In celebration of International Women in Cyber Day, the impact of female cyber professionals in the industry is being highlighted. In a world where data breaches and ransomware attacks have become common, the importance of a diverse and resilient cybersecurity workforce cannot be emphasized enough.
One such professional making a difference is Kirsty Perrett, who serves as a Lead Cyber Engineer at Thales, stationed at the Thales Ebbw Vale Campus in South Wales. Kirsty is not only bringing diversity to the workforce but also proving that there is no one-size-fits-all path into the industry. She had previously worked for the NHS before making the transition to cybersecurity.
At Thales, Kirsty plays a crucial role in engaging customer demos in the cyber labs, representing the company by visiting global clients, collaborating with schools to teach essential cyber skills to students, and contributing to the development of future cyber security experts.
Kirsty acknowledges her unconventional journey into cyber security, stating that she didn’t follow a typical route. Initially interested in studying Biomedical Science, she dropped out after the first day and took a 12-year gap year. She soon realized that the medical field wasn’t for her. Kirsty believes that a degree is not necessarily a prerequisite for success in the industry and emphasizes the value of hands-on experience gained over the years. She also dismisses misconceptions about the field being exclusive to mathematically skilled individuals, as she herself wasn’t particularly adept at math. However, her fascination with computers and her experience working in the NHS exposed her to the impact of computing, ultimately leading her to cyber security.
In addition to her role at Thales, Kirsty has been pursuing a PhD sponsored by the University of South Wales. She finds that working in the field while studying has been a beneficial experience, allowing her to apply her knowledge in practical scenarios.
Kirsty recognizes the broad reach of the cyber industry, stating that it impacts every aspect of our lives. She believes it is crucial to raise awareness about this impact and encourages individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in cyber security. Throughout her career in the NHS, she witnessed firsthand the real-world effects of technology and cyber security, particularly exemplified by the WannaCry attack. This experience reinforced the importance of a strong team and the difference they can make in critical situations.
Regarding the representation of women in the industry, Kirsty acknowledges that it is still predominantly male-dominated. While progress has been made, she emphasizes the need for a shift in attitudes. She urges women to believe in their own skills and merit and not feel like they are merely a “tick” box for diversity. Kirsty believes that gender classifications should be removed from job roles and sectors, creating opportunities for everyone.
Kirsty has also had the opportunity to work with young children, particularly girls, at the NDEC center in Ebbw Vale. She has seen firsthand how exposure and inspiration can lead young girls to consider careers in engineering. Kirsty encourages women and girls passionate about a career in cyber security to let their passion shine through and pursue it. She advises them to invest in themselves, seek out training opportunities, and connect with communities of women in cyber groups for support and networking.
On International Women in Cyber Day, professionals like Kirsty Perrett serve as inspiring examples of the contributions that women make in the field of cyber security. Their expertise, skills, and diverse perspectives are invaluable in combatting the ever-present threats that our digital world faces. As the industry continues to evolve, the importance of encouraging and supporting women in the cyber security workforce is crucial for a safer digital future.