Epic Women in Cyber —Sema Yuce
Sema is the founder and director of a boutique London-based information security governance, risk, and compliance (GRC) management consulting firm specialising in providing creative, cost-effective, independent management consultancy and security awareness solutions.
She is a volunteer translator at the SANS Institute, a mentor at Reed — Women in Technology programme, a SheLeadsTech Ambassador at ISACA, a Professional Member and volunteer reviewer at the British Computer Society (BCS) and a volunteer instructor at Fintech Istanbul for the “Cyber Security and Ethics” courses.
In 2020, she won the TechWomen Awards for her contribution to the women in the technology sector, and this year she is shortlisted for the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber awards.
How did you get into the cybersecurity field?
I started to work in software development and project management. In 2007, I had the chance of a lifetime to lead the project of creating the electronic mobile signature solution including cyber security controls, HSMs, a data centre and a trust centre. During this project, I had to learn digital signatures, public key infrastructure, implement ISMS, get ISO 27001 certified and create a secure & compliant turn-key solution. Once the project was successfully completed, there was no going back to software development, I had found my passion: cyber security!
What are the main challenges in this field?
The complexity of security, lack of diversity and inclusion, lack of good communication, documentation and presentation skills.
What are the things you’ve learned being a woman in cybersecurity?
- We are stronger if we are working all together
- Your technical skills (even though they may not be required for the position you are in) would always be wondered when dealing with technology teams — learning their language, challenges, risks and possible solutions you could bring to the table with the right attitude are hugely important
- It is crucial to create time for networking and paying back (supporting women in the industry) whenever you have a chance
What advice would you give to women who would like to join the industry?
If men can do it, you can do it too. In fact, I think you can do it even better with all the soft skills you have, as the industry needs them desperately!
Who are your role models?
For life: My mum.
For my career: All colleagues, friends, clients and experts who do their job professionally and with passion and authenticity.
If you could go back in time to your first days in the industry, what would you do differently or tell yourself?
I would not change anything — I believe what we experience in life and how we respond to these events shape us, and I am very happy with who I am and what I do today.
If you are a founder or a member of a community for women in security, can you introduce it?
I am an ambassador for ISACA — SheLeadsTech. It is a program from One In Tech, an ISACA Foundation — engages a network of IT professionals to increase the representation of women in technology leadership roles and the tech workforce through mentorship, professional development and leadership training.
