Inside Cybersecurity with Harness Projects mentor Khalid Ebrahimi
Inside Cybersecurity with Harness Projects mentor Khalid Ebrahimi
Harness Projects Cybersecurity mentor and Team Lead in Penetration Testing at leading cybersecurity consultancy Gridware, recently joined us to discuss his key learnings and insights about breaking into cybersecurity.
Khalid recently joined us for a live webinar where he shared practical advice, personal stories, and guidance for anyone looking to launch a career in cybersecurity.
Khalid’s day-to-day job includes leading a team that tests everything from web applications and APIs to mobile apps and even physical security— yes, sometimes breaking into buildings (legally) to expose real-world risks.
“The most exciting part for me is having a positive impact,” Khalid said. “We once found a vulnerability in a client’s API that allowed invoice manipulation. Because of our testing and report, they patched the issue and protected their entire business. That’s the impact of good cybersecurity work.”
For those looking to get into the field, Khalid offered a mix of realism and encouragement. You don’t need to come from a extensive tech background, but you do need to show initiative.
“Your 5-to-9 matters as much as your 9-to-5,” he said. The tools and resources exist to assist you build skills and experience —even before you land your first job.
But it’s not just about technical skill. Soft skills like communication are critical. “The reports we write go to execs, legal teams, even boards. So your writing and people skills really matter. That’s how you build trust.”
For Khalid, standout candidates aren’t always the ones with years of experience—they’re the ones who’ve applied their learning in real, sometimes messy, situations. “Case studies from actual projects—where you’ve had to adapt your research, deal with unexpected issues, and still deliver something valuable—tell me more than a perfect online course ever could.”
That’s why real project-based learning is such a powerful way to break in. It involves the ambiguity, collaboration, and accountability of real-world cybersecurity practice.
The Harness Projects Cybersecurity Career Launcher intake offers that kind of experience. With Khalid as one of the mentors, participants will get the chance to practice under guidance—just like a junior analyst would on a real team.
Interested in joining us? Book a call with our team to see if it’s the right fit for your cybersecurity journey.
