age. As cyber threats continue to evolve, professionals like Chigozie are leading the charge in securing the digital world. His insights offer valuable lessons for both aspiring and seasoned cybersecurity professionals. Stay connected with Chigozie through his LinkedIn profile and explore his latest research to dive deeper into the future of cybersecurity.
