Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving industry that demands resilience, adaptability, and a passion for protecting others. Grace Dees, a Cybersecurity Business Analyst at Resonance Security, recently spoke about her inspiring journey that brought her into the field. In this exclusive Q&A with SVIP, Grace shares insights into her unconventional career path, the role she plays at Resonance Security, and her thoughts on the future of cybersecurity.

From Ranching to Cybersecurity

Like many professionals in cybersecurity, Grace’s career path was anything but traditional. Originally from Texas, she grew up deeply involved in the agricultural industry, eventually running her own horse training and sales business while earning an MBA from Midway University in Kentucky. However, she always felt a deep desire to protect others, a trait she attributes to her father, a lifelong police officer, and her mother, a tech pioneer in the ‘90s.

"My father was a police officer, so I grew up with a strong appreciation for security. At the same time, my mother was a leader in the ‘90s tech scene, which I believe gave me an innate predisposition to technology. Once I discovered cybersecurity and its positive impact on myself, my loved ones, and people all around the world, I knew I had found my calling," Grace explains. 

Grace embarked on an intensive self-learning journey, earning her CompTIA Security+ certification and tirelessly applying for jobs. Her big break came in 2024 when she networked at a Web3 conference in Denver, Colorado and connected with Charles Dray, CEO of Resonance Security, ultimately landing her current role.

A Day in the Life of a Cybersecurity Business Analyst

At Resonance Security, Grace wears many hats. "I handle project management, product development, client communications, research and content creation, process optimization—pretty much anything that isn’t engineering but still needs to get done," she shares. So what sets Resonance Security apart? 

"We take a truly innovative approach, covering both offensive and defensive cybersecurity needs. At the end of the day, our mission is simple: to be your one-stop shop for cybersecurity," Grace explains. Resonance services range from penetration testing and smart contract audits to 24/7 monitoring and incident response.  

“We make cybersecurity accessible at every level, ensuring that everyone, whether they’re technical experts or not, is empowered to play a role in their security posture." Beyond businesses, Grace also shares that the company prioritizes personal cybersecurity, offering packages that include security tools, education, on-call response teams, and even cybersecurity insurance. 

The Future of Cybersecurity

Looking ahead, Grace predicts that AI and automation will revolutionize cybersecurity, making AI-driven threat detection and automated incident response the norm. However, she also warns that cybercriminals will leverage AI for more sophisticated attacks. "That’s why I believe Zero Trust Architecture will become the standard," she notes.

Additionally, personal cybersecurity solutions will become more prevalent as individuals increasingly become targets of cyber threats. As decentralized technologies grow, security in Web3 spaces will also mature, making smart contract audits and blockchain forensics essential.

Advice for Aspiring Cybersecurity Professionals

For those looking to break into the field, Grace emphasizes persistence and continuous learning. "Start by building a strong foundation with certifications like CompTIA Security+, but don’t stop there. Get hands-on experience, participate in capture-the-flag competitions, and take on personal projects," she advises.

Networking is another crucial element. "The cybersecurity community is incredibly supportive. Attend conferences, engage on LinkedIn, and join security groups. My first opportunity came from a connection at a conference, not from blindly submitting applications." Grace also encourages newcomers to consider non-technical roles, as cybersecurity encompasses policy, risk management, compliance, and business-focused security positions.

Staying Ahead in a Rapidly Changing Industry

We asked Grace how she continues to stay ahead in an industry that continues to evolve. She mentioned reading cybersecurity newsletters, setting news alerts, and following industry discussions on LinkedIn. However, she also mentioned that she actively participates in conferences and tech meetups, particularly those focused on supporting women in technology. "Finding a women-focused tech group has been invaluable. It’s inspiring to connect with other women in cybersecurity and build a strong support network."

Grace Dees’ journey into cybersecurity is a testament to the power of persistence, adaptability, and passion. Whether breaking into the industry, staying ahead of emerging threats, or helping clients build stronger security postures, she embodies the spirit of cybersecurity professionals dedicated to making the digital world a safer place. Her story serves as an inspiration to anyone looking to carve their own path in this dynamic and essential field.

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