Srija Reddy Allam, CISSP, CCSP, moved from IT to cybersecurity. An early grounding in networking combined with further education created a pathway into cybersecurity. One that enabled her to find her voice and purpose.
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What drew me to cybersecurity was a lifelong love of mathematics and problem-solving. From a young age, I enjoyed taking on challenges that required understanding how systems worked and breaking complex ideas down. That curiosity naturally led me to pursue engineering during my bachelor’s degree.
I started my career working in networking, where I built a strong foundation in how systems communicate and operate at scale. During my master’s program, advanced networking and security coursework expanded that foundation and gradually shifted my focus toward cybersecurity. One professor in particular had a lasting impact on me. She did not just teach the material, but made it feel real and relevant. Through real-world examples and practical scenarios, she helped solidify my interest and made it clear that cybersecurity was the path I wanted to follow.
What has kept me in cybersecurity is the constant sense of challenge and growth. No two days are the same. Threats change, technology evolves, and there is always something new to learn or a new problem to solve. The field never stands still and that continuous evolution keeps me motivated, engaged, and excited about the work I do.
The Reality of Working in Cybersecurity as a Woman
One of the most surprising aspects of working in cybersecurity as a woman has been how often the work itself is misunderstood. Cybersecurity is sometimes seen as purely technical or reactive, but in my experience, it requires creativity, collaboration and an understanding of people just as much as systems and risk. The work is nuanced and interconnected, even if that is not always visible from the outside.
Early in my career, I noticed that credibility was not always assumed. There were moments when I felt the need to explain my ideas more carefully, provide additional context, or demonstrate expertise before being fully heard. These experiences were rarely explicit, but they shaped how I navigated professional spaces.
What surprised me most was realizing that these experiences were not unique. Through conversations with peers, I found that many women in cybersecurity had encountered similar challenges, regardless of role or seniority. While that realization was initially discouraging, it reinforced the importance of mentorship, visibility, and shared experiences.
At the same time, I have been fortunate to work with strong allies and supportive leaders. Teams that genuinely value diverse perspectives create environments where people can contribute fully, and where security outcomes are stronger because of it.
Finding My Voice Along the Way
Over time, these experiences influenced how I showed up in my work. Earlier in my career, I often felt the need to be over-prepared, to double-check everything and to be especially deliberate in how I communicated. These pressures were not always stated, but they were present in subtle ways.
With experience came confidence. As I took on more complex responsibilities, I learned to trust my judgment and stand by my decisions. I became more comfortable speaking up, even when my perspective differed, as well as being more intentional about collaboration rather than perfection.
That growth also shaped how I work with others. It made me more mindful of creating space for different voices in technical discussions and ensuring that collaboration feels inclusive rather than intimidating. Finding my voice was not just about being heard but about helping create environments where others feel heard as well.
Looking Ahead with Purpose
For anyone considering a career in cybersecurity, especially women, my advice is to trust your curiosity and not wait until you feel fully ready. This field rewards those who are willing to learn, ask questions and grow through experience. Confidence is built over time. Nobody enters cybersecurity knowing everything. Seek out mentors, stay curious and give yourself permission to take up space in technical conversations.
What makes me optimistic about the future of women in cybersecurity is the growing visibility of diverse voices and leadership styles across the industry. There are more open conversations happening today around inclusion, mentorship and sponsorship than ever before. While there is still work to be done, the momentum is real.
Cybersecurity is stronger when it reflects the diversity of the world it aims to protect. As more women step into leadership, influence decisions and support one another, the field continues to evolve in a more thoughtful and resilient direction. That progress and the people driving it, give me confidence in what lies ahead.Top of Form
Srija Reddy Allam, CISSP, CCSP, is a cloud security architect with a background in networking and cybersecurity. She works on designing and securing cloud-based systems at scale across complex environments. Her focus is on building practical, resilient security architectures that support both technology and business needs.
