What does it take to be a woman in IT security? Kaspersky’s female cybersecurity experts will answer this question and more on Reddit
For the first time, Kaspersky is organizing an Ask Me Anything meeting with the company’s top female cyber-threat experts from the elite security group – Global Research & Analysis Team (GReAT).
The event will be held within a big AMA session with more than 10 GReAT members on November 12 from 1 PM to 4 PM GMT on Reddit’s dedicated page. The online event will be a unique chance to get answers from some of the world’s best threat hunters about various aspects of cybersecurity, including career opportunities.
Despite more women joining the cybersecurity field and taking up leadership positions, they are still outnumbered by men in the industry at a ratio of about 1:3. Various studies on the lack of female representation in cybersecurity indicate that many young women are not aware of careers in IT security and are not exposed to role models they can follow.
To fill this gap, the live AMA session will be joined by female GReAT members: Australia-based Noushin Shabab, who specializes in reverse engineering and targeted attack investigations; security researcher Aseel Kayal from Israel; and Maria Namestnikova, who’s recently become the Head of GReAT for Russia. They will answer questions relating to – among other topics – how the cybersecurity world has become more welcoming and inclusive for women, and what the industry holds for women who are up for the challenge of protecting the world from cyberthreats.
“Technology is evolving very quickly these days and it means that there is a huge demand for specialists in different areas of cybersecurity all around the world. This is why I believe any young woman with an interest in computing can find her ideal career in the sector,” says Noushin Shabab. “Working in cybersecurity is very inspiring. When you put your time and effort into a task and you overcome challenges to find your own way through it, that is when you truly feel rewarded and you realize that this path is more than just a routine job.”
“A career in cybersecurity comes with many advantages. The industry provides learning and growth opportunities, as well as a chance to make the world a better and safer place. But more importantly, this is a field which allows you to be creative while acquiring and sharpening new skills every day. There is never a dull day on the job,” comments Aseel Kayal.
“Not every entry-level position in cybersecurity requires a special degree – I started my career in cybersecurity as a spam analyst, being a certified German language teacher. I used my teaching experience to participate in Kaspersky’s educational initiatives and develop advice for all parties interested in the IT security of children. Cybersecurity allows everyone working in it to learn something new every day and constantly progress,” adds Maria Namestnikova.
Kaspersky is committed to creating a more diverse and secure industry and is championing women in cybersecurity through various initiatives, including the CyberStarts program. The company also runs an internet community called Women in CyberSecurity that helps supercharge the career growth of women entering the industry and those already working in the field.
Find out more about the upcoming AMA session at www.kaspersky.com/blog/ask-great-anything/37425/
