Read: Anna Chung’s fascinating journey within the cybersecurity industry

This year on International Women’s Day, Anna Chung, Principal Researcher – Unit 42, Palo Alto Networks, spoke with TECHx about her journey in cybersecurity industry. Check out what Anna’s been up to.

TECHx: What inspired you to pursue a career in technology?

I studied to be a diplomat at university, majoring in International Affairs, with a focus in International Political Economics, and minors in Business and Chinese Literature.

My interest in the cybersecurity sector truly developed based on the parallels between international cooperation for peace and prosperity and understanding and preventing cyber-attacks through research and communication. Whether it is regional cooperation or digital economy, technological transformation can disrupt a stable and productive state of affairs. Moreover, we have the ability, as individuals or small groups, to enact drastic change across national borders.

My professional career began in 2010 within the cybersecurity sector at iSIGHT FireEye as a translator, when I realised the strong connection between cybersecurity and international affairs. Two months later, I convinced my managers that I could be a researcher by doing open-source intelligence (OSINT) research. Following five years of research work at iSIGHT FireEye, I realised that I wanted to go beyond diagnosing and analysing security problems and joined Uber as a Technical Investigator and later led the Global Fraud Intelligence Programme.

My journey within the cybersecurity field has been fascinating. It is such an ever-changing sector, offering the opportunity to work with law enforcement agencies, policymakers, researchers, and private sectors across the globe.

From a security point of view, there is excellent value in threat intelligence if it is shared rapidly on a broader scale amongst vendors, governments and commercial organisations – creating the best examples of how international collaborations can address threats in real-time.

TECHx: How have you dealt with challenges throughout your career?

At every stage of your career, it is essential to continue learning and expanding your skillset. Therefore, one should never be afraid to ask questions, always be open to other schools of thought and speak to various industry experts to inform a diverse view.

TECHx: How do gender balance and a diverse workforce contribute to the success of an organisation?

Many people might think of technology as being a cookie-cutter setting – they believe there is a mould you have to fit with a specific set of experience, behaviours, skills, and maybe even genders. However, every individual brings unique qualities to a role. Technology is a field that benefits from innovative ideas and out-of-the-box thinking. Therefore, it is important to have people from different backgrounds join the industry to reach full creative, strategic and transformative potential.

TECHx: Do you have a female role model? If so, who is she and how has she inspired you?

My mother has always been my inspiration – both personally and professionally. She was born and raised in a very uncertain era, forced to quit school, yet in the face of adversity, fought to return to school and studied to become a paediatrician – leading to a long and successful career. Her strength, determination and approach to challenging situations are incredibly inspiring and something I hold close.

TECHx: What is it about your work that excites you?

My journey within the cybersecurity field has been fascinating. It is such an ever-changing sector, offering the opportunity to work with law enforcement agencies, policymakers, researchers, and private sectors across the globe.

From a security point of view, there is great value in threat intelligence if it is shared rapidly on a wider level amongst vendors, governments and commercial organisations – creating the best examples of how international collaboration can amplify protection across borders. It is fascinating to witness the tremendous initiatives, opportunities, and influence of governments, non-governmental institutions, and intergovernmental organisations in cyber defence.

With my current role as part of the global security consulting and threat intelligence group, Unit 42 at Palo Alto Networks, I truly enjoy every opportunity to empower people with our threat intelligence research and help them to detect and mitigate cyber threats timely.

TECHx: With technology moving so fast, how do you remain updated?

It’s essential to remain curious and never stop asking questions! Technology is advancing rapidly, and to keep up with the pace of innovation, it is crucial to view learning as an evolving and never-ending journey. It is also important to work effectively as a team, yet act like a student, regardless of your position.

TECHx: What’s your favorite motivational quote?

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” – Mahatma Gandhi

TECHx: Among all the gadgets you use, which is your favorite?

My smartphone is the gadget I use the most on a day-to-day basis. I love a good quality smartphone camera. In addition, my noise cancellation headphones help me stay focused and create a mental space where I can meditate.

TECHx: When it comes to progressing in a leadership role, what are the most important traits?

It is important to be compassionate about your work and help motivate team members to increase productivity by fostering a healthy sense of support and collaboration throughout the team culture. A successful team culture can help develop strong and driven colleagues, helping achieve business objectives in the long term. Progression is undoubtedly made easier and faster if someone in a senior position believes in your potential and takes an active interest in your career development.

TECHx: Can you give one piece of advice to young females who are considering careers in tech?

My advice for women looking to start a career in technology or cybersecurity is not to be put off by the scientific image sometimes presented. When people hear the term cybersecurity, they think about mathematics, coding and engineering. This can create an assumption that there’s a high barrier to entry; however, a job in technology demands a much more robust and diverse skill set, including both hard and soft skills.

At Palo Alto Networks, we offer many learning programs for women. For example, Partners in STEM Education – in collaboration with Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) – is a company programme that provides access to cybersecurity education for girls and eventually priming female candidates to fill vacancies in the technology, IT, and cybersecurity fields.

Palo Alto Networks also provides free online training on many cybersecurity topics and skills to help young females protect their digital ways of life and provide access and hands-on industry experiences at no cost.

In addition, I have also been coaching young women on a one-on-one mentorship basis for several years to understand their career progression, dreams, and goals to reach their desired next step. One of my primary coaching goals is to inspire young women to respect all elements within the industry, regardless of the hierarchy, as each role brings a unique value to the table.