Age Discrimination is Wrong, and So is Attacking Federal Employees Because of Their Age

You've probably seen the posts by now, shared on social media criticizing six young software engineers for being young and working for the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). And quite honestly, these posts make me sick to my stomach.

As someone with experience in the federal contracting world, working for various Federal agencies under four different administrations, including Bush, Obama, Trump, and Biden, I find it deeply troubling to see young professionals working for DOGE being thrust into the public spotlight and targeted simply because of their age. These are engineers, not even federal appointees but regular everyday employees, who are trying to do their jobs to the best of their ability, yet they are being unfairly scrutinized and harassed. This is not okay.

Some of the best software engineers I’ve worked with have been much younger than myself. Their ability to write efficient code and analyze complex data often surpassed that of more experienced engineers with decades in the field. Age is not a measure of competence, and dismissing someone’s qualifications based solely on how young they are is a disservice to the entire profession.

Do you have any idea how hard it is to find talented software engineers? And now, we're going to begin attacking them fresh out of college for collecting a paycheck? I'm so glad I left Federal contracting, or I'd be very afraid I could be next just because somebody doesn't like whatever agency I started working for.

Publicly sharing names, photos, ages, and employers of individuals—especially when they have done nothing wrong—is a deliberate act of harassment and intimidation. These young professionals did not seek out public attention; they simply accepted jobs within a federal unit that happens to be in the political spotlight. That should not make them targets. We have no idea their political affiliations, voting record, or if they even like Elon Musk or Donald Trump? I worked under four different Presidential administrations. Do you know how often that affected my willingness to do my job to the best of my ability? Never.

Even if there were any questions about the legitimacy of the agency they were hired by (which was in fact setup by the Obama administration as the United States Data Service - USDS), should their careers suffer because they took a job they believed to be legitimate? That would make them victims—not individuals who deserve public attacks.

When did it become acceptable to single out people for harassment just because of their employment? This kind of behavior is not just unfair—it borders on age discrimination. The post in question doesn’t even attempt to evaluate their qualifications. It simply highlights their names, ages, and photos, with the clear intent to stir outrage rather than foster any meaningful discussion.

It’s time to recognize that these are real people with careers and futures ahead of them. They deserve to be able to work without being subjected to this kind of public targeting. If we truly value fairness and professionalism, we must call out this kind of behavior for what it is—unacceptable.

Shame on every media outlet which has published a story with the intent of harassing these young men, and shame on every single person who has shared posts criticizing them for simply being "young." There is a line between reporting and harassment, a line between proper disclosure of Federal employees and intentional targeting with intent to harass. Attacking six young men for only being young and working for a government unit you disagree with crosses that line.

I don't like paying taxes, but I certainly don't go around posting the name, age, and photos of IRS agents. That's harassment, and not okay.

Ken Buckler was a Federal cybersecurity contractor for over 15 years. All opinions are his own, and do not reflect those of his employer or clients.

So You Want to Get Started in Cybersecurity...

Several years ago, I penned a blog post about embarking on a journey into the world of cybersecurity. It's been quite a ride since then, and now I'm thrilled to bring you an updated guide on how to kickstart your cybersecurity career. The best part? You don't need a cybersecurity degree to enter this exciting field. Let's dive in!

Degrees Aren't Everything

Many aspiring cybersecurity professionals wonder if they need a specific cybersecurity degree to land their dream job. The good news is that you don't necessarily need one! While a cybersecurity degree can be advantageous, degrees in related fields such as computer science, information technology, or data science can serve as excellent foundations. Employers value the technical and problem-solving skills that these degrees provide.

Getting Started with Free Resources

Cybrary.it: Your Cybersecurity Training Hub

Cybrary.it is a goldmine of free cybersecurity resources. They offer a wide range of courses, from beginner to advanced levels, covering topics like ethical hacking, network security, and more. With hands-on labs and expert instructors, it's an excellent platform to build your skills.

Khan Academy: Foundational Knowledge

If you're looking to strengthen your mathematics and computer science fundamentals, Khan Academy is the perfect place. Brush up on your algebra, calculus, and programming skills, which are essential for understanding cybersecurity concepts.

Coursera: University-Quality Courses

Coursera offers free courses from top universities worldwide. You can find cybersecurity-related courses here as well. While some come with a fee for certification, auditing the courses allows you to access the content for free.

Practical Experience is Key

The cybersecurity field places a strong emphasis on practical experience. Therefore, in addition to theoretical knowledge, consider participating in Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges and setting up your own lab environment to practice your skills.

Remember that cybersecurity is a vast field, so don't rush. Take your time to explore different areas, such as network security, penetration testing, incident response, and more. Find what sparks your interest, and specialize accordingly.

As you venture further into the world of cybersecurity, I also want to introduce you to my cybersecurity books, which are available for free with a subscription to LeanPub. They delve into various aspects of cybersecurity, offering valuable insights and practical tips to help you navigate this dynamic field. Here are my books:

• "Cybersecurity Rules to Live By": An introductory guide to fundamental cybersecurity principles that every professional should know.
• "Death by Identity Theft": Uncover the secrets of identity theft and learn how to protect yourself and others from this pervasive threat.
• "Hacking of the Free": A guide to digital threats to our elections.

Embarking on a career in cybersecurity doesn't require a specific degree. With determination, the right resources, and practical experience, you can build a successful career in this dynamic and rewarding field. Remember to continuously update your knowledge and stay curious, as cybersecurity is ever-evolving.

Taking the Next Step - Your First Cybersecurity Job

Now that you've set your sights on a career in cybersecurity and equipped yourself with valuable knowledge, the next step is landing your first job. A great starting point for many newcomers to the field is a Helpdesk Technician role, which can serve as a launchpad for your cybersecurity journey. Let's explore how to find such a position and some useful resources to aid you in your quest.

1. Build a Strong Resume and Cover Letter

Before you start applying for jobs, ensure your resume highlights your relevant skills and certifications. Emphasize any coursework, projects, or personal initiatives related to cybersecurity, even if they weren't part of a formal job. Craft a compelling cover letter that expresses your passion for the field and your eagerness to learn and grow in a Helpdesk Technician role.

2. Leverage Job Search Websites

Several job search websites cater to entry-level IT positions, including Helpdesk Technician roles. Here are some popular ones:

Indeed (indeed.com): One of the largest job search engines with a wide range of IT job listings.

LinkedIn (linkedin.com/jobs): An excellent platform for job hunting, networking, and researching potential employers.

Dice (dice.com): Specializes in technology and IT job listings, making it a valuable resource for those entering the cybersecurity field.

Glassdoor (glassdoor.com): Offers job listings, company reviews, and salary information.

3. Explore Company Websites

Many organizations post job openings directly on their websites. Identify companies in your area or those you are interested in working for, and regularly check their careers pages for job postings.

4. Network, Network, Network

Networking is a powerful tool in job hunting. Attend local cybersecurity meetups, conferences, and webinars to connect with professionals in the field. Join online forums and groups related to cybersecurity on platforms like Reddit, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Engage in conversations, ask questions, and seek advice. Sometimes, job opportunities are shared directly within these communities.

5. Consider Internships and Entry-Level Positions

While you may have your sights set on a Helpdesk Technician role as your first job in cybersecurity, don't disregard internship opportunities or other entry-level positions, such as IT support or junior sysadmin roles. These can be stepping stones to the role you ultimately desire and provide valuable experience.

6. Tailor Your Applications

Customize your applications for each job you apply to. Highlight relevant skills and experience based on the specific requirements of the job posting. Mention any certifications or coursework that demonstrate your commitment to cybersecurity.

7. Prepare for Interviews

Once you start receiving interview invitations, prepare diligently. Research common interview questions for Helpdesk Technician roles and practice your responses. Showcase your problem-solving skills, technical knowledge, and willingness to learn during interviews.

8. Be Persistent and Patient

Job hunting can be challenging, especially when you're entering a competitive field like cybersecurity. Rejection is a part of the process, so don't be discouraged by setbacks. Keep refining your skills, expanding your network, and applying for relevant positions.

Useful Websites for Job Search

To make your job search easier, here are some websites where you can find Helpdesk Technician and entry-level IT positions:

Indeed: A comprehensive job search engine with a vast number of IT job listings.

LinkedIn Jobs: Leverage your professional network to discover job opportunities.

Dice: Focuses on tech and IT job listings, including entry-level positions.

Glassdoor: Provides job listings, company reviews, and salary information.

CareerBuilder: Offers a wide range of job listings, including IT roles.

Remember, landing your first job in cybersecurity may take time, but with persistence, continuous learning, and the right resources, you'll be well on your way to building a successful career in this dynamic and rewarding field.

Some Closing Thoughts

Cybersecurity can be a very rewarding career, but don't spend too much time staring at the computer screen and not enough time outside in the real world. Cybersecurity naturally attracts introverts, and believe it or not I am naturally one of them. The only way I've succeeded and advanced my career in cybersecurity has been by breaking outside of my comfort zone and actually talking with people. It has taken me years to build up the social skills I need to truly succeed. Strike up a conversation, push your own boundaries. And most importantly, don't forget to stop and enjoy life outside of the computer world once in a while.

I wish you the best with your cybersecurity career, and hope that you'll make an excellent addition to our much-needed workforce!

Ken is a cybersecurity professional with over 15 years experience. All opinions are his own, and do not reflect those of his employer or clients.

Departing the Federal Space, CBD and The Rest of the Story...

Now that I've departed the Federal contracting world, I can share the rest of my story.

As you may already know, I recently made a major career move departing the Federal contracting space. While there were other health reasons which contributed to my departure from my previous employer, including photophobia triggered by fluorescent lights in most Federal office spaces, this move was in part directly related to the injury I suffered from the COVID-19 vaccine, and the treatment I found worked for me to repair the damage.

Starting a New Chapter

What a long, strange trip it's been. For over 15 years now, I've devoted my career to supporting the Federal government through Information Technology and Cyber Security. That chapter of my life is now quickly coming to a close.

For quite some time now, I've kept my employers confidential due to concern over being targeted by foreign entities in relation to my work I've performed for various Federal agencies. It's been an interesting run, providing my expertise to Defense Information Systems Agency, Department of Veterans Affairs, the Census Bureau, and various private companies over the years. I've worked with state-of-the-art computer systems distributed across the country, as well as worked with computer systems which are actually older than me but still up and running (and I just recently turned 40).

Three books, and thousands of tweets later, and I still feel like I've only scratched the surface of the real depth, and scope, of the cyber security realm.