Superwomen: in cybersecurity and in everyday life - Women in cybersecurity

Creating new opportunities for women to succeed in IT and cybersecurity is a great challenge – and there is still a lot of work to be done! But this hard work will eventually pay off with incredible women entering the field and passionately doing projects that ignite their interest and change the world around them for the better.

I am happy to be a part of Women in Cybersecurity movement at Kaspersky and to help drive this field with initiatives that appeal to me. Even if you are a non-tech specialist, you could find yourself at Kaspersky, applying your strengths to contribute to this exciting sphere which includes not only a cyber-immunity approach in product development, but also various educational and ESG initiatives. All of these projects lead to our global aim – to build a safer world.

14
years ago

when I had just started my career, the media wanted to know what Kaspersky was doing. Today, the market has grown into a big domain, and now everyone knows the basic rules of cybersecurity and how to be connected and remain protected.

Alessandra Venneri, Head of Corporate Communication & Public Affairs, Italy

The start of the journey

I graduated from La Sapienza University of Rome in 2004, with a bachelor’s degree in ‘Business Communications and Organization’, followed by a masters in ‘Lobbying and Advocacy’ in 2006. I was lucky: I started my career during a big digital transformation phase, working in store management and the development of strategic marketing and communication plans for e-motion, based in Torino. I was then chosen as a ‘Digital Champion’ and Italian ambassador for the promotion of IT within the company.

Working at e-motion was my first introduction to the exciting world of IT and cybersecurity – I spent eighteen months with the company, after which time I was ready to explore new opportunities in the field. I was around 26 at the time and wasn’t so sure of myself professionally – despite the challenge, I decided to try and get a job at Kaspersky in Rome. My future colleagues believed in me and were sure that I would be able to learn quickly.

I started in traditional PR and events and then, little by little, I worked my way up to Corporate Communications Manager for Italy. Today I am Head of Corporate Communication & Public Affairs for Italy and have so much experience to share and so many stories about projects to tell! I am sure I will never get bored in this field and will continue doing things that really appeal to me, while making a difference. This is what drives me to continue. There are so many opportunities to challenge yourself, to learn from others, and to be inspired by them.

Projects of the heart

From the very beginning, I have been involved in so many projects that I am proud of. My focus has always been on CSR initiatives because I have a deep passion for these kinds of activities. Nowadays we are transitioning to ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and it is a great leap forward. We are beginning to view corporate work not only as a chance to contribute to a sustainable future, but to create it. I am a fan of the idea that you can change the world by simply doing your work and committing to it. And I believe that passion and full commitment is the key to success. For instance, we have developed a project for kids — Kasper, Sky and a Green Bear. Created to show how to safely navigate the journey through the Internet, it is an educational project aimed at increasing awareness about cyberbullying in primary school children and educate them about online safety.

We believe that prevention messages are most powerful when they come from other children. So, we created a theatrical play, ‘Kasper, Sky and the Green Bear’, put on by a talented young cast of actors (between the ages of seven and eleven), directed by Mitzi Amoroso, one of the best-known names in children’s theater. The project also included a musical, based on a book commissioned by Kaspersky to Dutch author Marlies Slegers. This event was streamed during the Giffoni Film Festival 2018 to an audience of 1,000 children aged between six and 10 years old. On top of this, we have developed a playful and educational app for young children, making it possible to communicate a very serious topic in an easy and engaging way.

With this alongside other projects, I’ve always tried to find fields which can be influenced and improved, as being inspired and adding meaning to your work is a huge motivator. The project won the European Excellence Award 2018 in the category of CSR and for me, was the very first step to realizing that my work is not only appreciated, but makes a huge difference, and that I am still a part of the women in cybersecurity movement — although I am not working directly in IT itself.

I believe that challenges that I have faced on a daily basis can give some food for thought for those women who are just beginning to enter the cybersecurity field, or, generally, for those who are reflecting on their daily work and trying to see the bigger picture. I am happy to share some tips both for professional and personal life:

Cybersecurity is the thing that has a massive impact on our lives, and I am happy to be here and to contribute to such significant projects. We continue to meet industry challenges and today, the image of not only the company, but the entire sector is changing rapidly.

Advice for newcomers

I believe that challenges that I have faced every on a daily basis can give some food for thought for those women who are just beginning to enter the cybersecurity field, or, generally, those who are reflecting on their daily work and trying to see the bigger picture. The following I am happy to share some tips are designed to help for women ion both their work and their life:

\\ Be passionate about what you do. ThisIt is critical! If you do not have passion, it is almost impossible to progress. Even in times of crisis, passion keeps pushing you forward, making you believe in yourself and overcome any obstacles. In order to keep being passionate and involved, I follow professional communities, surround myself with inspiring colleagues and continue to learning.

\\ Create new opportunities for women to succeed. The industry has already achieved great progress: more projects are being developed, new educational initiatives for women are emerging, but there is still a lot of work to be done when it comes to career opportunities and chances to express oneself. Find new areas that can be filled with information or actions and continue developing the field.

\\ Don’t be afraid to explore. There are so many things to do and discover! If I could give just one piece of advice to those entering this exciting field, I would emphasize being more proactive and integrating yourself within a huge network. If you surround yourself with professionals, it will be easier for you to find your way.

\\ Maintain a work-life balance. Find a hobby which allows you to have a rest and switch off from work. Personally, I am keen on sport. I play tennis a lot. It helps me to recharge my batteries and take my mind off the daily routine. And, despite the pandemic situation, I continue to love travelling. It is something that makes me feel alive.

14 years ago, when I had just started my career, the media wanted to know what Kaspersky was doing. Today, the market has grown into a big domain, and now everyone knows the basic rules of cybersecurity and how to be connected and remain protected.

Recently I have been featured as one of Europe’s top women in cybersecurity in the new #women4cyber book, ‘Hacking gender barriers: Europe’s Top Cyber Women’. I am extremely honored to achieve this recognition. I think there are many women in Europe who are driving the cybersecurity field, and inclusion in the list means that I am part of this talented and incredible community.

What the future brings

It is difficult to set new goals when a completely different stage of life is coming – and soon I will be becoming a mother! At this time, I would like to concentrate more on the personal side of my life. That said, I have every intention to do more educational activities when I return to work, to continue being part of the Kaspersky women’s movement, to help my younger colleagues by sharing experiences and to keep being part of the network. This is just another step forward.