If I look back today, I never envisioned a career in cybersecurity. My path was shaped by the doors that time opened for me, and I was fortunate that my choices aligned with destiny. Born and raised in Alwar, Rajasthan, my early life was influenced by a unique blend of academics and music. My parents, both PhDs in Chemistry, instilled in me the importance of education, while my father’s deep passion for music passed on a natural inclination for melodies and rhythms.

From Music to Mathematics: The Foundations of My Thought Process 

My journey into music started when I was six years old, training in Indian Classical Singing. By nine, I had appeared for exams in classical music and won Alwar Idol. Music became a crucial part of my life, shaping my discipline, patience, and ability to see patterns—skills that later proved invaluable in cybersecurity. Parallelly, my love for mathematics and its problem-solving nature fascinated me. It was through this analytical lens that I later connected with ethical hacking.

Bridging the Gap: The Transition to Cybersecurity

My first real exposure to cybersecurity came during a workshop by Mr. Mahesh Rakheja in 2016. The field intrigued me, but it was during my training at the Cyber Crime Cell, Gurugram, that I truly understood its vast potential. I saw firsthand how cybersecurity professionals worked in varied domains—network security, cyber forensics, and application security. However, I also recognized a glaring gap—there were plenty of developers, but far fewer security professionals specializing in securing applications. This realization marked my transition into cybersecurity.

The Challenge of Entering a Male-Dominated Field

As I delved deeper into cybersecurity, I faced challenges that many women in tech experience. The field, particularly the technical domain, had far fewer women role models. During my early career, I often found myself as the only woman in technical discussions or leadership meetings. However, instead of seeing this as a limitation, I saw it as an opportunity—to break barriers and inspire more women to join the field.

The Need for a Security Culture in Organizations

Cybersecurity is often perceived as a set of tools and policies, but in reality, it’s a culture that must be embedded within an organization.

- Leadership Support: Security professionals need strong backing from leadership to ensure that security is not an afterthought but an integral part of business decisions.

- Awareness & Training: Employees must be made aware of threats and their role in safeguarding data.

- Integration with Development: DevSecOps must be embraced to integrate security into the development lifecycle rather than treating it as a separate entity.

The Day-to-Day Challenges of a Security Professional

Contrary to what job descriptions may state, cybersecurity is not a 9-to-5 job. Threat actors do not work on schedules; they attack when defenses are down.

- Constant Vigilance: A cybersecurity professional is always on alert, monitoring threats and ensuring proactive defenses.

- Balancing Business and Security: Often, security recommendations clash with business goals, and finding the right balance is an ongoing challenge.

- Evolving Threat Landscape: Attack techniques change rapidly, and professionals must continuously upskill to stay ahead.

Accountability and the Power of Recognition

Receiving various recognitions and titles has reinforced my belief that I am accountable not just to my organization, but to society. Cybersecurity is more than a profession; it is a responsibility to protect individuals and businesses from evolving threats. Every recognition serves as a reminder of my duty to contribute towards national security by fostering awareness and strengthening defenses.

Inspiring the Next Generation

I believe that my journey can inspire more young women to step into tech. Encouraging diversity in cybersecurity will bring fresh perspectives to solving security challenges. Schools, universities, and companies must invest in programs that mentor and empower young talent in this field.

The Road Ahead

From being a young girl immersed in classical music to leading security initiatives in organizations, my journey has been a blend of passion, perseverance, and purpose. I continue to learn and grow every day, setting small milestones and pushing boundaries. There are miles to go, and I am committed to contributing to the cybersecurity community, making security not just a function but a mindset.

Celebrating excellence is about embracing one’s journey, learning from challenges, and continuously striving for impact. Cybersecurity is a field that demands dedication beyond working hours, but it is also one where the impact is profound. I hope to see more individuals, especially women, stepping into this domain, shaping a safer digital future for all.