The Institute for Pervasive Cybersecurity had the privilege of sitting down with Ashley Furr, a cybersecurity student at the College of Western Idaho (CWI), to discuss her inspiring story about the world of cybersecurity. Ashley’s path from customer service jobs to pursuing an associate degree in Applied Science in Cybersecurity shows the importance of personal motivation and the impact one individual can have on a larger community.
Ashley, originally from Kingsman, Arizona, is in her final year at CWI. What sets her apart from many in the field is her unconventional entry. With no background in IT, Ashley began her career at Caption Call, a service provider for individuals with hearing impairments. She described her role there as “a middleman who could heal all their conversations.” One day, she overheard a disturbing conversation. “ I heard a man who couldn’t afford his insulin send over 5,000 dollars so he wouldn’t be taken to jail by someone who claimed he worked for the IRS.” Ashley couldn’t bear witnessing such abuse any longer and wanted to make a difference. She said, “I have always just wanted to protect people. It’s all I’ve ever wanted to do.” Her decision to major in cybersecurity was driven by her desire to prevent such incidents and make a positive impact.
Ashley emphasized the importance of confidence building. She acknowledges the knowledge she gained from CWI and the support from the Cyberdome, saying, “The knowledge sharing is very beneficial to confidence building, especially in this field because the likelihood of feeling imposter syndrome is unreal.” Confidence is critical in the dynamic world of cybersecurity, and Ashley’s journey highlights that significance.
Even though the switch to cybersecurity surprised Ashley, the biggest surprise was when she joined the Business Professional of America program at CWI. What started as an attempt to earn extra credit became much more significant. She proudly shared, “I got first place nationally ranked. It was held in Dallas, Texas. Somehow, I did better than everyone in the country at that specific event.” This achievement showcases her dedication, determination, and the confidence it takes to excel.
Furr emphasizes the importance of her research skills as she recounted a recent experience where her team discovered a significant Trojan- a piece of malware used by hackers that appears harmless but, once inside your network, is very harmful, in a rural network, highlighting the critical role of knowledge sharing within her team.
Ashley deeply appreciates her first-year professor at CWI, Linda Otto. She credited Linda with providing unwavering support during times of doubt. “I can’t tell you how many times I was in her office saying I can’t do this, but Linda Otto always sat me down, told me I was doing great, and it would be fine.” Ashley also noted that with Linda’s encouragement, she became the first person in her family to earn a degree.
When asked about her dream job, Ashley reiterates that she just wants to help people and looks forward to finding a position where she can continue to grow her confidence in the programs she deals with daily. Her dedication to cybersecurity is evident in her desire to build on her knowledge and expertise.
Ashley’s story inspires anyone looking to make a meaningful impact in cybersecurity. Her commitment to protecting others is a testament to the values that drive this field forward. As she continues her education and career at Cyberdome, we can only anticipate more remarkable accomplishments from this dedicated student.