Starting in cybersecurity feels like facing a level 20 boss when you're still at level 1—overwhelming, intimidating, and unclear where to begin. As someone with AuDHD who just completed SANS Cyber Academy, Liz Gore found an unexpected guide: Dungeons & Dragons.
This talk explores using RPG concepts as a mental model for the neurodivergent learner navigating cybersecurity learning—a framework that works brilliantly for some neurodivergent minds (though not all, and that's okay!).
By treating character creation as self-discovery, skill trees as certification roadmaps, and career paths as campaigns with milestones and rest stops, the overwhelming scope of cybersecurity becomes a bit more manageable.
This talk reframes neurodivergent traits as class features: pattern recognition as perception checks, hyperfocus as concentration spells, and systematic thinking as proficiency bonuses. Attendees will leave with visual character sheets for cybersecurity roles, skill tree maps, and practical resources for starting out—whether rolling their first character or multiclassing into cybersecurity. No D&D experience required.
