A Hacker's Harmony: Transitioning from Professional Musician to Cybersecurity Expert
In line with Echelon’s value of People with Personality, we are excited to continue our Cybersecurity Champions series, where we spotlight monthly the incredible individuals who make up our team. These features highlight the talent, dedication, and unique perspectives of our cybersecurity professionals, showcasing the people behind the work that keeps organizations secure.
Diego Pérez Barrueta, Offensive Security Consultant at Echelon, was drawn to cybersecurity by a deep curiosity about how computers work, an interest that began in the 1990s. Although he pursued a professional career in music, his fascination with hacking remained strong. When the pandemic paused his work in music, Diego took the opportunity to formally enter the field of cybersecurity. Since then, he has combined creativity, technical skills, and a passion for learning to build a thriving career as part of Echelon’s collaborative team.
Q: What initially drew you to cybersecurity, and how did that lead you to Echelon?
DP: Curiosity is what initially drew me to cybersecurity. From an early age, I developed a lasting interest in how computers work. Over time, I became fascinated by hacking, particularly the challenge of understanding and bypassing security systems. This fascination led me to explore the field more deeply.
Although I pursued a professional career in music, studying at UNAM, cybersecurity and hacking remained passionate hobbies. When the COVID-19 pandemic put my work as a musician on hold, I took the opportunity to formalize cybersecurity as a second profession. I enrolled in an ethical hacking course and committed myself to continuous learning.
Eventually, I was offered a position with a company in Dublin. Given my growing interest in web development, the owner invited me to join their web development division. There, I began building websites and conducting web application penetration testing.
Following that experience, I decided to pursue a role as a penetration tester and red teamer. I came across a job opening at Echelon on LinkedIn, applied, and was fortunate to be hired.
Q: Are there any specific cybersecurity trends or emerging technologies that you are particularly excited (or concerned about) and why?
DP: I find artificial intelligence both exciting and concerning. From a cybersecurity standpoint, AI introduces new vulnerabilities. At Black Hat, for example, researchers demonstrated how Copilot could be manipulated to expose private or privileged information.
As AI becomes increasingly embedded in workflows, especially by developers without a strong background in AI security, I foresee a growing need for penetration testing focused specifically on AI systems.
Q: What's one piece of advice you'd give to someone aspiring to get into cybersecurity today?
DP: If it's your dream and passion, go for it. There will always be obstacles in any career but facing them is a positive experience; it pushes you to grow and gain new knowledge. Cybersecurity is a rapidly growing field with high demand. Even if many people are trying to enter the industry and you face rejections, don't give up. It's important to keep going and stay in motion, as stagnation prevents progress.
Q: Are there any specific resources like books, blogs, websites, or communities that have been particularly helpful or inspiring in your cybersecurity journey?
DP: Yes. The weekly YouTube videos by the pentester "IppSec," where he solves hack the box machines, have been incredibly enriching. Another great resource is Darknet Diaries, a podcast also available on YouTube, which shares stories of red teamers, penetration testers, and even cybercriminals. It's fascinating to learn about both sides of the cybersecurity world, especially for ethical hackers like us who emulate criminal tactics.
As for communities and conferences, I highly recommend B-Sides (which is held globally; I attended B-Sides CDMX) and DEF CON. DEF CON, held in Las Vegas, was especially captivating. It features "villages" with workshops and talks on specialized topics like social engineering, car hacking, lockpicking, and both blue team and red team practices. Attending these events is a valuable way to learn and connect with the community.
Q: What's something that you've really come to appreciate about being part of Echelon?
DP: What I appreciate most about Echelon is the strong sense of teamwork. There's consistent support among team members. If someone needs help, others step in, and it's always reciprocal. This mutual collaboration feels fundamental to the company's culture and has been one of my favorite aspects of working here.
Q: Outside of work, how do you like spending your time? Do you have any hobbies or interests that you are passionate about?
DP: Outside of work, music is my biggest passion. I spend a lot of time rehearsing, performing, and going to events. I'm part of a music and theater project that combines different styles, and I also play jazz regularly with a small group. Being involved in live performances is something I really enjoy.
Q: What does being a "cybersecurity champion" mean to you?
DP: To me, being a "cybersecurity champion" is a great opportunity to share my journey into the field and the progress I've made. I value that Echelon provides this platform for all its members to talk about their experiences and, more importantly, about something we’re truly passionate about.