Deloitte Women in Cyber

What inspired you to join Deloitte India’s Risk Advisory practice, specifically cyber? Whatmotivates you to continue, or what’s the best part of your job?

I began my career as an advocate in a reputed law firm dealing with commercial litigation. My career progression towards cybersecurity began whilst pursuing a Masters in IPR and Technology Laws, where I was exposed to concepts such as AI, privacy laws, GDPR, and CCPA. I began exploring the security domain whilst working as an intern at a startup and pursuing certification in courses such as ISO 27002 and ISO 27701 simultaneously.

I would often read through the POVs posted by Deloitte on topics such as security and privacy implementation. I aspired be a part of the team and was thrilled when I was accepted as a consultant in the cyber team at Risk Advisory.

I currently work with the data and privacy team, implementing privacy practices in various organisations. The best part about my job is the frequent interaction with proficient cybersecurity professionals who provide their inputs and analysis based on their exposure and experience in the domain.

What work accomplishments are you most proud of?

During my first privacy project, I was working with the client's privacy team, who tasked me with developing a comprehensive Data Subject Request workflow. Over the next four months, I engaged with multiple teams at the client location, contributing to the creation of a detailed manual outlining the procedures for handling data subject requests across different jurisdictions. Following the success of receiving approval for the procedure, I managed to integrate the Data Subject Request workflow into a privacy platform tailored to the client's requirements. Since this was my first project, I was proud of the way I handled the pressure and was able to perform.

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

The shift from my career in commercial litigation to one in cybersecurity has not been an easy journey. I have had to put in hours of study to understand the cybersecurity domain before stepping into this field. However, it has been worth the effort, which is why I would advise others interested in this field to just take the first step, however daunting it may feel.

Of course, they need to contemplate before proceeding with a career transition to understand if it will aid in their professional development. But if the answer is yes, they should go for it.

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

Having role models who overcame challenges and achieved their goals can instil a vision and aspiration in others. When we notice women excelling in technical roles and leadership positions, they serve as examples of what can be achieved through hard work, perseverance, and continuous learning. Their success stories push us beyond limits, setting ambitious goals and cultivating a mindset of continuous improvement and resilience. Having such role models can lift the confidence of women entering the field, making them more resistant to obstacles.

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

I believe that women can provide unique insights and qualities, such as attention to detail, strong communication skills, and a collaborative approach, which make them well-suited to address the complex challenges in the cyber domain. This creates a wider talent pool which fosters creativity and innovation, leading to more comprehensive solutions.