With a background in cybersecurity and a passion for helping others, it was only natural for Diego to become a powerhouse in VetSec. In this edition of VetSec Impact Stories, we hear from a Marine Corps veteran who still uses that passion for helping others by strengthening our community every day.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and your background before joining VetSec?
My name is Diego Changa, and I’m a U.S. Marine Corps veteran with a background in cybersecurity and a passion for helping others. After leaving the military, I earned my bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and Information Security from John Jay College. I also worked as a contractor for the VA at the Veterans Resource Center at Borough of Manhattan Community College, where I helped fellow veterans find education and career resources. Around that time, I started working in cyber threat management at Citigroup, focusing on threat detection and response. Even with those experiences, I still felt like I was navigating the field solo and was searching for a stronger sense of community and direction.
How did you first learn about VetSec, and what motivated you to get involved?
I first learned about VetSec while working at the Veterans Resource Center at Borough of Manhattan Community College as a contractor for the VA. I was looking for cybersecurity resources for student veterans pursuing computer science degrees, and that’s when I came across VetSec. It immediately stood out as a rare space — a technical community built specifically for veterans, by veterans. I joined while I was still in school, knowing I wanted to grow professionally and eventually give back.
What really motivated me was the idea that other veterans deserve a place where they can find guidance on the cybersecurity path — where they can ask questions, get clarity, and just be themselves without having to explain their background. VetSec felt like that space. Even though I wasn’t very active at first, just being part of the Slack gave me a sense of belonging and reminded me that I wasn’t alone on this journey.
What were some of the biggest challenges or obstacles you faced in transitioning to a cybersecurity career before joining VetSec?
One of the biggest challenges was not having a clear roadmap. Cybersecurity is such a broad field, and coming from the military, I wasn’t always sure where my skills fit or what path I should take. There were moments where I questioned if I even belonged in the industry — imposter syndrome was real, especially when comparing myself to people who seemed to have it all figured out. I didn’t have mentors or a veteran-focused support system to help me make sense of things, so I often felt like I was figuring it out alone. Even with a degree and some experience, I still felt disconnected from the bigger picture and unsure how to grow in a way that aligned with both my background and my goals.
Can you describe your experience with VetSec’s training and mentorship programs? What specific resources or support did you find most valuable?
The CTI channel was one of the first spaces in VetSec where I felt a real connection. That’s where I met Zobes, who later helped me feel more at ease when I attended the CTI Summit. Having someone I had already spoken with online helped reduce a lot of the anxiety I felt about being there — it made the space feel more familiar. Around the same time, I also got the opportunity to attend SleuthCon through VetSec, which was an incredible experience. Meeting community members in person made everything feel more real and reminded me I wasn’t on this path alone.
On the professional side, VetSec’s resume help was a game-changer. It showed me how to communicate my background and skills more effectively, and that gave me a lot more confidence when applying to jobs. I’ve also been using the Interview Prep channel regularly — it’s helped me manage interview anxiety and better prepare mentally. Across the board, the support has been a mix of technical, emotional, and professional — and that balance is what makes VetSec such a powerful community.
How has the VetSec community impacted you personally and professionally?
VetSec has given me a sense of belonging that I didn’t realize I was missing. Just knowing there’s a community of veterans walking the same path has been powerful, especially during tough times when I felt unsure of myself or my direction. Being part of the Slack, even quietly at times, gave me the reminder that I’m not alone in this field. Over time, that helped build my confidence — both as a cybersecurity professional and just as someone trying to grow.
Professionally, the impact has been huge. From resume feedback to interview prep and career advice, the community has helped me level up in ways I couldn’t have done on my own. And now, being able to give back as part of the IAM team has given me a real sense of purpose. I know I’m helping new members find their footing, just like others did for me. That means a lot.
Can you share a specific moment or achievement during your time with VetSec that you are particularly proud of?
One moment that really stands out for me was attending SleuthCon. It was my first time meeting members of the community in person, and it helped everything feel more real — like I was part of something bigger than just a Slack group. That experience, along with the support I got through the Interview Prep channel, helped me start pushing through my anxiety around interviews. I’ve also become more consistent in showing up and giving back, especially through my work with the IAM team. Being able to help others find their place in the community has been incredibly meaningful — it feels like things have come full circle.
Where are you currently in your cybersecurity career, and how did VetSec contribute to your success?
I previously worked at Citigroup as a Cyber Threat Management Analyst, where I focused on threat detection, analysis, and response in a fast-paced financial environment. That experience gave me a strong foundation, but I’ve continued to build on it with independent research and hands-on work in my home lab through a project I created called Webiando Threat Labs. It’s my way of sharpening my skills in threat intelligence, detection engineering, and security operations — while documenting everything as a portfolio to share with the community.
Right now, my main focus is on cyber threat intelligence and detection, especially using open-source tools like Suricata, Wazuh, and OpenCTI. VetSec gave me the direction and encouragement I needed to keep moving forward — from learning about career paths to getting direct support and inspiration from people in the community. It helped me realize I’m not alone on this journey, and that has made all the difference.
Reflecting on your journey, how do you think your career and personal growth would have been different without VetSec? What are your future aspirations in the field of cybersecurity?
Without VetSec, I think my journey would’ve felt a lot more isolated and uncertain. I probably would’ve spent more time second-guessing myself, struggling to figure out if I was even on the right path. The guidance, encouragement, and real talk from other veterans in the community helped me build confidence and stay focused on what really matters. It gave me a clearer picture of what’s possible — and reminded me that I’m not doing this alone.
Looking ahead, I want to continue building my skills in cyber threat intelligence and detection engineering. My goal is to contribute to building smarter detection systems, help organizations stay ahead of evolving threats, and continue developing Webiando Threat Labs as both a learning hub and a way to give back to the community.
What advice would you give to other veterans considering a career in cybersecurity and thinking about joining VetSec?
My advice to other veterans thinking about getting into cybersecurity is simple: don’t try to figure it all out alone. This field can feel overwhelming at first, but you don’t need to have everything mapped out from day one. Join VetSec, ask questions, explore different paths, and give yourself the space to grow. It’s a place where you don’t have to explain your background — people get it. Whether you’re brand new or already in the field, VetSec gives you a support system, a knowledge base, and a place to be yourself. Just show up and stay curious — the rest will come with time.
Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experience with VetSec or a message to the community?
If you’re in the community — even if you’re just lurking — know that you belong here. Whether you’re asking questions, offering advice, or just reacting with a thumbs up, it all matters. Don’t underestimate the value of showing up, even in small ways. And if you’ve gotten something from VetSec, I encourage you to give back when you can — help someone who’s where you once were. That’s how this community stays strong. We rise by lifting each other up.