Secure the Future Competition Finalist to Associate Systems Engineer

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Monday, January 6, 2025

Secure the Future: Empowering the Next Generation of Cybersecurity Talent

In a world where cyberthreats evolve at lightning speed, Palo Alto Networks is shaping the future of cybersecurity by fostering innovation and resilience. Through its annual Secure the Future Competition, the company invites students to tackle real-world cybersecurity challenges while honing critical professional skills. This initiative, led by the Palo Alto Networks Cybersecurity Academy team, is designed to inspire and empower the next generation of leaders in the field.

The top 10 finalists earn an exclusive invitation to Palo Alto Networks headquarters in Santa Clara, California. Here, they present their findings and solutions to industry leaders from Sales, Cybersecurity (Unit 42), and Engineering teams.

For Ethan Neves, the Secure the Future competition wasn’t just another challenge—it was a turning point. The chance to explore solutions for securing the healthcare industry was intriguing. “Completing the modules and doing the research not only gave me valuable insights into the cybersecurity industry,” Ethan shared, “but it also further developed my interest in cyber. Getting into the top 10 and presenting on how to secure the future of the healthcare industry to a panel of judges was nerve-racking,” he admitted, “but very rewarding.”

The rewards weren’t just about recognition. The experience provided invaluable guidance and a network of connections that Ethan continues to benefit from today. “The guidance provided for research throughout the competition helped me when learning about new topics,” he said. “And being able to network with managers in the industry was an experience that shaped my career today.” Those connections and insights ultimately led Ethan to his current role with us as an Academy Systems Engineer, where he immerses himself in the company’s cutting-edge technologies.

Today, Ethan hopes to make a tangible difference by securing hospitals and enabling them to operate without fear of cyberthreats. “My goal is to provide the best security and solutions to hospitals so they can continue normal operations without having to worry about security,” he shared.

Secure the Future goes beyond recognizing excellence—it creates opportunities. Winners are awarded cash prizes to further their academic endeavors, and the top 10 candidates are considered for internships and full-time roles at Palo Alto Networks. This competition serves as a launchpad for emerging cybersecurity leaders to not only showcase their talents and gain industry recognition—but also to take the next step in the fight against tomorrow’s cyberthreats.