In this episode of the Elevate Women in Tech podcast,host Kellie Kwarteng interviews Rebecca Taylor, a Threat Intelligence Knowledge Manager at SecureWorks a Sophos Company, who was recognised as Computing's Security Woman of the Year 2024 and Most Inspiring Woman in Cyber 2024. Rebecca shares her remarkable journey from being a personal assistant to becoming a cybersecurity expert, demonstrating that non-traditional backgrounds can thrivein the industry.

Key Highlights:

• Rebecca reveals her 11-year career path from PA to Threat Intelligence Knowledge Manager
• The conversation challenges persistent myths about cybersecurity careers, including that you need to be technical or have loved STEM subjects from childhood
• Rebecca explains threat intelligence as "anything that pertains to our understanding of the threat," and demystifies the "dark web" using an iceberg analogy
• The discussion explores how women currently make up 25% of the global cybersecurity workforce
• Rebecca shares insights from her TEDx talk "Digital Shadows" about the dangers of premature digital footprints for children
• Revealing her upcoming book "Securely Yours, An Agony Aunt's Guide to Surviving Cyber" (OUT NOW)

Why Listen:

This episode offers a refreshing perspective on cybersecurity careers, making the field accessible to listeners from allbackgrounds. Rebecca's journey proves that passion, core skills, and willingness to learn can overcome traditional barriers to entry. The conversation provides practical advice for anyone interested in cybersecurity while delivering eye-opening insights about online safety that are relevant to everyone.

Tune in to discover how your unique skills might translate to cybersecurity, understand the realities of the dark web, and learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones in the digital age.

Relevant links:

•  SANS Institute - https://www.sans.org/cybersecurity-focus-areas/
• UK Cyber Security Council - Career Pathways - https://www.ukcybersecuritycouncil.org.uk/careers-and-learning/cyber-career-framework/?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=20404142818&gbraid=0AAAAApflzhayqCu2PW75Lq-Qx8Z43XTOH&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpKzhtvSejQMV9JNQBh2MWjdPEAAYASAAEgIS3_D_BwE
• Securely Yours - Book link - https://amzn.eu/d/1pVjhTv
• TedX – Digital Shadows https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyfhkfE3nHA