Deloitte Women in Cyber

What inspired you to join Deloitte India’s Risk Advisory practice, specifically Cyber, and what motivates you to continue?

I am a typical Maharashtrian girl from a village with no family history in engineering. However, my family has always been a pillar of support, encouraging me to pursue higher education. Initially drawn towards a career in medicine, my interests eventually shifted towards engineering. I secured admission into a government diploma college, where I completed a diploma in computer science. It was during this time that my fascination with computer languages grew, leading me to pursue my engineering degree in the field of computer science.

Seeking a company offering diverse opportunities in the cyber domain, I applied to Deloitte India, enticed by the exciting job prospects it offered, especially the Risk Advisory practice, which,in my opinion, holds immense potential for cyber operators. It's an employee-centric company that fosters an environment of equal opportunities for both men and women.

Eager to continue my journey in Risk Advisory for further growth and development, I've been consistently encouraged by my mentors to pursue various trainings and certifications in different technologies. The support and resources provided by my company have significantly enhanced my technical skills.

Currently, I am engaged in one of India's most critical projects, which provides me an opportunity to contribute to the nation—a highlight of my job that I cherish deeply.

What work accomplishments are you most proud of?

I work as a consultant tasked with the continuous monitoring and analysis of security alerts and event data sourced from authorised security feeds. This involves investigating incidents using antivirus tools. My responsibilities include analysing data to detect potential breach incidents within the corporate network and identifying system vulnerabilities across all on-premises and cloud-based assets, utilising vulnerability management tools.

During the pandemic, while my team operated remotely, we were actively supporting clients and conducting breach investigations. One of our clients encountered a pressing issue when their employees began receiving phishing emails related to COVID-19. Those were spam emails designed to lure recipients into clicking on redirect URLs, supposedly offering information about COVID-19 vaccines. Our team promptly initiated an investigation into these deceptive emails, tracing their sources and addressing the issue.

We took immediate action by educating the client and their employees about these fraudulent attempts. Additionally, we swiftly implemented policies and rules to fortify their systems against unauthorised access. This incident remains a source of pride for me, serving as a testament to our ability to swiftly respond to critical situations and participate in vital investigations.

Have you faced any roadblocks/challenges in your career, and what advice would you give women/peers facing similar obstacles?

In the dynamic space of cybersecurity, we encounter numerous challenges, often requiring us to be available round-the-clock in the event of a cyber breach. Initially, when I began in the cyber domain, odd timings hindered my participation in investigations. However, my strong desire to learn and gain confidence led me to perceive this as a challenge. I dedicated myself to being available and engaged in every task, determined to broaden my knowledge base. Eventually, I actively contributed to investigating a cyber breach alongside my team, preparing a comprehensive report. This experience taught me the invaluable skill of maintaining composure in critical situations.

Today, I no longer perceive such challenges, primarily because companies now prioritise providing complete security to women and actively encourage their participation in addressing cybersecurity issues. This inclusive approach has fostered an environment where women are empowered to be an integral part of the solution within the cyber domain.

Can you talk about the importance of having role models, particularly for women in cyber?

Female role models play a crucial role in educating the next generation and dispelling the misconception that women aren't capable of remarkable achievements, especially in the tech industry. A more gender-balanced workforce not only fosters greater security but also drives innovation and overall well-being.

Within cybersecurity, I collaborate with inspiring women who champion change in the workplace, leading projects while showcasing exceptional technical skills.

Being part of the cybersecurity sisterhood means paving the way for other women, empowering them to develop their skills, confidence, and resilience. This collective effort aims to retain more women in the cybersecurity workforce, enabling them to achieve their career aspirations. Additionally, it offers an opportunity for men to contribute to the solution and support women in this field. By uniting both genders instead of creating divisions, we strive for a higher standard of performance, a necessity given the evolving threat landscape.

Why do you think more women should consider a role in Cyber?

Firstly, it's crucial to understand the essence behind these matters. The push for greater diversity in cybersecurity transcends mere gender equality. It's about fostering diverse perspectives and leadership styles, harnessing women's technical acumen. As the cyberspace landscape becomes safer and more inclusive, it paves the way for women to pursue fulfilling careers in cybersecurity. From my firsthand experience in this field, I've witnessed an increase in opportunities for women to progress in the technology sector. Encouraging more women to participate in cybersecurity and across societal domains contributes to advancing the ongoing journey toward gender equality.

Prioritising women's roles in cybersecurity is imperative. The infusion of gender and cultural diversity not only enhances performance but also yields significant improvements. Nonetheless, there remains an essential need for more women in leadership roles within the cyber domain. This not only ensures better job security but also enables women to make substantial andtangible impacts on the world.