From Curiosity to Confidence: A Decade in Cybersecurity and the Power of Women in Tech 

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Image credit: Prachi Dusad, Security Analyst, Service Now
My journey in cybersecurity began in 2016, when I secured my first job through a college placement soon after completing my engineering degree in Computer Science. From early on, I was deeply fascinated by cybersecurity and networking, and I felt fortunate to enter this field right at the start of my career. The initial training I received shaped my path and helped me discover my true calling within cybersecurity: Incident Response. 

As I stepped into the professional world, I focused on continuous learning, upskilling myself every day, seeking guidance from mentors, and absorbing knowledge from experienced colleagues. Like many professionals, I experienced both the positive and challenging sides of workplace culture. While I encountered moments where poor leadership could impact morale and growth, I was equally fortunate to have supportive mentors and teammates who encouraged me, believed in my abilities, and helped me push forward. 

A significant turning point came when I moved to Hyderabad to join ServiceNow. That phase of my career was transformative. I found myself surrounded by highly skilled professionals and inspiring women leaders who excelled not only technically but also as mentors and decision-makers. Their ability to balance professional excellence with personal responsibilities left a lasting impression on me. The company’s people-first culture ensured that hard work was recognized, personal well-being was valued, and growth opportunities were always within reach. 

In 2023, I had the opportunity to relocate to Ireland, where I worked under an exceptional female leader whose positivity, resilience, and empathy deeply influenced me. She created an environment where every team member felt supported, especially during high-pressure cybersecurity incidents. Under her leadership, I handled some of the most critical security investigations, led projects, conducted trainings, and expanded my expertise into digital forensics. 

Now the past decade has been a journey of constant learning, personal growth, and professional fulfilment. I have come to value not just technical excellence, but also the importance of empathy, collaboration, and uplifting others. As someone who enjoys appreciating and supporting people, I strive to make workplaces more encouraging and inclusive. 

Today, as more women step into leadership roles in technology, the landscape is steadily changing. Women are proving their ability to lead, innovate, multitask, and guide teams with emotional intelligence and strength. Looking ahead, I aspire to grow into leadership roles myself, continuing to learn, inspire others, and contribute to building a more inclusive and empowering future for women in tech. 

About the Contributor

Prachi Dusad is a cybersecurity professional with over a decade of experience in Security Operations, Incident Response, and Digital Forensics. Beginning her career as a SOC Analyst after completing her engineering in Computer Science, she built a strong foundation in threat monitoring and detection before advancing into incident response through continuous learning and professional growth. Having worked in global environments, including Ireland, she has developed strong expertise in handling complex cybersecurity incidents and digital forensic investigations. Alongside her technical work, she is passionate about mentorship, actively guiding junior analysts and supporting teams in strengthening their cybersecurity response capabilities.

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