Women in Tech: Kelly’s Journey into Cyber Security

During Women in Tech Week, CYAN Solutions highlights how inclusion and mentorship are shaping the future of cyber security. Junior Security Analyst Kelly shares her journey into tech and her role helping organisations achieve Cyber Essentials certification, proving that empathy and clarity are just as vital as technical skill.

Starting Out in Technology

Q: What first sparked your interest in technology and cyber security?

Kelly: “I’ve been surrounded by technology from an early age. My dad worked in the military fixing computers, so I grew up learning about hardware and problem-solving. That early exposure sparked my curiosity about how systems work and how they can be protected.

When I started working on the helpdesk, I discovered how much I enjoyed helping people and explaining technical issues in a way that made sense to them. Over time, I found myself drawn to the security side of things. Spotting patterns, analysing data, and understanding how to prevent threats before they happen. That’s what really inspired me to move into cyber security.”

Q: How did your career path lead you to CYAN Solutions?

Kelly: “My journey into tech started thanks to a neighbour who was a teacher on an IT apprenticeship programme. They encouraged me to join, and that opportunity gave me my first real step into the industry.

After completing the course, I began working in hardware support for an energy company, starting with laptops and quickly moving on to managing servers. As technology evolved and more systems moved to the cloud, I realised the importance of expanding my skills beyond hardware and into cyber security. That’s what led me to CYAN, grow my technical knowledge and be part of a team focused on protecting businesses in an increasingly digital world.”

Q: What does your current role involve?

Kelly: “In my current role, I act as a security resource for our helpdesk team, providing guidance and support on cyber security-related queries. I help customers achieve their Cyber Essentials certification by walking them through the process and ensuring their systems meet the required standards.

I also monitor our security tools to identify potential issues and assist clients with additional needs,  such as writing security policies or completing cyber insurance forms, to help strengthen their overall protection.

Additionally, I run regular tabletop exercises, both internally and for our customers, to test incident response procedures and ensure everyone understands how to act effectively during a cyber incident.”

Making Cyber Security Accessible

Q: For people who find cyber security intimidating, how do you make it feel approachable?

Kelly: “I make it approachable by translating complex topics into clear, practical advice that relates to their day-to-day work.”

Q: What’s the most rewarding part of helping organisations achieve Cyber Essentials certification?

Kelly: “Helping customers to achieve their goals or requirements while also giving them assurances for themselves that they have good basic cyber security.”

Q: Why is Cyber Essentials so valuable for businesses today?

Kelly: “Cyber Essentials (CE) helps organisations grow as it can show their customers that they are secure in basic cyber hygiene. It is a Gov accreditation and some sectors it is a requirement now but having it regardless of if it is a requirement or not helps build customer confidence that their data is safe.”

What Is Cyber Essentials?

Cyber Essentials is a government-backed certification that helps organisations protect themselves against the most common cyber threats. It covers five key areas: firewalls, secure configuration, access control, malware protection, and patch management.

Learn more about Cyber Essentials from the NCSC

Being a Woman in Cyber security

Q: Cyber security has traditionally been male-dominated. What’s your experience been like working in the field?

Kelly: “Working in CYAN I don’t feel any different to anyone else in the team they treat me the same so that helps make things easier. In past jobs, I had customers assume I couldn’t help because I was a woman, but the landscape is changing now and that hasn’t happened for many years.”

Q: Have you had mentors or role models who’ve supported you along the way?

Kelly: “All those I have worked with at CYAN have been very supportive as colleagues throughout my job here.”

Q: What advice would you give to other women or young people considering a career in tech or cyber security?

Kelly: “Build your confidence by getting involved, surround yourself with supportive peers, and remember that everyone started somewhere. Technology moves quickly so be curious and keep learning.”

About Women in Tech Week

Women in Tech Week is a UK-wide initiative founded by WeAreTechWomen to celebrate women’s contributions to technology, promote diversity, and inspire future talent.

Running annually each October (this year from 13–17 October 2025), the week brings together organisations and individuals across the tech industry to share stories, host events, and amplify women’s voices in technology.

By taking part, professionals like Kelly help shape a more inclusive and representative industry. One where confidence, communication, and curiosity are valued just as highly as technical skill.

Looking Ahead

Q: What are you most excited about learning or working on next?

Kelly: “I’m looking forward to engaging with customers on their security and taking the NCSC Cyber Advisor exam (Certificate of Competence in Cyber Essentials Implementation) to help more people with Cyber Essentials.”

Q: How do you see the landscape changing for women in tech?

Kelly: “The landscape is definitely improving. There’s more awareness now about the need for diversity and more opportunities for women to get into technology roles. I think schools and training providers are doing a better job of showing that tech isn’t just for one type of person. It’s creative, collaborative, and open to everyone. We still have a way to go, but I’m seeing more women joining the field every year, and that’s really encouraging.”

Q: What impact do you hope your work has, both for CYAN’s customers and for the wider industry?

Kelly: “I hope my work helps people feel more confident with technology and less afraid of cyber security. For many organisations, it’s an area that feels complicated or overwhelming, so I try to make it something they can understand and take control of.

If I can help someone feel more secure in their systems, or even just more aware of how to protect themselves, that’s a win. I also hope that by working in this field, I can show other women that cyber security is a space where they can thrive and make a real difference.”

The Human Side of Cyber Security: Kelly’s Takeaway

Talking with Kelly makes one thing clear: cyber security isn’t just about software or systems, it’s about people. Confidence, communication, and curiosity are just as important as technical skill.

Kelly’s calm, structured approach reflects CYAN’s wider mission: helping organisations feel secure, informed, and in control of their technology. Every certification, every conversation, and every customer she supports brings the industry a step closer to becoming more inclusive, transparent, and human.

“If someone walks away from a call with me feeling more confident about security, that’s a win.” — Kelly

Written by Team CYAN

Link has been copied to the clipboard.