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Newsletter
Welcome to WiCyS August 2025!
Welcome to WiCyS August 2025!
Welcome to WiCyS Australia Affiliate’s newsletter and community, where we work together to attract, promote and retain women in cybersecurity! We have been very busy these last few months with many exciting events, networking opportunities, and developments in our community!
In this issue:
Dr Elena Sitnikova – A Champion for Women in Cybersecurity
Coffee, networking, and cybersecurity! – Join us as we meet and network in cities across Australia on 14 August
Ask a Recruiter Anything – An exclusive WiCyS Australia webinar hosted by the incredible Julie Tam, a recruitment leader whose experience spans over 20 years
WiCyS Social Media Presence – WiCyS Australia has joined Instagram!
Our New Members - Welcome to Mishal and Assam!
Collaborate with WiCyS Australia – Send us a request to collaborate
WiCyS Profile: Meshal Abid - We spoke with Meshal Abid, on her career, her journey, and her guidance and hopes for women in cybersecurity
Resources – some items that the WiCyS Australia team think might be useful!
Thank You, Elena - A Champion for Women in Cybersecurity
Dr Elena Sitnikova, Former Director of Academia, WiCyS Australia
It is with immense gratitude and admiration that we bid farewell to Elena, a true force in cybersecurity and an unwavering advocate for women in the field. Since 2000, Elena has been an integral part of WiCyS Australia, contributing her time, expertise, and passion to our mission of recruiting, advancing and retaining women in cybersecurity.
An internationally recognized leader in Critical Infrastructure cybersecurity research, Elena has shaped the landscape of cyber defense through her groundbreaking work. Her contributions have not only propelled the field forward but have inspired countless women to step boldly into cybersecurity careers.
Through her dedication to volunteering at WiCyS Australia, Elena has cultivated a network of exceptionally talented women, ensuring that mentorship and collaboration remain at the heart of our community. Whether presenting on research-led teaching, cyber-physical system security, or sharing insights from her journey in the academic industry. Elena has consistently championed knowledge-sharing, empowerment, and inclusivity.
Her numerous academic research papers have informed and influenced cybersecurity practices globally, but beyond the publications and presentations, Elena’s impact is deeply personal. She has been a source of encouragement, wisdom, and inspiration for those navigating their own cybersecurity journeys.
As Elena embarks on her next chapter, we extend our deepest thanks for her unwavering commitment to WiCyS Australia and to the women she has supported along the way. While she may be moving on from this role, she will continue to support our community.
Elena, thank you for everything - your wisdom, dedication, and belief in the women shaping the future of cybersecurity. You will always be part of WiCyS Australia, and we wish you continued success in all that lies ahead!
Coffee meet-up – 14 August (Sydney Melbourne Adelaide and Canberra) – meet us and other professionals, students, and colleagues, in cities across Australia!
Have a coffee with WiCyS Australia!
Join us for our coffee catchup in Melbourne, Sydney, Adelaide or Canberra on 14 August for an opportunity to network, empower each other, break barriers, and pave the way for future generations of women in this dynamic field. Free coffee for Wicys Members!
If you are interested in starting or furthering your career in cybersecurity, would like the opportunity to expand your network, or are simply interested in meeting some like-minded people who have an interest in cybersecurity or IT, do not miss our upcoming coffee morning!
Registration links will be available soon – but even if you don’t register, please join us for this excellent and free event!
Sydney Registration Link:
Melbourne Registration Link:
Adelaide Registration Link:
Canberra Registration Link:
To stay informed and to follow for these and more events, be sure to visit our website’s event page: https://sites.google.com/wicys.org/wicysaustralia/events
Ask a Recruiter Anything!
Exclusive WiCyS Australia Webinar Wednesday 27th August '25 @ 7pm (AEST)
Join us for an interactive session where you can ask an experienced recruiter any job search related questions or how to craft that resume to increase your chances of landing that interview. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, we've got you covered! Learn the latest tips and tricks to make your resume stand out from the crowd.
About the Presenter
Join a conversation with Julie Tam, a recruitment leader whose experience spans over 20 years across the Asia Pacific region, Julie has worked in both executive search and in-house environments and across a range of industries that include Manufacturing & Heavy Industry, Fintech & Payments, and now Cybersecurity for market-entry, high-growth, and turnaround stage global MNCs. Originally from Canada, she has lived and worked in Shanghai, Hong Kong, and bases herself in Singapore (for now).
Event Details:
Date: August 27, 2025 at 7:00 PM (Australia/Melbourne Time)
Venue: Online Event
Registration: Click here to register, or copy this link into your browser: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/ask-a-recruiter-anything-resume-tips-tricks-tickets-1534961102979
Don't miss this opportunity to boost your resume and take your career to the next level. See you there!
WiCyS Australia has joined Instagram!
Meet us and other professionals, students, and colleagues, in cities across Australia!
Our team has recently expanded, and with it our presence has expanded to include a new Instagram account! Follow @wicys.australia (https://www.instagram.com/wicys.australia/) to stay up to date with our events, posts, networking opportunities, and competitions!
Collaborate with Us
If you would like to collaborate, volunteer, or partner with WiCS Australia, you can submit a request to do so here:
https://sites.google.com/wicys.org/wicysaustralia/connect/collaboration-form
WiCyS Profile: Mishal Abid
Mishal Abid, has recently joined our WiCyS Australia Leadership team. I sat down and spoke with Mishal about her background, her insights into the cyber industry, and how she hopes the cyber industry will adapt to enable and uplift women in the field.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your career to date
I come from a healthcare background—I studied for a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and began my career working as a Quality Assurance Officer. I loved the sense of purpose that came with protecting people’s health and wellbeing, but over time, I found myself increasingly drawn to the digital world and the growing risks we face there. After witnessing how cybercrime was affecting everyday people, and experiencing it firsthand—I made a mindful decision to pivot into cybersecurity. It wasn't an impulsive shift; it was something I felt deeply connected to. Today, I’m committed to building a career in cybersecurity and resilience, and I'm especially passionate about helping protect individuals and communities from the kinds of online threats that are becoming more and more common.
Was there a single turning point that made you want to pursue a career in cybersecurity?
Absolutely—what truly pushed me to explore cybersecurity wasn’t just curiosity, but personal experience. A few years ago, I lost several thousand dollars due to a data breach involving my internet banking. It left me feeling incredibly vulnerable. Around the same time, I noticed just how many people around me—friends, family, even patients—were falling victim to online scams, phishing attempts, and identity theft. It made me realize that cyber threats aren’t just technical issues; they have real, human consequences. That was my turning point. I knew I wanted to be part of the solution—to learn how to prevent such incidents and help others stay safe.
What messages would you have for women who are trying to achieve a goal in the cybersecurity industry?
Don’t let a non-technical background hold you back—your unique perspective is an asset. The cybersecurity field needs diverse thinking, especially from people who come from different industries and life experiences. Whether you’ve worked in healthcare, education, finance, or any other field, you bring transferable skills that are incredibly valuable. Also, don’t be afraid to start small. Follow your curiosity, ask questions, and seek out mentors or communities, like WiCyS, who can support your journey. Most importantly, believe that your voice and contribution matter—because they absolutely do.
Do you have any hopes for the cybersecurity industry or women in general?
I hope to see a more inclusive and human-centered cybersecurity landscape—one where people from all walks of life feel empowered to get involved, especially women. The industry is evolving rapidly, and I believe the future of cyber depends on collaboration, empathy, and resilience. I’d love to see more women leading conversations, shaping policy, and building technologies that protect not just systems, but people. And for women in general—I hope we continue to embrace our power, challenge norms, and support each other fiercely as we carve out space in every corner of this industry.
Welcome to Assam, Belle, and Mishal
Our three newest members of our leadership team will bring WiCyS to new heights as we seek to deliver value to our members and further champion the cause of women in cybersecurity in Australia - welcome Assam, Belle and Mishal!
Cybersecurity Resources
WiCyS Resources!
WiCyS is invested in understanding the retention and skills-based advancement opportunities for women in cybersecurity. Our educational resources are a way for those interested in or already in the cybersecurity workforce to expand their knowledge and deepen their understanding of specific skillsets, concepts, topics and more.
https://www.wicys.org/resources/resources/
SCAMMERLAND
Scams are no longer run by individuals. Instead, the bulk of scams now come from a network of high-security compounds in SE Asia, where an estimated 400,000 people live in slavery and are forced to run scams 24/7. This multi-part video podcast dives into the terrifying world of 'scammer farms'. Meet people who've been trapped and escaped — and others who are desperately trying to rein in this exploding new business model. Available wherever you access your podcasts
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLM4QaSNy58ELSvlR_eyNwOOx1gkURepu6
https://open.spotify.com/show/5xwES77rVB4aG509YgVWAu
https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/scammerland/id1800587742
The Fortinet Training Group 2024 Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report
A fascinating report based on responses from 1,850 IT and cybersecurity decision-makers gathered through online interviews and an email survey conducted by Sapio Research across 29 locations in January 2024:
Fortinet Certified Fundamentals Cybersecurity
A combination of free and paid FCF certification, that validates that you have mastered the technical knowledge and skills that are required for any entry-level job role in cybersecurity. This curriculum will offer courses that cover today’s threat landscape and the fundamentals of cybersecurity:
https://training.fortinet.com/local/staticpage/view.php?page=fcf_cybersecurity
Code Wars
Improve your development skills by training with your peers on code kata that continuously challenge and push your coding practice.
Hack The Box
HTB is the leading Cybersecurity Performance Center for advanced frontline teams to aspiring security professionals & students. Start driving peak cyber performance.
ASD cyber resource library
The ASD Cyber Resource Library is an online collection of cybersecurity resources provided by the Australian Signals Directorate to help individuals, families, and small businesses improve their online security.
https://www.cyber.gov.au/learn-basics/view-resources/resources-library
picoCTF
picoCTF is a free computer security education program with original content built on a capture-the-flag framework created by security and privacy experts at Carnegie Mellon University.
Cyber Wardens
Stop the hack with free and simple small business online cyber security training, funded by the Australian Government.
https://train.cyberwardens.com.au/
Contact & Collaborate with Us
Please feel free to get in touch with our team, and send any suggestions you might have to help us and our community!
Collaborate with us by clicking here!
Membership
To take advantage of the full benefits of WiCyS, register as a global member!
Global membership will enable you to network with more than 6,100 members across 69 countries, and give you access to many more benefits!
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