On Thursday, March 27, Nick Barilovich ‘03 visited Catholic Central to discuss a career in cybersecurity with interested students as part of the Career Conference Series. 

Drawing from his diverse career path, including time at West Point, working in child protective services for the state of Michigan, studying at Davenport University, and currently working at AAA Life Insurance, Barilovich talked about how cybersecurity professionals protect sensitive data.

He explained that cybersecurity is crucial in industries like life insurance, where vast amounts of personal data, such as names, addresses, medical histories, and even driving records, must be protected. He ensures that this information remains safe from unauthorized access, alterations, or breaches.

Using real-world examples, he outlined how cybersecurity professionals rely on frameworks, policies, and continuous monitoring to keep data secure. His job is to conduct annual audits, collect threat intelligence, and respond instantly to security incidents. Through tools like log collection and managed threat systems, he can filter out suspicious activity, ensuring only trusted traffic accesses AAA’s systems.

Barilovich introduced students to the CIA Triad, a fundamental concept in cybersecurity:

• Confidentiality: Ensuring only authorized users can access data.
   
• Integrity: Preventing unauthorized modifications to data.
   
• Availability: Making sure data is accessible when needed.
   

“Phishing attacks are by far the biggest threat in corporate America right now,” he said. “It’s not just about having good technology; employees have to be trained to spot these attacks before they click on a bad link,” he stated.

Barilovich oversees security awareness programs, sending training materials and even fake phishing emails to employees to test their ability to recognize threats. He also oversees third-party vendor risk assessments, ensuring that any external companies working with AAA Life Insurance meet strict cybersecurity standards before handling sensitive data.

For students interested in cybersecurity, Barilovich emphasized the importance of education, certifications, and hands-on experience. While degrees in cybersecurity, digital forensics, and information assurance provide a solid foundation, certifications such as Security+ (CompTIA) and CISSP (ISC2) can set candidates apart. However, real-world experience is irreplaceable.

Barilovich broke down potential career paths within cybersecurity:

• Analyst: Entry-level role, handling day-to-day security tasks.
   
• Engineer: Manages security tools and business processes.
   
• Architect: Designs multi-layered security defenses.
   
• Management: Oversees security strategies and teams.
   

Salaries vary based on experience, location, and industry, but cybersecurity remains a high-demand field with strong earning potential.

For students interested in cybersecurity, Barilovich recommended courses in computing, forensics, networking, and programming. Local universities such as Davenport, Grand Valley, and UM-Dearborn offer strong cybersecurity programs.

Barilovich credited his own career breakthrough to a Catholic Central connection and encouraged students to take entry-level or temporary positions to get their foot in the door. He also advised taking advantage of company-provided training and tuition reimbursement.

“Don’t be afraid to start small,” he advised. “Take a temp job, get experience, and use the company for all they’re worth - take advantage of their training and tuition reimbursement. Security is everyone’s responsibility.”