Epic Women in Cyber — Maria Elizabeth de Guzman
Maez currently leads one of the Big Four’s extensive cybersecurity delivery centers in Manila, Philippines. She is the first female certified chief information security officer (CCISO) in the country and recently recognized by SecurityMatters magazine, PWCA and WISECRA as one of the Top Women in Security in the Philippines. She has also been well recognized as part of Women who inspire Honorary in her previous organization.
A member of EC Council’s International Advisory Board for CCISO — composed of prominent Industry leaders and top Threat Intelligence professionals from a diverse range of industries and globally-known brands, Maez is serving as an invaluable guidepost to help in building new initiatives for Information Security management.
With extensive experience in leading large-scale digitization/automation initiatives, setting cybersecurity COEs and driving business simplification initiatives, business transformations and large-scale Threat Detection and Response operations, Maez has been a proven leader with a track record of integrating security into business and technology operations and helping global leaders address their pressing security and risk concerns.
How did you get into the cybersecurity field?
I started as an Information Security Officer in a global technology company, assessing and designing information security and privacy programs for clients across multiple industries.
I progressively moved as head of IT Security, managing Infrastructure protection, Risk and Compliance, Identity and Access Management and Security Policy Management.
There was no formal course for cybersecurity back then, so perseverance and self-learning are two very important behaviors — that includes building your own lab, late nights, weekends and holidays devoted to online learning and self-study.
I have a very strong appetite for new products and emerging technology. Like a kid waiting for the latest console release, I’ve always been excited to do beta testing and evaluation of new security tools.
It has been a continuous journey of learning and unlearning for the past years for me and that got me into cybersecurity.
What are the main challenges in this field?
We continue to see a widening talent gap and global shortage in cybersecurity professionals. The challenge for us has always been how to build and empower the team and pass on the same passion in building the next generation.
We operate in a vast digital landscape and cyber risks are evolving. Attackers can hit us on machine speed while we still respond on human speed — the next call to action is to be up to date with these emerging threats and continue to invest and innovate.
What are the things you’ve learned being a woman in cybersecurity?
One of the best concepts that I continually live by is that of Robert Ingersolls’ “We rise by lifting others”. Genuine support comes a long way so always be encouraging, share knowledge, be humble. I have such amazing support from so many talented and astounding women in our organization that always makes me feel so thankful — and at the same time, always wanting to pay it forward.
What advice would you give to women who would like to join the industry?
A lot of campus grads ask me what a typical life in cyber is like, and I would reply with a laugh that it’s 80% deep thinking and 90% coffee drinking, which probably is directly correlated to the hours you will spend in a day. Passion will be a great fuel, don’t lose it. Find your motivation. It will not be smooth sailing all throughout, you will have scars in the battlefield but collect those scars with humility and you will make it through. Along the way, don’t forget to take care of yourself and your well-being. A well fueled car must also be well maintained.
Who are your role models?
Personally, it’s my lola (grandmother) who taught me a lot of my core values now. Humility, compassion and strength. I have always looked up to her.
In the tech industry and in our own organization, there are just so many amazing women that I look up to who taught me to always have the courage to lead.
If you could go back in time to your first days in the industry, what would you do differently or tell yourself?
Build your network, find a mentor very early on.
You will be surprised how those senior leaders that you look up to will willingly mentor you. Most would have this at the very least of their priorities but it’s a very worthwhile investment.
