Deloitte Women in Cyber

What inspired you to join Deloitte India’s Risk Advisory practice, specifically Cyber? What motivates you to continue, and what’s the best part of your job?

Drawing from my past experiences, I gained exposure to various aspects of cybersecurity that sparked my interest in pursuing a career in the cyber field. I aimed to deepen my understanding of various domains within cybersecurity. Being in Deloitte India’s Risk Advisory practice provides me the opportunity to collaborate with numerous clients, allowing me to gain diverse perspectives and tailor solutions to each client’s unique challenges. The insights and expertise gained from each project serve as an ongoing wellspring of motivation for me.

I believe that every day presents us with the chance to delve into new learning experiences. Each project is different and special in its own way. New challenges and interactions with new experts push us for our professional improvement. This dynamic environment allows me to break barriers and extend my personal boundaries.

In essence, Deloitte here resembles a self-contained university for both professional and personal growth. It allows us to discover our passion and aspirations.

What work accomplishments are you most proud of?

Every experience at Deloitte has been unique. However, the project that stands out as the most challenging was the security transformation initiative for an automotive company that spanned the entire organisation. This multi-skilled project demanded extensive research and collaboration to execute the envisioned solution. It also provided me with the chance to develop various skills, which contributed to my professional growth in many ways.

I am proud of the fact that we successfully delivered this project amidst the challenges posed by the Covid crisis. We had to think out of the box to develop security awareness on the shop floor, which usually requires physical presence. I amgrateful to my leaders and the entire team for this opportunity, as it unquestionably marked a turning point in my career.

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

Challenges, I believe, are an inherent part of our daily lives. Every obstacle also comes with an opportunity. As women, we often hesitate to embark on unusual paths due to various reasons. In doing so, we miss out on opportunities hiding in plain sight.

Often, our hesitation and fear of trying new things act as barriers that hinder us from moving ahead. However, forging ahead with determination and maintaining consistency is all we need. Through my experiences, I’ve learned to embrace every new opportunity, even if it initially feels overwhelming. By taking one step at a time, you can ultimately conquer any obstacle.

Can you talk about the importance of having role models, particularly for women in cyber? How can the industry at large/leaders better support women in cybersecurity?

Role models play a significant role in shaping one’s career. Our role models are often individuals who inspire us to progress in our chosen fields and greatly impact how we map out the trajectory of our professional journey. It’s interesting to note that we all carry some traces of our mentors in various ways as different stages of life. As women, we often find ourselves at crossroads where tough decisions are required, whether at work or personal life. In such moments, the guidance provided by our role models enables us to make better choices, reinforcing our commitment to our own decisions.

In the world of cybersecurity, women have been notably underrepresented. However, progress is being made towards achieving equality, particularly in leadership positions. More and more women are making their mark in this dynamic industry and breaking down barriers individually.

Per a recent survey, by 2025, women are projected to hold 30 percent of cybersecurity jobs globally. This would be an incredible achievement for society. To attain this, it’s essential to provide market-based training opportunities and continually upskill to meet the industry’s demands.

At Deloitte, the work structure is more flexible, catering to the demands of our work-life balance, which often requires us to juggle different roles at different times of the day.

Should more women consider a role in Cyber? What do you think?

The realm of cybersecurity has grown extensively, offering a plethora of opportunities. I believe that not only women but anyone with an interest in this domain can discover motivation within it. In the context of women, there are plenty of opportunities within cyber that seamlessly integrate with the diverse roles we play in our professional and personal lives.

Alongside ethical hacking and technical services, cybersecurity encompasses a wide array of services, such as risk assessment, strategy formulation, supplier risk analysis, and more, all of which demand skills.

Furthermore, having more women in the field helps develop a culture of diversity and inclusion. This paves the way to create an ecosystem with varied perspectives, potentially sparking a transformative movement.