You can't solve a problem on the same level that it was created, you have to rise above it to the next level " Albert Einstein
Every organisation is looking for ways to out-pace the competitors and cloud technology is one of the key focus for organisations seeking that extra efficiency. Many are either embarking on a digital transformation to cloud or already in the journey. However, this is a digital transformation journey that demands for disruptive innovation and speed to market under a constantly changing business environment.
When I was Cloud Security Advisor for a hybrid cloud project, I have witnessed and experienced how this transformation took place in the security space. We realised that the traditional role of Security focusing on compliance and control was no longer sufficient. Instead, Security should be part of the solution and part of the scrum team, enabling developers to be at the front line of security - a realisation of the idea of SecDevOp.
Innovation requires creativity, new ways to solve an old problem. To me, diversity brings different perspectives, new ideas.
I started with IBM as part of the graduate intake and had the opportunity to contribute to one of the largest billing integration programs in Australia at the time. Working with over 500 designers, developers and project managers, it really opened my eyes on how large-scale application integration program is managed. I then joined a newly formed information technology security services team.
There was never a dull moment in IT Security. Back then, the ANZ team was a small team consisting of consultants, architects and ethical hackers. We have now grown to a team of over 100 people across different competencies. I love that there is so much to learn and that we have a great team that support, collaborate and challenge each other.
Being in a supportive environment helps me get out of my comfort zone and explore assignments that I would never have taken up otherwise.
The IBM Security team has given me many opportunities to explore different roles within security – ranging from security analyst to Project Manager to Delivery Leader. Each progression had helped me grow in both professional and personal aspects.
As a manager myself, leading a team of experienced consultants, it is a privilege to be able give back to the team what I have learned throughout the years and to help build a positive work culture in IBM. The security industry is for people who are passionate to learn, as it is fast paced and constantly developing. It is definitely for people who embrace change.
According to IBM Institute of Business Value (IBV) study, in the next three years, approximately 120 million workers in the world’s 12 largest economies may need to be retrained or re-skilled as a result of Artificial Intelligence and intelligent automation. With such a constant changing threat landscape in cybersecurity, the skills gap in cybersecurity is widening in an accelerated pace. One of the ways to address this skill gap is by providing a supportive environment to retain women in the cybersecurity industry or encourage training women from other industries.
In the IT industry, women are still underrepresented, and the number is even lower for cybersecurity. Workforce diversity will help drive the kind of disruption needed. It is about bringing in different perspectives and approaches to solve business problems. There is also a general misconception that cybersecurity profession requires hacking or programming experience. While we do need hacker and programmer, we also need Project Managers, marketers, as well as educators, to bring that diverse thinking to the team.
I believe that we should be more open minded in our hiring decision and encouraging people from different profession, to join the industry.
