Introducing women with a deep interest in cybersecurity

Eileen is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Computing, Singapore Polytechnic. She is currently teaching cybersecurity modules to the students of the Diploma in Infocomm Security Management in Singapore Polytechnic, and is constantly inspired by the enthusiasm of her students.

What brought you to the cybersecurity industry?

When Singapore Polytechnic launched the Diploma in Infocomm Security Management in 2006, I was intrigued by the curriculum and joined the team of lecturers overseeing this new programme. Singapore would be in need of manpower skilled in cybersecurity and I was interested to do my part to help train the young cybersecurity professionals of tomorrow.

What were your defining moments in this industry, and factors or guidance that helped you achieve them?

Definitely my colleagues helped and guided me. Cybersecurity covers many areas, and it is a big help when fellow colleagues share their knowledge and expertise with one another.
In fact, knowledge sharing is very essential in cybersecurity. I was struck by how experienced practitioners are always willing to share their knowledge and volunteer their time, in order to boost the level of cybersecurity knowledge and skills in Singapore and worldwide.

What is it that you love most about your role?

Being a cybersecurity lecturer is a unique role, because you get to enjoy the best of two worlds. You are involved in the very interesting world of learning about the constantly evolving digital technologies and how to defend them. And you also get a chance to enter the world of our eager and fun-loving youth and interact with them. Many of my students are keen to learn more about cybersecurity beyond the curriculum and they share about what they have discovered, so I am also learning from them too.

Prominent Cybersecurity trends:

What are some of the trends you have seen in the market lately, and what do you think will emerge in the future?

Living in a highly connected and automated world, while convenient, has its share of risks. Our data, which is so easily accessible to us, if not secured properly, may end up in the hacker's hands. User education and cyber security awareness is not just for adults, but is now starting from a young age, when the children start using the Internet for education and entertainment.

Females in Cyber Security

What can we do to encourage more women to join the cybersecurity sector?

Having events like the AiSP Ladies in Cyber Fireside Chat help, as the participants will see that there are many ladies in this industry, and this can encourage more to join.

Final thoughts

How can you debunk the myth that cybersecurity is only for men? Is there any indication this stereotyping is changing?

I believe the stereotype that cyber security is only for men is slowly changing, as more women take on more prominent roles in the industry. I think groups like the AiSP Ladies in Cyber Charter play a very important role, in reminding women of their accomplishments in the cybersecurity industry, and in helping women to build networks of friendship and support.
If, as a female working or studying in cyber security, you feel a little isolated and would like to meet more like-minded females with a passion for cyber security like yours, do not hesitate to reach out and join groups like AiSP Ladies in Cyber.