Name: Sarah Young
Company: Microsoft
Title: Senior Cloud Security Advocate
Why do you enjoy working in the cyber security field?
Cyber security is an ever-expanding industry. I’ve been working in the field for about 10 years now and the industry’s changed significantly since I started. There are endless opportunities and as long as you’re someone who’s happy to keep learning new things, there are plenty of opportunities. You’ll also never be without a job because cause the industry stays relevant – which is amazing from a job security perspective!
Cyber security also provides opportunities for lots of global mobility, since the skills are transferrable to most markets. In my time as a cyber security professional, I’ve had the opportunity to live and work in four different countries which is an exciting prospect for many tech professionals.
Cyber security is an issue that affects everybody, from businesses to your family and friends. As a cyber security professional, I’m more well-versed with security issues than the average person. So although it’s different from what I do at work, I often end up helping those who are close to me with their personal security issues which is a rewarding feeling.
What are your words of advice to encourage other women to work in the space?
My one piece of advice for women who want to go into the technology industry is: Go for it. There’s no doubt that in the technology industry, including security, a gender gap still exists. However, since more women are coming into the industry, tech companies and external organisations are significantly increasing their D&I initiatives to support women in their careers with scholarships, sponsorships, mentorships and support networks – to name a few.
We need more feminine soft skills in the cyber security industry like multi-tasking, thinking outside the box, and creating linkage. We need these skills to address attackers who are always coming up with new ways of breaching systems.
In saying that, cyber security needs diversity that goes beyond gender. Our diversity needs to match the diversity of the attackers that we are up against who come from different ethnicities, sexualities, religions, and age groups, so I would encourage people of all backgrounds to go for it if a cyber security career interests you.
