World Champion in Cybersecurity & Security Consultant at Dreamlab Technologies
We are beyond proud to celebrate one of our own! Edward Booth, a talented 22-year-old cybersecurity expert at Dreamlab Technologies, recently brought home the gold medal while representing Switzerland at the WorldSkills 2024 Championships in Lyon. After an intense showdown against 19 other national teams, Edward and his teammate Philippe Dourassov emerged victorious. We sat down with Edward to dive into his journey, learn about his experience at the competition, and understand what it takes to be a world champion in cybersecurity. Here’s what he had to say:
What skills and knowledge were crucial to your success?
"Technical expertise is, of course, incredibly important in a challenging discipline like cybersecurity. You need a deep understanding of a wide range of systems and technologies to be able to secure them effectively," Edward explains.
"However, it's not just about being a technical 'crack'. Soft skills play a critical role too. Being able to communicate effectively with your teammate when you hit a roadblock or staying calm under pressure – these are qualities that ultimately contribute to success. In a team competition, it's not about the individual's knowledge but how well the team functions together."
What was the most challenging task you faced?
"The most challenging aspect wasn't a single task but an entire area: securing the infrastructure," Edward says. "We had to fully secure a large number of systems within a very short timeframe and without internet access. It demanded skill, coordination, teamwork, and extensive technical understanding. Despite the difficulty, we managed to overcome this challenge, largely thanks to the efficient collaboration with my teammate, Philippe Dourassov."
How do you view the future of cybersecurity, and what role would you like to play in it?
"Cybersecurity will continue to be a critical issue as society becomes increasingly digital. Cyberattacks will persist, and there will always be individuals looking to exploit their technical skills for malicious purposes," Edward states.
"As a security specialist, I see it as my responsibility to combat these threats as effectively as possible. Whether it’s identifying vulnerabilities so they can be addressed before they’re exploited or deciphering the tactics of cybercriminals to prevent future attacks, making a meaningful contribution in this field is a top priority for me."
