Bring innovation mindset to secure the world

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month. As part of our focus on this, we asked three technologists at the India centre of Sophos, one of the world’s cybersecurity leaders, to tell us about their careers and advice for younger techies.

GEETHA RAMANNA | DIRECTOR, SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT & NETWORK SECURITY

When I started my career in the early 90s, cybersecurity was not a mainstream career path. The internet was just emerging and most enterprises were secured within their enterprise perimeter. Companies were still figuring out the means for better connectivity and enterprise networking was the natural career choice for many, including me. As the world started becoming more connected, security became equally important and companies like Cisco started investing in security as a mainstream business. Since I was working at Cisco at that time, it was a natural career progression from enterprise networking to network security. Cybersecurity has evolved over the last two decades from securing perimeters to more sophisticated defence-in-depth mechanisms, security in cloud, AI-driven threat analytics and more. I would urge aspiring women cybersecurity enthusiasts to stay up to date with trends and bring in an innovation mindset to secure the world.



MEGHANA DARSHAN SENIOR CHANNEL MANAGER, WEST INDIA

Cybersecurity came to me as a calling. I was at a stage in my career where I was looking for a platform which was up and coming, and would be the next big thing. And cybersecurity clicked for me. I always wanted to be in a space where I can make a difference to my customers and partners, and hence joined Cyberoam (which was later acquired by Sophos). My advice to the younger generation would be to understand the market, know what skills are in demand, and network. It is also important to have a good mentor.

PUJA MAHENDRU DIRECTOR, MARKETING COMMUNICATIONS
My move to tech wasn’t predetermined. I started by writing marketing pieces on tech topics, including cybersecurity, and eventually moved on to product marketing in cybersecurity. Cyber attacks can cripple industries and services.

Today, I am happy to make an impact by enabling the sales and channel partners at Sophos to influence the decision-making of prospective customers. My foremost advice to women in tech is never to get intimidated in this male-dominated industry and to never ‘self-doubt.’ What matters more than your tech knowledge is your confidence to step up and learn new skills.