BREAKING BARRIERS: WOMEN IN CYBERSECURITY

In a field traditionally dominated by men, women like Sally are rewriting the script, proving that cybersecurity knows no gender. With over three years of experience as a Security Operations Centre (SOC) analyst, Jackline Salome brings a unique perspective and invaluable expertise to the realm of digital defense. In this exclusive interview, she shares her journey, challenges, and insights, shedding light on the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity and the role that women are playing in safeguarding the digital landscape.

What inspired you to pursue a career in cybersecurity?

Intellectual Challenge - Cybersecurity offers continuous learning and adaptation, as the threat landscape is constantly evolving. I enjoy staying updated on the latest technologies and threats and this field provides ample opportunities for my intellectual growth.

Problem-Solving - As a Cybersecurity professional, I am often tasked with identifying and solving complex security challenges. I enjoy problem-solving and critical thinking and this field can be very rewarding on that.

What are some of the challenges or opportunities that you have faced or encountered as a woman in cybersecurity?

Gender Imbalance - Historically, the field of cybersecurity has been male-dominated, leading to challenges such as the underrepresentation of women in the workforce but this is changing with time which is very encouraging for us Women in Cybersecurity.

Lack of Role Models - Previously there has been a scarcity of female role models in cybersecurity which has made it very challenging for us women to envision ourselves in leadership roles within the field. But we are overcoming that.

What are some of the skills or competencies that you consider essential for a successful cybersecurity professional?

Technical proficiency, cybersecurity Fundamentals i.e. threat landscape, risk assessment, security policies and procedures, frameworks, and standards form a good background for a cybersecurity professional.

How do you keep yourself updated on the latest trends, threats, and best practices in cybersecurity?

Conferences, Workshops, and Webinars - This is an excellent way for me to learn about the latest trends and threats.

Security Blogs and Podcasts - Many cybersecurity experts are currently maintaining blogs or contributing to podcasts where they discuss current threats, best practices, and case studies. I use these as platforms for keeping me up to date.

Cybersecurity is a rapidly evolving field. How do you maintain your skill set and stay ahead in this industry?

I embrace a mindset of continuous learning; keeping a proactive approach to learning, and staying informed helps in keeping my skill set relevant. I also seek mentorship from experienced professionals in the cybersecurity field and collaborate on projects or research to learn from others.

What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the cybersecurity field?

Start with the Basics - Begin by building a strong foundation in IT and computer science fundamentals; networking, operating systems, and programming. Understanding these core concepts will serve as a solid base for your cybersecurity career. In addition, look for female role models in the cybersecurity industry who can inspire and guide you. They can provide valuable insights into navigating the field as a woman.

Cybersecurity is often considered a male-dominated industry. How can we encourage more diversity and inclusion in cybersecurity, particularly for women?

Introduce cybersecurity concepts to young students, both male and female, through educational programs, workshops, and extracurricular activities. Encouraging an interest in technology and cybersecurity from a young age can help break down gender stereotypes. In addition, showcases successful women in cybersecurity as role models who will inspire young women to pursue careers in the field. Establish mentoring programs to provide guidance and support for women in the industry. With this, I believe we will have a future with more women in cybersecurity.

Are there any emerging technologies or trends in cybersecurity that you find particularly exciting or concerning?

Zero Trust Architecture- the move towards Zero Trust security, which emphasizes continuous verification and strict access controls(trust no one, verify everyone)is an exciting emerging technology because it offers a more robust approach to securing networks and data in an increasingly perimeter-less world.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning- AI and ML are being used to enhance threat detection and response capabilities. These technologies can identify and mitigate threats more quickly and accurately which makes the operations of a security operations center more effective and efficient.

How important is mentorship in cybersecurity, and have you had mentors who have influenced your career?

My progress in the cybersecurity field is due to good mentorship. Having a mentor will boost your confidence. A mentor will provide support, and encouragement, help you overcome challenges and doubts, and become a well-rounded cybersecurity professional. Mentorship programs can help promote diversity and inclusion in the cybersecurity field by providing underrepresented groups with the guidance and support they need to succeed.

As we move forward, let us celebrate and encourage the remarkable women like Sally who are fortifying the digital realm against threats and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. The future of cybersecurity looks bright, and it's undoubtedly more inclusive and diverse than ever before.