As we continue our series of blogs this March, we delve into the inspiring journeys of women at Schneider Electric, highlighting how diverse perspectives not only enrich our workplace but also propel our success.
In this blog, we’re excited to share the career story of Njoud, Cluster Cybersecurity Lead and based in Saudi Arabia. From her early fascination with technology to her hands-on experience in operational technology (OT) cybersecurity, Njoud’s story showcases her growth, the lessons learned, and her alignment with Schneider mission and values. Join us as Njoud reflects on her career, shares advice for aspiring cybersecurity professionals, and looks ahead to the future of cybersecurity at Schneider Electric.
Sparking My Interest in Cybersecurity
My fascination with technology and how to protect it, sparked my interest in cybersecurity. I see cybersecurity like medicine—both deal with viruses, prevention, and evolving threats. This comparison highlights how dynamic cybersecurity is and the need for innovative solutions to tackle new attack methods in our digital world.
During my studies, I explored gamification to boost cybersecurity awareness. This experience reinforced my belief that cybersecurity isn’t just about technology; it’s about people. The human factor is crucial in security, and raising awareness is just as important as implementing technical defenses.
Early Career Experiences and Lessons Learned
My early career in security compliance and risk assessments were defining moments. Seeing how security vulnerabilities could impact businesses made me curious about bridging the gap between technical security measures and user awareness.
Over the years, my role has evolved from focusing solely on governance and technical security measures to a leadership position where communication, risk management, and awareness training are just as critical. Starting my journey in the Graduate Development Program at the Public Investment Fund gave me a broader understanding of the security landscape beyond technical implementations.
Hands-On Experience in OT Cybersecurity
As an OT cybersecurity engineer, I worked closely with industrial environments, securing critical infrastructure, and ensuring compliance with security baselines. This hands-on experience gave me valuable insights into OT security challenges and the importance of aligning cybersecurity measures with real-world industrial processes. Seeing cybersecurity from both compliance and operational perspectives ensures that security measures are effectively applied in practice.
Aligning with Schneider’s Mission and IMPACT Values
Schneider Electric’s mission to create a more sustainable and secure future really resonates with me. I believe cybersecurity isn’t just about protection—it’s about empowering people and organizations. Here’s how my work ties into our IMPACT values:
- Inclusion: I make sure everyone, no matter their tech background, understands the importance of cybersecurity. It’s all about making security accessible and empowering everyone to contribute.
- Mastery: Cybersecurity is always changing, so I’m committed to constantly learning and mastering new skills to stay ahead of threats.
- Purpose: Knowing that my work helps protect critical infrastructure and keeps things running smoothly gives me a strong sense of purpose.
- Action: Implementing security measures and training programs means taking decisive action to tackle vulnerabilities and boost security.
- Curiosity: My interest in technology and the human side of cybersecurity drives me to explore new solutions and stay curious about emerging threats.
- Teamwork: Working together with colleagues and stakeholders is key in cybersecurity. It’s all about collaboration to build a strong security culture and achieve our goals.
Transitioning to OT Cybersecurity
One of my most significant learning experiences was transitioning into OT cybersecurity. This required me to shift my perspective from traditional IT security to securing industrial environments. Unlike IT, where the focus is often on data protection and confidentiality, OT cybersecurity prioritizes safety, availability, and operational continuity. Adapting to this mindset and understanding the unique risks and constraints of industrial control systems (ICS) was challenging but rewarding. This experience reinforced my belief that cybersecurity requires flexibility, continuous learning, and the ability to bridge gaps between different domains.
Continuous Learning and Future Aspirations
I’m constantly learning, especially as the cybersecurity landscape is always evolving. Emerging threats, regulatory changes, and new technologies mean there’s always something new to explore. In the future, I hope to deepen my work in cybersecurity training and awareness, making security second nature for organizations and individuals alike.
My Advice for Aspiring Cybersecurity Professionals
For those just starting in cybersecurity, my advice is simple: stay curious and never stop learning.
- Cybersecurity isn’t just about technical skills—it’s about problem-solving, communication, and adaptability.
- Embrace the unknown in cybersecurity; it’s an essential part of the learning journey. What matters is your ability to analyze situations and learn from them to find solutions.
- Every expert was once a beginner, and the key to growth is embracing challenges with confidence.
- Find an area that excites you, whether it’s governance, penetration testing, or security awareness, and keep pushing yourself forward.
Shaping the Future of Cybersecurity at Schneider Electric
The future of cybersecurity, especially at Schneider Electric, is exciting. As businesses embrace digital transformation, cybersecurity must evolve to be proactive, intelligent, and user centric. I look forward to shaping that future by making security not just a requirement, but a mindset.
Njoud’s journey in cybersecurity at Schneider Electric shows how curiosity and continuous learning can lead to amazing growth and impact.
As we share more inspiring career stories throughout March, we celebrate not only the achievements of our colleagues but also the collective commitment of Schneider Electric employees to embrace diverse perspectives.
Feeling inspired?
Take the next step in your career journey with us at Schneider Electric. Sign up for our newsletter to stay updated on new openings and insights!
Add a comment