My journey as Cyberhood Watch Ambassador

Hello everyone,

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to start a career in IT or cyber security, you’re not alone. It’s a field that’s constantly evolving, and the threats are becoming more sophisticated every day. That’s why I decided to take on the role of Cyberhood Watch Ambassador for Bexley borough. Not only do I want to help protect my community from online scams and cyber crime, but I also want to document my journey as a Cyber Security Analyst.

This is part of my mission on Andy’s Tech Talks—to give you a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really like to work in cyber security, how Cyber Security Analysts can make a difference in their communities, and what to expect if you’re considering a role in the Neighbourhood Watch or Cyberhood Watch programme.

Why I Chose Cyber Security and Community Safety

If you’re thinking about starting a career in cyber security, you might wonder why I’m so passionate about it. The truth is, I’ve seen first-hand how damaging cyber crime can be—not just financially, but emotionally. It shakes people’s trust in technology, and I want to help rebuild that trust, one neighbourhood at a time.

I’m also doing this to document my journey as a Cyber Security Analyst. My goal is to help others see the impact they can make in their communities by getting involved in cyber security. I’m particularly interested in building connections with local law enforcement and would love to work as a Cyber Security Analyst for Bexley Police, City of London Police, or even the government someday.

Taking Action: Distributing Cyberhood Watch Magazines

Today, I took a simple but meaningful step. I distributed about 70 Cyberhood Watch Association magazines in my neighbourhood. This was from the Digital Skills Education by Kirstie Steele for the DOT magazine. I wanted to raise awareness about cyber security and start a conversation with my community. At the time of writing, I did not know she was an actress in Waterloo Road!

To make it more personal, I included a handwritten note with my number and road name on each magazine. My intention was to let people know that they could reach out to me if they had any questions or concerns about online safety.

I wasn’t sure how people would react, but I was thrilled when some of my neighbours messaged me to say thank you for the magazine. They mentioned that they’ll give it a read, which felt like a small win. It’s proof that people are open to learning more about staying safe online.

Upcoming Meetings: Learning from the Experts

Next up, I have a Cyberhood Watch Zoom meeting with the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau (NFIB) at City of London Police. This is a fantastic opportunity to learn directly from experts who are fighting cyber crime on the front lines. I’m particularly interested in learning about the latest fraud trends and how we can better protect our community.

Following that, I’ve been invited to meet with the President of the Neighbourhood Watch for Bexley at Bexley Police Station. I’m excited to learn more about how the Neighbourhood Watch operates and how I can bring some of those strategies to my role as a Cyberhood Watch Ambassador. It’s all about gaining knowledge and finding ways to make a positive impact.

Documenting My Journey on Andy’s Tech Talks

One of my main motivations for doing this is to document my journey as a Cyber Security Analyst. By sharing my experiences, I hope to inspire others who are considering starting a career in IT or cyber security. I want to show the world that Cyber Security Analysts can help communities in ways that go beyond corporate environments.

If you’re curious about how to get started in cyber security or want to know more about community roles like Cyberhood Watch and Neighbourhood Watch, keep following my journey on Andy’s Tech Talks YouTube channel and my newsletter on my beehiiv blog. I’ll be sharing everything I learn, from challenges to small wins, and hopefully providing you with some valuable insights.

What’s Next?

I’m just getting started, and I know there’s a lot to learn. But that’s why I’m doing this. I want to grow, make a positive impact, and document every step of the way.

Stay tuned for updates after my meetings with the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau and the Neighbourhood Watch President. I’ll be sharing what I learn, my takeaways, and how it’s shaping my role as a Cyber Security Analyst and Cyberhood Watch Ambassador.

Join Me on This Journey

If you’re interested in starting a career in IT or cyber security, or if you’re curious about community safety roles like Cyberhood Watch, follow along on Andy’s Tech Talks. Let’s learn and grow together, one step at a time.

Catch you in the next post!

Andy