Securing Tomorrow: Cybersecurity Q&A

Interested in Cybersecurity? Attend a drop-in session and meet current student, Narmina Karimova MSCY '27, to hear the inside scoop on what it's like to be a graduate student pursuing Cybersecurity in Boston. This informal event is the perfect opportunity to get the real deal on the day to day life of a grad student - and deep dive into the coursework that you'll be a part of. Whether you have a background in tech or not, we have a pathway for you.
 

Narmina’s background: My journey began in my home country of Azerbaijan, where I earned my undergraduate degree in Information Technology. I’ve always been drawn to understanding how technology works, but over time my focus shifted toward how to defend it. During my studies, I realized that cybersecurity isn’t just about systems — it’s about protecting people, data, and trust.

To gain hands-on skills, I completed a Linux Administration course and soon joined a local bank as a junior cybersecurity analyst. Working in the financial sector taught me how real-world systems are defended every day and how much impact even small actions can have on security. Later, I had the opportunity to contribute to COP29, where I supported IT infrastructure and cybersecurity operations during an international event — an experience that strengthened my ability to work in fast-paced, high-stakes environments.

Now as a cybersecurity master’s student at Northeastern University, I’m building on that foundation through practical, lab-based courses and a collaborative learning environment that constantly challenges me to grow.