Meet Yaniv Cadosh, a cyber security analyst at Mizuho EMEA. Yaniv began his career on the Mizuho Internship Programme in 2021 and went on to join the graduate scheme in 2022.
Growing up in Gibraltar, Yaniv has always had a passion for the technology industry, dreaming to become a software developer – his early childhood projects include creating LAN Networks, configuring mini electronic cars and even building a smart bin that would recycle items to the appropriate tray.
“I was always one of the nerdy ones growing up – always interested in the functionality of the Internet of Things (IoT) technologies” he explains. “I had always thought about cyber security, especially with seeing it in the news, I found it fascinating how hackers were trying to exploit systems, and how cyber security technologies would protect systems against attackers.”
Yaniv went on to study at Computer Science, specialising in Cyber Security at Birmingham City University and graduate with a Bachelors of Computer Science with First Class Honours.
“I chose to study Computer Science as it was a broader subject covering wide range of topics and wanted to explore all the options the technology industry had to offer. In my final year I selected modules more relevant to Cyber Security which I have ended up specialising in”
Building on his early childhood projects and new found knowledge, Yaniv’s final year project at university involved using virtual machines to monitor side channels for leaked information that hackers can use to exploit weaknesses on the virtual machines systems.
The difference between university, internships and graduate schemes
The Mizuho EMEA internship programme was Yaniv’s first experience in hands on cyber security.
“I absolutely loved it,” he explains. “It really confirmed what I wanted to do after university – the access to various security tools which you wouldn’t experience at university, was just a whole different game and it was very mesmerising.”
“The internship really confirmed what I wanted to do after university – the access to various security tools which you wouldn’t experience at university, was just a whole different game and it was very mesmerising.”
Yaniv Cadosh
Cyber Security Analyst
The Mizuho Internship Programme comprises of an introduction to financial markets and operations, technical skills training, as well as bespoke soft skills sessions. Interns spend time with different teams and get exposure to the pace and intricacies of the business from day one.
As well as the tools available, Yaniv, who was Mizuho EMEA’s first ever Cyber Security intern, says that the lessons he learned from his team and people across the wider business was invaluable.
“Everyone’s open to hearing ideas. I’ve seen that from experience, where I’ve spoken up and we’ve actually taken that initiative and implemented my idea – and that’s what you’re here for, to offer your skills and prove that you’re here for a reason,” he adds.
When asked what advice he would give to future interns, Yaniv says two things come to mind. “Speak up and don’t be afraid to make mistakes or fail – learn from the experience and don’t regret it,” and “network, not only with your team, but with other teams and people from around the bank to understand how the business works and what different departments do.”
After being accepted on to Mizuho EMEA’s graduate scheme following his 10-week internship, Yaniv reminisces about his return to Mizuho on a full time contract.
“It was great to see everyone’s faces again. Not only that but returning as a graduate felt different in that I felt even more part of the team – it felt like being part of a family.”
“At the start of the graduate programme they really encourage you to take the lead and provide you with the tools and training to succeed – they’re really trying to build you up to becoming a future leader.”
A day in the life of a Cyber Security Analyst
In his role as a Cyber Security Analyst, Yaniv is mainly working in threat hunting and vulnerability assessment domain for Mizuho EMEA - detecting and investigating suspicious and unusual traffic on the network is part of day-to-day role
“Since I’ve been here, I’m proud of some of the achievements and accolades me and my team have achieved,” says Yaniv when asked about what motivates him at work.
“If I look back at myself one year ago today when I started the graduate programme – the projects I am working on now are unbelievable, which I’m really happy with.”
Yaniv Cadosh
Cyber Security Analyst
“Mizuho has a very good reputation when it comes to cyber security,” he explains. “Keeping our network and systems secure builds a very high reputation for Mizuho, which is not only attractive to new clients, but helps us to maintain the long-term relationships that Mizuho is known for,” he summarises.
After finishing university with a First Class Honours, Yaniv had a vast amount of options open to him at the beginning of his career. So, why Mizuho?
“If I would have gone to a tech company, I think I would have specialised in one sector and stayed within my department, not gaining any other knowledge other than technologies” he explains. “At Mizuho I get to meet new people from different departments and continuously learn new aspects of the financial and business worlds, while progressing and developing my skill set within cyber security.”
In 2021, organisations around the world spent around $150 billion on cyber security, growing by 12.4% annually. As cyber security continues to dominate headlines and advancements in areas like AI continue at rapid speeds, Yaniv says that it is currently one of the most exciting times to work in the industry.
“There’s so much learning to do – every day is different to the next as cyber security advances, and that’s what I love most about my job.”
When asked how he manages his work life balance, Yaniv, who represented Gibraltar on an international level in Futsal, says he’s always been focussed on maintaining a healthy work life balance to keep doing what he does outside of work.
“I was the graduate representative for my cohort, so I regularly organise socials and continue to make time for charity work, while going to the gym, training with the futsal national team and socialising with friends,” he says.
Why Mizuho?
As well as his day job, Yaniv is also an active member of Mizuho’s employee networks which aim to promote an inclusive and diverse culture.
“If I’d have known about these networks before I joined it would have made me even more excited to join Mizuho,” says Yaniv.
“In May this year we hosted an event for World Day for Cultural Diversity. It was great to learn about different people’s cultures and where they come from. It was an historic event at the company and we received great feedback.”
Yaniv says that although he did not know about the networks before joining Mizuho, the inclusive and diverse culture was something that attracted him to Mizuho.
“I don’t think there’s anyone in my team that comes from the same background or culture, it’s incredible, everybody in my team is so interesting, and brings their own thought processes and creativity which is massive advantage from a business perspective, he says.
Although Yaniv is just finishing the graduate programme, he already has his eyes set on becoming a Chief Information Security Officer one day.
“I’m very excited for the journey ahead, to continue learning and gaining more experience in this field,” says Yaniv. “If I look back at myself one year ago today when I started the graduate programme – the projects I am working on now are unbelievable, which I’m really happy with.”