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Introduction
In a world increasingly driven by technology, the field of cybersecurity plays a vital role in protecting sensitive information and thwarting cyber threats. While traditionally male-dominated, the landscape of cybersecurity is evolving, opening doors for women to make significant contributions.
To gain insights into the unique strengths women bring to this industry, we spoke with Loh Kar Wei, a 21-year-old cybersecurity trainer at the Centre For Cybersecurity (CFC). Despite her youth, Kar Wei has already achieved several cybersecurity certifications, including the advanced OSCP certification, and has been credited with identifying 2 Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVEs).
During her tenure at CFC, she has mentored at least 5 batches of students since 2023. In this interview, we explore the little genius’s background, perspectives, and the initiatives she supports to encourage more women like her to enter the world of cybersecurity.
Unique Strengths
When discussing the unique strengths women bring to cybersecurity education and careers, Kar Wei emphasises the importance of individual perspectives. She acknowledges that speaking on behalf of all women would be challenging, but from her perspective, she believes that women tend to pay more attention to detail.
“We are more meticulous in the processes and the results that we get, which I guess would be more relevant to something like cybersecurity since there is a lot of detail and a lot of technicalities with how different components work together and how they can be exploited and then eventually secured against”, she says.
Kar Wei points out how women's perspective can provide a fresh outlook, contributing to a well-rounded approach in securing digital systems.
Promoting Diversity in Cybersecurity
As part of the conversation, Kar Wei highlights specific initiatives at the Centre For Cybersecurity that support and encourage women in cybersecurity. One notable aspect mentioned is the non-discriminatory approach within CFC, where we don't consider age or background when selecting individuals to join the course.
That has organically resulted in a higher ratio of females enrolling in CFC’s cybersecurity courses, when compared to traditional educational institutions.
Kar Wei reflects on her own experience, saying, “I do see a higher ratio of females in my classes which is something that I didn't really see as much when I was still schooling (at Singapore Polytechnic). So when I was schooling, the typical ratio between men and women it's like 8:2, whereas in CFC I would say sometimes it even goes to like 40 percent.”
She also points out that the higher ratio of females in cybersecurity courses at CFC creates a safer and more relatable environment for women to join the field. She believes this could attract more females to cybersecurity, as they can relate better to others in the field and leverage the community for support and collaboration.
Personal Journey into Cybersecurity
Kar Wei's own journey into the world of cybersecurity began with a passion for building and breaking things, a fascination that ultimately drew her to pursue a career in this field. Despite being an introvert, Kar Wei challenged herself to step into an educator role, recognising the significance of connecting with like-minded individuals who shared her passion for cybersecurity.
Her experience underscores the transformative power of cybersecurity, demonstrating its ability to break social barriers and foster connections among people from diverse backgrounds.
Overcoming Challenges and Empowering Moments
Reflecting on her journey, Kar Wei shares an empowering moment when she witnessed the support females in cybersecurity received within the community. This support came not only from women but also from male counterparts who actively drove initiatives to encourage more women to join the field. Kar Wei acknowledges the challenges she faced and expresses her gratitude for the sense of camaraderie and unity within the cybersecurity community.
Mentorship and Influences
When prompted about mentors or influencers who had an impact on her career path, Kar Wei mentions her mentor, Eugene Lim, a world-renowned hacker at Singapore’s GovTech. Under his guidance during an internship programme, Kar Wei developed a deep understanding of cybersecurity, particularly bug bounty programs.
It was this experience that drove her to pursue and eventually achieve the highly regarded OSCP certification. Kar Wei acknowledges the influence of her mentor, highlighting the role mentors play in shaping career paths.
Advice for Aspiring Women in Cybersecurity
Offering advice to young women considering a career in cybersecurity, Kar Wei emphasises the importance of not being afraid to pursue their goals. She emphasises that the only obstacle they face is themselves.
“Especially in Singapore, where there are already so many communities and initiatives trying to support younger women to join the industry, as long as you have the heart and mind to do it, I feel like you will get there.”
Kar Wei also emphasises the importance of assertiveness and confidence in the workplace, ensuring that their achievements and qualifications are recognised and valued.
“I feel like without this confidence and assertiveness to say that you are worthy and you are qualified to be here, sometimes it's easy for females to be kind of shoved to the side and forgotten.
This is something that you must fight for yourself because the chance of having someone to fight for you is not that high. If you want opportunities and you have a goal to reach, the only way to reach it is to push for yourself.”
Closing Remarks and Reflections
In her closing remarks, Kar Wei expresses that the most rewarding aspect of her career in the cybersecurity industry has been the opportunity to meet people from diverse backgrounds and hear their stories. She urges aspiring women in cybersecurity to trust their instincts and explore their passions within the field. Kar Wei also took time to highlight the transferable skills acquired in cybersecurity, allowing individuals to pivot into other STEM-related roles if desired.
She concludes with an encouraging message, advising, “Chase whatever that you enjoy doing. Even if you don't really enjoy something at this given point in time. Sometimes it just takes time to build.”
In conclusion, our conversation with Kar Wei sheds light on the unique strengths women bring to the field of cybersecurity and the supportive initiatives that promote diversity in the industry. By embracing their individual perspectives, women can contribute to a more robust and inclusive cybersecurity landscape. Kar Wei's personal journey serves as an inspiration to aspiring women, urging them to overcome challenges, trust their abilities, and pursue their passion within the ever-growing field of cybersecurity.
