Tell us about your career journey.

My background is in toxicology. You wouldn't think toxicology and cybersecurity go together. But here's my story. 

My career started in Defence Acquisition and Procurement, where I worked on Medical Countermeasures in the United Kingdom. That's where my background in toxicology came in handy.  

It was there that I had the opportunity to work on other special projects, which were interesting. I was able to work on an ICT (Information and Communications Technology) system and infrastructure programme. 

I had the opportunity to lead the delivery of a UK-French nuclear warhead infrastructure programme. I was responsible for leading the security function to protect the classified information. After that posting, I became Head of Insider Threat where I was responsible for protecting the organisation’s critical assets and safeguarding their data and information. 

After that, I transferred into a different team where I produced reports on potential hostile or friendly foreign direct investments acquiring cutting-edge cyber technologies that could threaten UK national security. 

COVID-19 in the UK made me and my family reflect on our work-life priorities, so I left working for the UK Government to emigrate to Australia with my wife and children last year.

What made you decide you wanted a career in cybersecurity?

To be honest, I didn’t plan to work in cybersecurity. I ended up gravitating towards it! Cybersecurity has so many interesting aspects to it. It spans so many subjects from technical knowledge to policy development and, of course, risk management. 

Cyber is so integral to our society and how we function on a day-to-day basis. Because the cybersecurity landscape is always changing, there are endless opportunities for continuous learning!

What are the most interesting projects you've worked on? 

I’ve had the opportunity to work with Critical Infrastructure clients in financial services, utilities and aviation to help protect their systems and essential services that all Australians rely on. The projects have been high-profile, diverse and unique in terms of their complexity, maturity and risks. It’s a great feeling to know you’re making an important difference to organisations and to the lives of Australians. Also, while working on these projects I’ve acquired new skills and met incredible people along the way within PwC across Australia.

What's your day-to-day like at PwC? 

It's all about knowing and understanding my clients. Each organisation has its own threats, risks, assets and business priorities. 

It’s always important to understand the governance structures of each organisation and how they manage their current and emerging risks so the network and information systems are appropriately protected. 

The next stage is to assess if they have appropriate security measures in place to protect them from a cyberattack, to see if they have the right capabilities to detect cyber security events and respond appropriately to an incident.

What is your best advice you have about developing your career?

Seize and maximise the opportunities you are presented with each day because they will be the building blocks of your future career.

What’s unique about the Cyber and Digital Trust (C&DT) team?

I would say that C&DT teams are genuinely supportive and friendly. My colleagues and teammates are happy to chip in and help each other. 

Every day, I work with passionate people that know their subject matter inside and out. They are generous with their knowledge and time. The team is always happy to help you grow on both a personal and professional level.