Information technology serves as the heart of modern businesses. IT professionals are responsible for ensuring the efficiency, security and constant innovation of digital processes, making them crucial to the success of an organization. For this reason, it is necessary to adopt strategies to show your value and be recognized as an IT professional.
Being an IT professional , especially with the growing need for cybersecurity , can be a real challenge. Many actions, because they are part of the routine, end up going unnoticed by other departments. Furthermore, the fact that it is a highly technical work makes it difficult for those who do not have knowledge in the area to understand.
According to a survey carried out by Check Point Research , Check Point Software's threat intelligence sector, a 30% increase in cyber attacks in the world was found, when compared to 2023. Therefore, considering this data, we prepared this article with seven practical tips so that IT professionals, especially those who are cybersecurity experts, can stand out, demonstrate their value and obtain the recognition they deserve.
1. Know the business needs
The first step to standing out as an IT professional is to deeply understand the needs of the business in which you operate. This means knowing the company's objectives , the challenges faced and the opportunities. In this sense, it is not enough to just have a grasp of the tools and technologies used; It is essential to understand how IT can be a strategic ally for the company's growth.
Knowing the company's goals allows you to align your IT activities and projects according to these guidelines, to directly support the organization's biggest players. For example, if your company's main focus is digital expansion , you can work on implementing measures to ensure the security of new processes. In other words, knowing the needs of the business also facilitates dialogue with other sectors. By being able to dialogue and exchange information transparently with managers and demonstrating that you can contribute to the company's growth and success, you increase your relevance and recognition.
Strategic alignment
Understanding the organization's objectives is essential to align its activities in the IT sector. cybersecurity professionals , who need to ensure that solutions deliver protection for the company without compromising the flexibility or innovation necessary for its growth.
Participating in meetings with leaders and other departments is a great opportunity to better understand the needs of each sector and align IT strategies with the challenges and opportunities faced. Thus, direct involvement in discussions about business goals demonstrates that IT is an integral part of the organization's success.
Furthermore, this closer approach creates the opportunity to anticipate possible security needs. An example of this are the cyber attacks that have been occurring since last week, when platform X was suspended in the country. Bodies such as the Federal Supreme Court, the Federal Police and Anatel were targets of massive attacks in reprisal.
Having a good understanding of the organization's strategic goals will allow you to offer preventative rather than reactive solutions, bringing greater visibility to your work and, consequently, more recognition.
Translate needs into security actions
To stand out as a cybersecurity , it is essential to transform business needs into concrete security actions . To do this, it is necessary to understand the challenges that the company faces and offer solutions that bring greater protection to digital assets without compromising operational flow. If your business is migrating to a new digital platform , for example, the IT professional's role is to ensure that this transition occurs safely and smoothly, minimizing risks and vulnerabilities.
A practical approach is to utilize your technical knowledge to implement custom, scalable security solutions . Therefore, instead of offering generic solutions, adapt tools and protocols according to the organization's environment and objectives. This personalization demonstrates that you not only understand technology, but are also committed to the company's success.
Bringing concrete examples to your activity is essential to reinforce its value. If your company's focus is digital expansion, implement robust measures to protect new customer data, anticipate potential attacks, and create a safer digital environment. By aligning your actions with the company's objectives, you make your role more visible and valued.
2. Stay up to date with IT trends
We know that the IT area is constantly evolving, with new technologies adding value and increasing the need to combat threats that emerge every day. For this reason, staying up to date with industry trends is essential to stand out and ensure that your solutions are always ahead of challenges. An IT professional who masters technological innovations has a better chance of being recognized as a valuable asset to the organization.
Keeping up to date with new technologies also allows you to adopt and evaluate the best tools to adapt to your company's reality. Technologies such as artificial intelligence focused on threat detection, process automation and advanced encryption are just a few examples of what can be added to bring more security and value to your solutions.
It is also necessary to follow certifications and training relevant to your area. This demonstrates that you are committed to excellence and continuous improvement of the company's processes. Always attend technology industry conferences and workshops to gain new knowledge and expand your network.
New threats and emerging technologies
cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving, with different threats emerging every day. According to CheckPoint Research , there were 1,636 cyberattacks per week in the second quarter of 2024. From ransomware to exploiting zero-day vulnerabilities , cybercriminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Therefore, to ensure the company's security, it is essential that you, as an IT professional, are always aware of emerging trends and threats. To do this, it is essential to keep up with the latest news and studies in the area, and undertake continuous training to stay up to date.
The advancement of technology contributes to the emergence of new opportunities to protect company systems. Innovative solutions that use artificial intelligence to detect threats have brought a true revolution to the way cybersecurity is currently approached. Artificial intelligence can monitor systems behavior and identify anomalies in real time, enabling an immediate and more effective response to attacks. Adopting these emerging technologies not only improves security but also demonstrates your commitment to the company's innovation and modernity.
In addition to cyber threats and new protection technologies, the growth of the Internet of Things and the popularization of cryptocurrencies have brought new challenges to the security strategy. Therefore, devices and objects that are often poorly protected end up becoming points of vulnerability and entry points for attackers. Likewise, the use of cryptocurrencies in ransomware attacks makes it difficult to track criminals. In other words, staying ahead of these changes and understanding their implications is essential to developing more complete and effective security strategies.
Investment in certification and education
For an IT professional, technical knowledge represents the main asset. However, in a rapidly evolving field, it is essential to invest in certifications and education to remain competitive. Certifications in the areas of cybersecurity, data analysis and network management are a smart way to validate your skills and demonstrate your commitment to professional growth.
Investing in education is not limited to formal certifications. Conferences , workshops and webinars are excellent ways to learn from leading industry experts and stay up to date on best practices and technologies. Therefore, participating in industry events is a way to obtain practical and valuable insights that can be immediately applied to your role, in addition to strengthening your networking . All of this helps to increase your visibility and add value within the company.
Relevant certifications, such as Ethical Hacking , SOC (Security Operation Center) and risk management , are highly valued in the cybersecurity market. Having these credentials proves that you have the knowledge necessary to maintain the protection of your IT system against increasingly sophisticated threats. By continually investing in your training, you improve your skills and open up new career opportunities, increasing your importance within the company.
3. Offer proactive solutions
Proactivity a highly valued characteristic in any area, and the IT sector is no different. Knowing how to identify vulnerabilities before they can be exploited by cybercriminals and proposing continuous improvement helps demonstrate that you are always one step ahead. Carrying out regular audits of the company's systems in search of flaws is an example of how to act proactively.
Developing an incident response plan is equally important. In other words, establishing a well-structured plan ensures that the company is prepared to deal with threats, reducing the impact of an attack and demonstrating the importance of its work. These measures reinforce your position as a strategic professional within the organization.
Furthermore, proposing improvements to security processes, justifying your suggestions with consolidated data , shows that your proposals are based on analysis and real examples. Using companies that have suffered attacks as an example can help convince leadership to invest in your ideas.
Risk anticipation
Anticipating risks is a critical skill for IT professionals, especially in cybersecurity. The ability to predict possible threats and vulnerabilities before they cause real problems can help the company avoid major losses and ensure the continuity of its activities. Therefore, implementing a proactive approach includes carrying out security audits , detailed infrastructure analysis and process evaluation. Audits allow the IT professional to identify and fix weaknesses in the system before cybercriminals exploit them.
Another essential tool for anticipating risks is constant monitoring of the digital environment. Implementing real-time monitoring solutions allows you to identify anomalous or suspicious behavior and act immediately to neutralize threats. To do this, it is necessary to implement intrusion detection and access log monitoring , which helps identify unusual activities and facilitates quick reaction.
Furthermore, anticipating risks should be an integral part of the company's long-term strategic planning. In other words, it is essential to predict how new technologies, regulations and trends may affect the organization's digital security. The increasing migration to the cloud environment, for example, requires a new security approach that must be evaluated and implemented to avoid future problems. Anticipating these movements and suggesting preventive solutions will help the IT professional to demonstrate their value as a strategic piece for the company.
Improvement proposal
Proposing continuous improvements is an effective way to add value to your role as an IT professional within the company, demonstrating your commitment to constantly improving the technological infrastructure. Instead of waiting for problems to arise, adopt a proactive stance by suggesting improvements that help prevent vulnerabilities and optimize processes. Assess and identify areas or deficiencies that can be increased or where there is a need to strengthen security, proposing solutions that address these issues directly and effectively.
Process automation , for example, is a useful approach that can reduce manual workload and minimize human errors, bringing greater operational efficiency. Therefore, propose the implementation of tools that help automate repetitive tasks, such as applying security patches , monitoring networks and managing backups . These enhancements will save time and ensure more accurate execution of critical processes.
Your proposals need to be justified based on consolidated data and concrete examples , ensuring leadership support. Use performance metrics , case studies and compare with other companies in the same sector to show how your suggestions can generate positive results. Provide solid evidence to reinforce the importance of your proposals and increase the likelihood of implementation.
4. Implement DNS Filtering Tools
An important tip to improve company security noticeably and quickly is to implement DNS filtering tools . This technology allows you to block access to malicious websites and significantly reduces the risk of cyber attack. In addition to contributing to improved security, DNS filtering also helps keep employees focused on their activities by blocking websites and pages that are not related to work.
Adopting a solution like Lumiun DNS , for example, can be efficient and quite simple. By well defining the steps for implementation, from configuration to monitoring, you can present visible results in a short time. This way, your company will see an immediate reduction in threats and an increase in employee productivity, adding even more value to their role within the organization.
Delivering concrete results is an excellent way to demonstrate the value of your proposed security initiatives, especially when compared to previous metrics. In addition to strengthening the perception that IT is directly contributing to the company's success.
Benefits of a DNS Filtering Solution
Implementing a DNS filtering can add several significant benefits to a company's operational efficiency and cybersecurity. DNS filtering works as an additional line of defense that blocks access to malicious websites and domains known to be sources of attacks and threats. Based on this, it significantly reduces the risk of malware infections and phishing , protecting the integrity of data and systems. The ability to intercept and filter suspicious traffic before it reaches devices is a key preventative measure to maintain company security.
DNS filtering contributes to improving employee productivity. Therefore, blocking access to non-work-related websites helps keep employees focused on their tasks, avoiding distractions and access to content that could harm productivity. In addition to improving overall team performance, this also reduces time spent on non-productive activities during working hours.
DNS filtering solution can generate significant savings for businesses. By preventing attacks and data leaks, it reduces expenses associated with incident remediation and the loss of valuable information. Additionally, DNS filtering also minimizes the need for additional technical support and frequent maintenance, resulting in an overall reduction in the organization's operational costs.
Lumiun DNS implementation
Implementing Lumiun Lumiun DNS in the company is an important strategic step to improve security and productivity. Lumiun Lumiun DNS is an advanced DNS filtering solution that provides robust protection against cyber threats and improves operational efficiency. The implementation process begins with a detailed assessment of the company's needs and existing infrastructure, so that the solution is customized and fits perfectly into the IT environment.
Lumiun DNS is configured to filter internet traffic and block access to websites and domains known to be malicious. To achieve this, it is essential to integrate the solution with the network system and configure specific rules that meet the company's security policies. Carrying out initial tests to ensure that the solution is working correctly is crucial, especially to avoid negative impacts on services. Conducting training for employees is equally essential to ensure a smooth transition and understanding of the new protocols.
Some Lumiun DNS numbers
With the correct implementation, the results of Lumiun DNS are very positive. In 2024 alone, more than 4.7 billion requests were filtered, with 523 million blocked. In addition to the significant reduction in the number of security incidents, such as phishing and malicious access attempts, employee productivity also improves.
Blocking non-work-related content reduces the incidence of distractions and access to irrelevant pages. 28,436 filters were activated on the platform, with the top 10 being:
- Basic protection
- Blocking child sexual abuse content
- Adult content blocking
- Bing SafeSearch
- Blocking betting and gambling sites
- Piracy blocking
- AdBlock – block ads and trackers
- Google SafeSearch
- Blocking parked domains
- Free Fire
Based on performance metrics and user feedback, Lumiun DNS not only strengthens security but also contributes to a more efficient and focused work environment. This way, we can understand the importance of investing in DNS filtering solutions with a proactive approach to security.
5. Communicate assertively
IT professionals is often because the solutions implemented are too technical for other sectors to understand their role. Therefore, knowing how to communicate effectively is essential to ensure recognition of your work , so that everyone understands the importance of your actions and your role within the organization. One way to adopt more effective communication is by translating technical and complex terms into more accessible language. This way, all sectors will be able to understand the impact that the tasks carried out by the IT sector have on the routine and continuity of the business.
Translation of technical terms
In the IT field, clear communication is essential so that all stakeholders understand the importance of security actions and implemented solutions. Translating technical terms into a language that is more accessible to non-specialists is a fundamental skill for IT professionals looking to stand out and be recognized within the company. In addition to facilitating understanding, this approach also creates closer alignment between teams and other areas of the company .
An effective approach is to simplify technical terms without losing precision . When exemplifying a concept such as Firewall , for example, it can be described as a protective barrier that prevents unauthorized users from accessing important company information. Using analogies or comparisons with everyday situations helps make these concepts even more understandable.
Executive reporting also helps with the translation of technical terms. Create documents that highlight the results and implications of IT actions in clearer, more objective language, including graphs and summaries that offer an overview without overwhelming the reader with technical details. This way, leadership and other stakeholders can understand the value of IT initiatives and support their strategies more effectively.
Presentation of results
Preparing clear and concise executive reports is also essential. Show how the IT sector's actions protect the company and add value to the business, highlighting the concrete benefits of your initiatives . Thus, the metrics can be used to illustrate the reduction in insecurity incidents , for example, and even the increase in productivity after implementing a new tool .
Show how security initiatives not only protect but also transform business results. It is important that employees and teams understand that what is done in the technology sector is not only aimed at security, but also at the growth of the organization .
6. Build a network of relationships
Building a network of relationships is essential both inside and outside the company. The IT professional , in addition to having technical knowledge, needs to increase his visibility and recognition through his role and capabilities. Collaborating with other areas and participating in internal strategic discussions can also help align expectations and ensure that IT is always contributing to the company's goals.
The better connected the IT professional is, the better their positioning will be within and outside the company . In addition to training, constant communication with other professionals and references in the sector can make all the difference in adding value to your potential.
Internal networking
Internal networking is a fundamental strategy for the success and recognition of IT professionals within the organization. Building and maintaining strong relationships with colleagues across different departments will facilitate collaboration and also increase the visibility and influence of your work. In other words, integration with other teams helps you better understand the needs and challenges of each area, so that you can offer solutions that truly meet specific demands.
In this sense, participating in interdepartmental meetings and collaborating on multifunctional projects are excellent strategies for strengthening internal networking. Stay actively engaged in discussions about other areas' initiatives and objectives, offering technical insights that help improve the overall success of projects . This involvement demonstrates your knowledge and willingness, as well as helping to build a reputation for reliability and proactiveness within the company.
In other words, when you show interest in the operations and teams of other departments, you position yourself as a valuable resource and facilitator of solutions . Promoting safety and efficiency within the company is an excellent starting point for building relationships of this type. So, organize training and workshops on best security practices , sharing knowledge with all your colleagues. In addition to raising awareness of important issues, this approach also creates opportunities to interact with different parts of the organization.
External networking
Just like internal networking, external networking is crucial for professional development and building a career in IT. Attending industry events, such as conferences and technology fairs , can add value and provide opportunities to connect with leaders, experts, and peers from other organizations. In addition to expanding your knowledge of market trends and best practices, you will also build a valuable network of contacts for future collaborations.
Another tip is to actively engage in discussion groups and online communities focused on your specialization . Forums, social media groups, and technology communities are great places to share knowledge, discuss solutions, and get feedback. Participating in these conversations will increase your visibility in the industry and establish you as a leader , as well as providing access to up-to-date resources and information.
In addition to connecting with other professionals, also consider establishing partnerships with companies and suppliers that offer complementary technologies to yours. This collaboration process will lead to learning opportunities, development of new projects and even strategic partnerships that bring numerous benefits to your organization. The more you expand your external networking, the stronger your market position will be and the better your company's continued success will be, bringing new ideas and perspectives.
7. Demonstrate results with metrics
Thus, data-based decisions are extremely valued in the corporate environment. An effective way to demonstrate your value is to use metrics to demonstrate the impact of your actions within the organization. Performance indicators such as incident response time , compliance with regulatory standards or number of threats blocked are excellent ways to quantify your results and communicate your true impact to company leadership.
Therefore, presenting these results regularly is essential . Show how indicators have improved over time and compare results before and after implementing security solutions. Additionally, use graphs, tables and comparisons to clearly illustrate how these initiatives made a difference to the company, helping to protect its assets and ensure business continuity.
So you can also include concrete evidence of how your actions contributed to blocking threats and crises . This will not only reinforce the importance of your actions but also demonstrate how you are constantly working to add value to the organization. Translate technical results and practical benefits to receive recognition and respect from other departments .
Regular Reports
Regular reporting is essential to keeping leadership informed about the state of IT operations security. These reports provide a clear and comprehensive view of the activities, results and impacts of implemented initiatives, allowing management to make informed and strategic decisions. In this sense, prepare competent and well-structured reports to demonstrate the value of actions and justify investments in new technologies and improvements.
In addition to reporting results, it is also important to contextualize the data and demonstrate how your initiatives contribute to the company's objectives . In other words, explain how the actions taken had a direct impact on safety, security and operational efficiency, using examples to illustrate their benefits. Transparency and clarity are essential to ensure that leadership is able to recognize the value of their work and reinforce the strategic role of IT within the organization.
Understand the role of flexibility and adaptability
In the IT scenario, change is a rule. In other words, technologies evolve quickly and new threats emerge all the time. Therefore, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability is essential for the IT professional to be valued within the organization. Understand and discover how to quickly adapt to new situations and learn new tools to differentiate ordinary professionals from exceptional ones .
Being flexible doesn't just mean adopting new technologies, but also being able to rethink strategies and processes . Furthermore, if a specific security approach does not bring the expected results, you must be prepared to reevaluate and adjust your plan. Flexibility also involves collaboration . Teamwork, including listening to suggestions from colleagues and adapting your strategies to better meet the needs of departments, are attitudes that promote a culture of constant collaboration and learning . Not only does this improve your company's bottom line, it also solidifies your position as an essential, fully adaptable IT professional .
Participate in IT Governance
IT governance is essential to ensure that the technologies used are aligned with the company's objectives and that risks are managed more effectively. Active participation in IT governance will allow the IT professional to have a broader view of the company's strategies and how the sector can support them. In addition to providing opportunities to influence critical decisions that impact safety and operational efficiency, this participation will also put you in the spotlight and demonstrate your interest in the success of the business.
Being part of governance means getting involved in strategic planning meetings , as well as offering insights based on your technical expertise. These meetings will help shape security policies, ensure the appropriate use of investments and suggest practical improvements to obtain better results. This participation will demonstrate commitment to the overall success of the company and reinforce your importance as a member of the team.
This approach will also allow you to anticipate trends and prepare the company for future changes . This means your company will be able to prepare more intelligently for emerging challenges, adaptation to new regulations and even the introduction of new technologies, demonstrating that IT is not just technical support, but also an integral part of the organization's strategic planning. .
Invest in your company's security culture
It is important to remember that information security is not the exclusive responsibility of the IT team ; it must be a concern for all employees and departments of the company. Promoting a culture of security means that employees are educated on best practices and also made aware of the importance of protecting the organization's data.
To add value to your role within the company, start awareness campaigns that make employees more aware of potential threats, such as social engineering, phishing and ransomware. Awareness is the first layer of defense against attacks , and the more prepared your employees are, the safer your company will be.
Encourage a culture of security to reduce incidents and demonstrate your commitment to protecting digital assets. Promoting a culture of safety also includes creating an environment where employees feel comfortable reporting problems or suspicious behavior . An open communication channel can help prevent incidents before they cause major problems for the organization.
IT team empowerment
Empowering the IT team is an effective strategy for creating a more productive and innovative work environment. In addition to adding value to your role as professionals, when the team feels more valued and empowered, performance also improves and more innovative solutions begin to emerge naturally. As an influential member of the IT team, you can encourage everyone's professional development and create opportunities for everyone to demonstrate their skills and find their role within the company.
Encouraging attendance at conferences and workshops , promoting training, and helping your team obtain certifications are effective ways to empower and develop skills. The more qualified your team is, the better the results of your work and the implementation of security and technology strategies will be. This will bring recognition to you and the rest of the IT team within the organization.
This empowerment process also means opening space for the exchange of ideas and innovation . Promoting regular meetings where everyone can share challenges, solutions and strategies is very effective. This way, you will have a collaborative environment where everyone has an active voice, strengthening your team and creating a culture of innovation .
Use a multi-pronged approach to achieve your goals
The seven tips presented here can help IT professionals stand out in the market and ensure recognition within their organizations . From understanding business needs to staying up to date with trends, implementing these strategies is essential to add value and demonstrate your role in your work.
It is necessary to put these tips into practice and understand that, to stand out in the market, you need to adopt an assertive strategy . Evaluate how you can improve your visibility, productivity and communication so that your work is not only recognized, but also valued within the company you are part of. It is also necessary to adopt tools and solutions that deliver quality results for your company, demonstrating how your role is fundamental to the success of the business in the medium and long term .
