International Women’s Day
My affinity with suspenseful action thriller films initially sparked my interest in cybersecurity. The fact that the villain takes a valuable item at random from the vaults with the highest levels of protection fascinated me so much that I started to wonder how exactly security systems are built and how they are consistently broken into. So, this pursuit is driven by my insatiable curiosity about the digital world and my unwavering dedication to safeguarding the integrity of the digital realm and the security of individuals and organizations. However, as a woman in this male-dominated industry, my journey has been anything but ordinary. It has been filled with accomplishments, challenges, and invaluable insights that I hope will inspire more women to venture into this dynamic field.
One of my most significant accomplishments in cybersecurity has been proving my capabilities in an industry where women remain underrepresented. From earning my degree in computer engineering to securing a prestigious CyberMACS, Erasmus Mundus Joint Masters Scholarship as the only female candidate chosen from my country, every milestone has reinforced my belief that women belong in tech just as much as men do. Beyond academics, I have had the opportunity to work onsite as an SOC analyst, which involved securing financial systems, analyzing vulnerabilities, and implementing security measures, where I was the only female on my team. Contributing to cybersecurity research and engaging in industry conferences have also allowed me to connect with like-minded professionals and amplify my voice in this space.
The challenges have been real and, at times, discouraging. Being one of the few women in cybersecurity discussions or workplaces sometimes meant facing unconscious bias, whether it was being overlooked in technical conversations or needing to work harder to establish credibility. Imposter syndrome was another hurdle, making me question whether I truly belonged in this field. However, I had excellent colleagues who always stood strong next to me and encouraged me to move forward no matter how tough the situation got. Technical challenges also played a role, as cybersecurity is an ever-evolving space requiring constant learning. Keeping up with new threats, tools, and best practices can be overwhelming, but I have learned to embrace continuous learning as part of the journey.
My journey in cybersecurity is far from over, and I am excited about what lies ahead. As I continue to grow in this field, I hope to mentor and inspire other women to break barriers and claim their space in cybersecurity. The industry needs diverse perspectives, and with more women stepping into cybersecurity roles, we can build a safer, more innovative digital world.
To all the aspiring women in cybersecurity: Keep pushing forward. The challenges may be tough, but the rewards of making an impact in this field are even greater.
-Sristi Mitra
