In an industry often dominated by men, there are trailblazers who shatter stereotypes and redefine the landscape of cybersecurity. Today, we are thrilled to introduce an exceptional individual who truly shines in the world of digital defense at WALLSEC, showcasing the incredible strength that diversity brings to the tech community.

Meet Bozhana - one of our longest standing employees - who has been helping us grow since our founding year of 2020. With her unwavering commitment, Bozhana plays an integral role in WALLSEC’s cybersecurity team, thwarting threats and devising innovative solutions.

In this interview she shares the insights and lessons she has learned and gives invaluable advice for aspiring women aiming to conquer the world of cybersecurity.

What is your professional background and your current role at WALLSEC?

Over my 16 years in the IT industry, I’ve seen technology change rapidly and continuously. My drive to keep learning pushed me to explore new areas like cybersecurity, which is where I decided to stay. For the past three years, I’ve been part of the cybersecurity team at WALLSEC, working with organizations to assess their digital risks, build strong security strategies, and put effective protections in place. I also work with different teams to run detailed security assessments, find weaknesses, and recommend the right solutions to strengthen their cybersecurity. 

What initially drew you to a career in cybersecurity, and what motivates you to stay in this field?

The first spark was ignited by my fascination with the ever-evolving digital landscape and the increasing reliance on technology in our daily lives. The more I got involved into the world of technology, the more I became aware of the critical need to secure sensitive information and digital infrastructures from malicious actors. As a whole, my initial interest in cybersecurity was driven by a blend of curiosity, the importance of safeguarding technology, and the thrill of tackling complex problems. The sense of purpose that comes from knowing that my work directly impacts the security and privacy of individuals and organizations is what motivates me to stay in this field.

What steps do you think need to be taken to encourage more women to enter and thrive in the cybersecurity industry?

I think that more initiatives should be established to introduce girls and young women to cybersecurity concepts early in their education. Workshops, coding camps, and interactive programs can help spark interest and demystify the field. Also portraying diverse women in cybersecurity roles in media can challenge stereotypes and showcase the variety of career paths available in the industry. Companies and organizations should create an inclusive and respectful workplace culture that values diversity. 

What advice would you give to women who are considering a career in cybersecurity but may be hesitant due to the underrepresentation of women in the industry?

Believe in yourself! Your gender does not determine your skills or potential in cybersecurity. Have confidence in your abilities and focus on your passion for the field. You can make a significant impact regardless of the current gender ratios. Equip yourself with the necessary knowledge and skills. Being well-informed will enhance your credibility and relevance within the field. Engage with both men and women in the industry. Building a strong professional network can open doors to opportunities, collaborations, and support. Online forums, conferences, and local meetups are great places to connect. And last but not least, acknowledge and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small they may seem. Each step forward contributes to breaking down barriers and creating a more inclusive industry.

What do you consider to be the most significant cybersecurity threats today and how do you propose addressing them?

Today’s cybersecurity landscape brings several major challenges for businesses and users.
Ransomware continues to rise, targeting everything from critical infrastructure to individuals, making strong data backups and global cooperation essential. As more companies move to the cloud, securing cloud environments is crucial. Fixing misconfigurations and improving access controls can help prevent data breaches. Supply chains also create significant risks because organizations rely on many external partners. Careful vendor management and clear security standards are key to reducing these threats. Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs), often backed by nation-states, target high-value systems over long periods. Detecting them requires strong monitoring tools and ongoing threat analysis. New technologies like AI and quantum computing introduce new vulnerabilities. We need AI-driven security tools and investment in post-quantum cryptography to stay ahead. Finally, the shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals remains a major issue. Expanding cybersecurity education, promoting diversity, and building public-private partnerships are essential to closing this gap.