In the latest chapter of our Cultiv8 Employee Series, Jordan Holmes, Vice President of Human Resources at Continent 8 Technologies, sat down with Jason Magsoy, a Network Security Engineer based out of the Philippines.
Throughout the discussion, Jason shares insights into his professional journey, outlines his current networking responsibilities at Continent 8, discusses how he embodies the company’s culture and values and previews some of his forthcoming projects.
Hi Jason! Can you tell us a little but about yourself and your role as a Network Security Engineer at Continent 8?
I began my professional career in the IT industry in the Philippines and subsequently broadened my expertise while working in Saudi Arabia. I started from the ground up, initially running cables in ceilings, and progressively advanced to securing endpoints and networks.
At Continent 8, my responsibilities include configuring security solutions such as firewalls and maintaining a secure network for both Continent 8 and its customers. We consistently ensure that network security does not create bottlenecks by providing aggregated connections and redundant solutions.
How did you come to choose a career as a Network Security Engineer?
I was introduced to cybersecurity through firewalls, Network Detection and Response (NDR) and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) solutions without any prior experience, and I found network security to be incredibly fascinating. It ignited my passion for protecting devices from malicious entities. Achieving clear network traffic visibility and implementing the appropriate security solutions can significantly reduce the risk of intrusion by malicious actors.
What motivated you to join the Continent 8 team? What do you enjoy most about your job?
In my previous role, I was dedicated to configuring and safeguarding a single data centre and a limited network connection. The scope was quite narrow, and I felt my professional development was stalling. This realisation drove me to broaden my expertise in networking and security, ultimately leading me to Continent 8.
At Continent 8, I was introduced to an expansive network environment, secured by robust solutions and supported by a team of experts. I find my experience here highly rewarding, largely due to the team’s professionalism, expertise and approachability. Moreover, my time at Continent 8 has been marked by substantial personal and professional growth, which has been extremely gratifying.
Can you describe some of the challenges you face in your job position? How do you also stay up to date on the latest security/cybersecurity developments?
As a Network Security Engineer, I am part of a team dedicated to ensuring maximum network uptime for both Continent 8 and its customers. This is undoubtedly a significant responsibility, but one that I fully embrace, requiring constant vigilance and a meticulous approach.
To ensure I remain current, I am pursuing certifications related to the security solutions we employ and engaging in continuous education to stay informed about new and emerging features that could support our team’s objectives. Furthermore, I subscribe to Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) sites to monitor new vulnerabilities pertinent to our solutions and implement necessary patches.
How do you align with Continent 8’s culture and values of Active Ownership, Purposeful Creativity and/or Genuine Care?
I align myself with Continent 8’s culture and values by actively fostering an environment of collaboration, mutual support and knowledge sharing to ensure everyone’s success. This is accomplished by upholding our team’s commitments, taking full responsibility of my role and caring for the people, company and our customers.
Any final thoughts?
Continent 8 has provided me with an incredible opportunity to pursue the work that I genuinely enjoy, providing me with a deep sense of fulfillment.
I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the Network Security Team: Bruce Craig, Michael Freitas, Rodrigo Suzuki and Christian Temporado. Your exceptional support and leadership are truly appreciated.
