Building a Legacy in Cybersecurity at Absa Through Learning and Leadership

In cybersecurity, resilience is built through relentless learning, empowering individuals and organisations to face tomorrow's challenges today.

My alarm rings at 5:00 a.m. every day. As the world still rests, I begin my quiet ritual - two hours dedicated to expanding my knowledge in cybersecurity, a field that never stays still. During these early hours, I dive into industry blogs, security updates, and the latest on cloud technology. Learning is more than a commitment; it’s a lifestyle that fuels my work and ignites my purpose. In a profession where risks and rewards evolve daily, staying a step ahead isn’t optional - the edge defines success.

I couldn’t have predicted the journey ahead when I joined Absa Technology as an engineer. Back then, my focus was singular: mastering my technical responsibilities. But as I grew within the role, it became clear that technical skill alone wasn’t enough. Cybersecurity is about resilience?and anticipating the unknown,?a skill cultivated only through relentless learning. My commitment to growth has become my foundation, propelling me from a technical role to a leadership position in just three years.

A Milestone and a Mission

Today, I have the honour of wearing the Golden Jacket, a rare accolade awarded to those who complete all ten AWS certifications. The Golden Jacket isn’t just a testament to expertise; it’s a symbol of dedication, of countless hours spent mastering the intricacies of cloud security. As the first woman in Sub-Saharan Africa to achieve this distinction, this milestone holds deep personal significance. It represents the realisation of a dream and a responsibility - to continue leading, learning, and paving the way for others to follow.

At Absa, the Golden Jacket is a point of pride for the entire organisation, and we currently hold four of these prestigious accolades within the team. This achievement wouldn’t have been possible without Absa’s dedication to investing in its people. With access to a world-class range of learning tools - from Udemy and O’Reilly to hands-on certifications - I’ve had the support to grow into my role. Absa’s investment in continuous development isn’t just lip service; it’s a core belief. We’re equipped with the resources not only to perform but to excel, to push the boundaries of what’s possible in our field.?

Rethinking Security from the Ground Up

In the age of digital transformation strategies and the introduction of cloud technologies, how organisations approach security should be different, agile and adaptive and should allow developers to build and launch new solutions quickly while keeping security at the forefront. We needed an agile and adaptive system that would allow our developers to build and launch new solutions quickly while keeping security at the forefront.

This shift required a new mindset, pushing me to explore a different side of security. I had to understand what developers needed to feel empowered and unrestricted yet secure. The answer lay in a detective-focused approach, where we monitor and adapt rather than restrict. By building a security framework that integrates seamlessly with development, we enabled our teams to innovate without compromise. This balance has redefined how we think about security, and it’s been immensely rewarding to be part of this transformation.

Growing with the Next Generation of Cybersecurity Talent

One of the most fulfilling parts of my role is working with young talent through Absa’s cybersecurity academy. This initiative is part of our broader commitment to building a robust pipeline of skilled professionals passionate about security. These newcomers bring a fresh and invaluable perspective, challenging us to question old assumptions and explore new approaches. As they step into roles across the organisation, their energy and curiosity remind me why I’m here - to contribute to a culture where learning is ongoing, security is everyone’s responsibility, and?innovation drives everything we do.

I recently onboarded two young professionals from the cybersecurity academy to work with my team on a critical new initiative. These recruits arrived with the proper certifications and technical skills, fully prepared to tackle the challenges of enterprise-level security. Working alongside them has been invigorating. Their enthusiasm for the field, combined with the depth of knowledge they bring from the academy, is proof of Absa’s success in nurturing new talent.

Embracing AI and Machine Learning: Tools, Not Threats

As technology advances, so do the tools at our disposal. For many, AI and machine learning feel like existential threats, capable of disrupting jobs and displacing workers. But I see them differently. In cybersecurity, these technologies are essential allies. They help automate routine tasks, streamline monitoring processes, and allow us to focus on the bigger picture - on designing robust, proactive defences that stay a step ahead of potential threats.

For example, rather than having my team monitor dashboards for potential security incidents around the clock, we can use AI-driven algorithms to detect anomalies and send alerts in real-time. This automation allows us to focus on strategy and innovation, contributing to Absa’s digital transformation mission while protecting our customers and their data. AI doesn’t replace us; it enables us. It shifts our focus from reactive work to proactive planning, accelerating our ability to innovate within security.

Pioneering New Standards with the Cloud and Regenerative AI

Beyond AI, we are exploring other cutting-edge technologies to remain at the forefront of cybersecurity. Absa’s partnership with AWS has led to the creation of a Generative AI incubator designed to provide teams with AI skills. As organisations adopt AI, providing the skills required to innovate and leverage this technology securely is important. This programme?along with our cloud incubator are setting a new standard in the industry, pushing us to adopt faster and innovate more effectively whilst providing people with the required skills.

This collaboration with AWS has allowed us to train and certify team members in cloud security, fostering an environment where we’re not just keeping up with industry standards but setting them. We are the example that other institutions look to when considering their digital strategies, and it’s gratifying to know that our work doesn’t just impact Absa but influences the industry as a whole.

Building a Legacy Through Knowledge

Looking ahead, I see the future of security as one where a select few don’t just hold knowledge. It’s shared, democratised, and embedded into an organisation's culture. Real security comes from systems and protocols and a collective understanding across the workforce. At Absa, security isn’t just the responsibility of the cybersecurity team; it’s an organisation-wide effort. From front-desk staff to developers, everyone plays a part in maintaining the integrity of our operations.

Education is crucial to building this culture of security. I often say that the true legacy we leave is knowledge - knowledge that enables people to protect their organisation and themselves. I see every learning initiative?and every certification as a way to empower others and equip them with skills that make a real impact.

Inspiring a Culture of Innovation and Security

As I continue to lead, learn, and grow, I am reminded that cybersecurity isn’t just a job. It’s a calling, a responsibility, and a privilege.

With Absa's support and the tools we’re given, I’m inspired to think beyond the immediate challenges and envision a future where we’re not just keeping pace with technology but shaping its trajectory. In a field as dynamic and demanding as cybersecurity, my mission is clear: to ignite a culture of security, inspire others to learn, and?ensure that we’re prepared not just for today but for every unknown that tomorrow may bring.