ISC2 Singapore Chapter Blogs

International Women’s Day: Celebrating the Women Strengthening Our Digital World

Sun, 08 Mar 2026 01:47:54 GMT

Every day, millions of people rely on the digital world to work, communicate, learn, and build their futures. Behind the scenes, cybersecurity professionals work tirelessly to keep this ecosystem safe.

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women who are shaping the future of cybersecurity, protecting people, strengthening digital trust, and inspiring the next generation of cyber defenders.

Cybersecurity is often seen as a highly technical field. But at its core, it is about people. It is about protecting individuals, communities, and organisations in an increasingly connected world. Women in cybersecurity bring perspectives that are vital to this mission, such as empathy, resilience, creativity, and leadership that help solve complex security challenges in new and meaningful ways.

Across our community, women are contributing in powerful ways:

Discovering cybersecurity through unexpected career paths
Building companies and innovative solutions
Protecting organisations and critical systems
Educating communities about online safety
Mentoring the next generation of cyber professionals

Each journey strengthens the collective progress of our industry.

Their stories also remind us that representation matters. The legacy of pioneering women in technology continues today through those who step forward with courage, curiosity, and purpose.

In this post, we are proud to spotlight the voices of women in our cybersecurity community, sharing what inspired them to enter the field, what keeps them motivated, and the advice they offer to others considering a career in cyber.

Finding Purpose in Protecting Others

For Yasmine Berry, a Computer Science and Cybersecurity graduate, the journey into cybersecurity began with a realisation about the amount of personal data being collected and the responsibility organisations hold in protecting it.

Recognising how often that responsibility is mishandled sparked a desire to be part of the solution.

“I wanted to step into the role of a cyber defender by protecting people who may not even realise they need protecting.”

What keeps Yasmin motivated is the community surrounding the industry, a network of professionals united by the shared goal of building a safer digital world.

She also draws inspiration from pioneering women in computing whose work paved the way for future generations, like Ada Lovelace and Joan Clarke.

“Their courage and brilliance created space for women like me to step forward with confidence. I hope to continue building that legacy for the next generation.”

Turning Awareness Into Impact

For Michelle Yao, Co-Founder of Cyberlite, the motivation comes from protecting young people navigating the digital world.

Growing up during the early days of social media, Michelle observed the evolution of online risks, and realised that many challenges faced by young people today remain similar, but far more sophisticated.

That realisation inspired her to focus on child online protection and cyber/AI safety education.

“I wanted to make a real impact in helping young people navigate the digital world safely.”

Michelle believes women bring an important balance to cybersecurity, especially in areas where understanding human behaviour is essential.

“Women bring empathy and perspective to this field. Our ability to combine personal and professional insights helps us create solutions that genuinely benefit people.”

The most rewarding moments come from seeing real-world impact when students adopt safer digital habits, when teachers feel empowered to guide their students, and when parents find clarity in an increasingly complex digital landscape.

Her advice to aspiring women in cybersecurity is simple but powerful:

“Find the reason that makes you wake up motivated every day. When you have that fire, it fuels everything.”

Growing Through Curiosity and Continuous Learning

For Claudia Cheong, an Information Security Practitioner at Prudential Singapore, the path into cybersecurity started with managing endpoint security technologies and evolved into a deeper pursuit of expertise.

Her advice for women entering the field is to embrace the strengths they already bring.

“Embrace your unique background, keep learning, and build strong communication and people skills.”

In cybersecurity, technical skills matter but the ability to collaborate, communicate, and translate complex risks into meaningful action is equally important.

The Power of Curiosity and Community

For Nadeetha Wahalathanthri, a member of the Women in Cyber Subcommittee at ISC2 Singapore Chapter, curiosity is the driving force behind a sustainable cybersecurity career.

“Stay curious, keep learning, and never assume yesterday’s knowledge is enough for today’s threats.”

Cybersecurity is constantly evolving, and professionals must continuously adapt, sometimes even unlearning outdated approaches to stay effective.

But one lesson stands above the rest:

“No one succeeds in this field alone. Shared knowledge isn’t a weakness, it’s our greatest defense.”

Accidental Beginnings, Meaningful Impact

For another cybersecurity advocate and educator, the journey into cyber began unexpectedly.

While establishing her company to expand awareness around human security and resilience online, Dr. Anuradha Rao, Founder of CyberCognizanz, was encouraged by her father, who works as a security practitioner, to incorporate cybersecurity into her work.

By combining her research on new media technologies with cybersecurity and online safety, she found her purpose in helping people build resilience in the digital world.

She believes women bring essential strengths to the cybersecurity ecosystem.

“Women tend to be empathetic, strong listeners, and service-driven leaders. In technical spaces like cybersecurity, these qualities help balance traditional approaches and bring diverse perspectives into problem solving.”

Her work continues to be motivated by the people she serves, learners, communities, and organisations striving to stay safe online.

Her advice to women entering the field reflects both resilience and authenticity:

Keep trying until you find your place and your people
Seek mentors, allies, and supportive communities
Stay where your contributions are valued
Speak up for yourself and others
Invest in communication and leadership skills

And perhaps most importantly:

“Have fun, give back, and make each day meaningful. Life is more than a job title.”

Moving Forward Together

Cybersecurity is one of the most important challenges of our time. The diversity of perspectives within the field strengthens how we approach these challenges and women continue to play a vital role in shaping its future.

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women who are protecting our digital lives, educating communities, leading innovation, and paving the way for the next generation of cyber defenders.

Their journeys remind us that cybersecurity is not just about technology.

It is about people, purpose, and the shared responsibility of building a safer digital world.

Anthony Lim Received 2025 ISC2 Senior Professional Award

Sat, 06 Sep 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Congratulations to Anthony Lim, our Director of Advocacy, on being awarded the ISC2 Senior Professional Award!

The ISC2 Professional Awards celebrate the achievements and contributions of cybersecurity professionals at different stages of their careers.

The Senior Professional Award recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the enhancement of the cybersecurity workforce by demonstrating strong leadership and being an advocate for the profession.

Anthony’s dedication, advocacy, and leadership have left an enduring mark on the community, inspiring both peers and the next generation of cyber defenders.

Please join us in celebrating this well-deserved recognition!

ISC2 Singapore Chapter Has Received The ISC2 Chapter Recognition Award!

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 04:00:00 GMT

We’re proud to share that the ISC2 Singapore Chapter has received the ISC2 Chapter Recognition Award!

This award honours chapters that best promote the ISC2 vision of inspiring a safe and secure cyber world, with activities and services that support members while contributing to the profession and local community through Connect, Educate, Inspire and Secure.

This recognition reflects the passion and dedication of our volunteers, members, partners, and the wider cybersecurity community here in Singapore.

Looking ahead, we remain committed to delivering greater value to our members and serving the broader community with purpose and passion. We strive to foster a chapter where you feel engaged, empowered, and proud to belong, with diverse opportunities for growth, meaningful connections, and avenues to give back.

Thank you for being part of this journey — together, we will continue to grow and make Singapore’s cyber ecosystem stronger and safer.

[Women in Cyber Series] Chat with Anne Tan

Fri, 01 Aug 2025 13:55:30 GMT

We recently had the pleasure of speaking with Tan Ci En Anne, GRC Consultant and Auditor at RSM Singapore, about her inspiring journey into cybersecurity.

Anne shared how she got her start in the field, what fuels her passion for the work she does, and the mindset that keeps her going. She also offered thoughtful advice for young professionals looking to break into or pivot toward a career in cybersecurity.

Whether you're just starting out or considering a career shift, Anne’s story is one you won’t want to miss!

Watch the video below

ISC2 Singapore Chapter Renewed the CSA Cybersecurity Certification - Cyber Essentials Mark

Wed, 14 May 2025 14:13:10 GMT

Exciting Achievement Unlocked!

We’re proud to announce that the ISC2 Singapore Chapter has successfully renewed the CSA Cybersecurity Certification – Cyber Essentials Mark!

We showed the commitment to walk the talk by getting the certification 2 years ago. And, this renewal affirms our commitment to maintaining high standards of cybersecurity as we continue providing membership services to cybersecurity professionals across Singapore. It's a significant step forward in our journey to uphold digital trust and resilience in an increasingly complex threat landscape.

What is the CSA Cyber Essentials Mark?

The Cyber Essentials Mark is a cybersecurity certification developed by the Cyber Security Agency of Singapore (CSA). It is designed for organisations that wish to demonstrate good cybersecurity practices. The certification provides assurance that essential cybersecurity measures are in place to guard against common cyber threats — a crucial foundation for any organization handling sensitive data or operating in today's digital environment.

A big thank you to our & for the effort, to our members, and partners for your continued trust and support. Let’s keep raising the bar for cybersecurity excellence in Singapore and beyond!

#CyberSecurity #CyberSafeSG #ISC2Singapore #CyberEssentials #CSACertification #DigitalTrust #CyberResilience

Building an Inclusive Society: ISC2 Singapore Chapter Supports Autism Awareness in April 2025

Wed, 14 May 2025 12:29:16 GMT

In celebration of World Autism World and as our way to show commitment in building a more inclusive society, ISC2 Singapore Chapter had partnered with St. Andrew's Autism Centre (SAAC) in April to raise awareness on autism.

On 7 April, Melissa Oh from SAAC shared on virtual session about the centre, a service of St. Andrew's Mission Hospital, established back in 2005 to meet the growing need to serve individuals with the autism. Today, SAAC's special education school, day activity centres and residential home serve over 470 persons with autism.

For School Years (7 - 18 years old), St.Andrew's Autism School offers a comprehensive developmental curriculum in accord with evidence-based practices for students on the autism.

And for Adulthood (>18 years old), the Day Activity Centres (DAC) plays a pivotal role in improving the quality of life for individuals with autism. The primary goal at the DAC is to foster independence and develop essential life skills for Special Education (SPED) graduates who are not work-ready.

As part of the initiative, our Outreach Team had also raised S$7,900 fund which benefited St. Andrew's Mission Hospital.

This heartfelt achievement cannot be done without all the generous donation from ISC2 Singapore Chapter's members and supporters. Thank you for your support to this initiative and let's continue making great impact to our society!

Congratulations to Eric Wong for passing CCSP exam!

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 12:41:15 GMT

We're proud to announce that our very own ISC2 Singapore Chapter's President, Eric Wong has passed his CCSP exam!

CCSP, or Certified Cloud Security Professional, is a globally recognized certification that validates an individual's expertise in cloud security. It's important because it demonstrates proficiency in designing, managing, and securing data, applications, and infrastructure in the cloud. This is vital as more and more organizations rely on cloud environments, making cloud security professionals highly sought after.

Congratulations for your achievement, Eric!

[Women in Cyber Series] Navigating Cybersecurity with Dewi Anggraini

Thu, 20 Mar 2025 13:26:19 GMT

This post is part of Women in Cyber Series - an initiative to promote stories of women in the cyber field.

Empowering the Next Generation of Cyber Defenders!

Sun, 09 Mar 2025 12:56:14 GMT

On Saturday (8 Mar), we had the privilege of running the Cybersecurity Proficiency Badge Programme (Tier 3) for our secondary Scouts from The Singapore Scout Association (SSA)! ️

This programme, launched in November 2023 through an MOU between ISC2 Singapore Chapter and SSA, provides scouts with a structured learning pathway in cybersecurity, guiding them through six tiers of increasing depth. At Tier 6, Scouts will have the opportunity to take part in the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) exam, marking a significant milestone in their cybersecurity journey.

With content developed by CyberArk and supported by ISC2 Singapore Chapter, today's session was an exciting step in helping young minds strengthen their cyber awareness, develop critical skills, and foster a security-first mindset.

A huge thank you to all our volunteers and partners who made this possible! Seeing the enthusiasm and curiosity from the Scouts reinforces why investing in cybersecurity education for youth is so important. Looking forward to the next tier!

More details, click here.