Samantha tells SC Media UK: "About 26 years ago, I fell into IT security by chance. It wasn’t an obvious choice for two reasons: I’m a woman, and I hold a degree in the seemingly un-techy subject of sociology and psychology. But Wendy Nather, a seasoned cyber exec, took a chance by hiring me. I haven't looked back since.

"Why am I telling you this?"
I'm telling my story because I believe IT security can be a great job for females. As a woman, it has enabled me to be financially self-sufficient, to have a child (and be there for important moments), and have a challenging job, where my work positively contributes to keeping people and their assets safe and secure.

“Cyber is not just for techies”
Take it from me, cybersecurity is not just for technical types. There are so many facets to engage in – risk management, communications, awareness, relating to the business, and leading teams. More and more psychologists are being hired into cybersecurity roles, for example, as it provides a good foundation for managing people, and it also helps to understand the human psyche when it comes to criminal behaviour and social engineering.

“You’ll be quids in”
Cybersecurity pay is good. It provides sufficient funds for women to be financially independent. I found it allowed me flexibility to have a child, while also progressing in a career. I had a level platform on which to compete and had access to management level roles where I could also develop my technical capabilities.

"I'm so glad I returned to work"
My preference at the time was to not work after I had my daughter, but I am glad I returned. It was the best decision I could have made. It allowed me to go to the office a couple of days per week and to make relationships outside the home environment. It provided stimulation, excitement, and human connection, and it gave me a sense of achievement and recognition outside the family unit, all important elements for good mental health.

“Flexible options make life work for you”
With companies increasingly offering creative flexible options, there is also potential for job sharing, including at senior levels which would support women with young families, or those who wish to reduce hours without having to cut back on career progression.

There is still a gender pay gap with women. However, companies are increasingly recognising the importance of diversity and inclusion and initiatives dedicated to addressing the gap and moving to equal pay for all employees are now commonplace.

“It's not always a walk in the park”
Does all this sound too good to be true? Well, I can’t deny that, as with many jobs, there have been many stressful events along the way. But I have had bosses who have believed in me and supported me throughout, allowing me to work flexibly (such as full-time over four days and part-time after the birth of my child) and helping in times when life was hard.

Paying this forward has been important to me and I have enjoyed mentoring and coaching other women in the field so they can also realise the benefits I have been fortunate to experience.

Women do have their own challenges, be it being a mother, caring for an elderly relative, experiencing the menopause, or experiencing imposter syndrome, but I have found that these are much easier to manage if we face into and discuss them.

“Ultimately, cybersecurity is worthwhile”
At the core, an environment where people are treated with respect, for the role they play, makes challenges much easier to address and the work worthwhile.

Would I jump into cybersecurity again today? Without a doubt! It has provided me with incredible experiences and a wonderful career to date.

I remain as passionate about the subject as I did when I first jumped into it 26 years ago. I’d encourage any woman to jump into cybersecurity. You won’t look back.

Samantha Finan is the former global head information and cyber security (ICS), policy, standards and reporting at Standard Chartered bank. She is a highly experienced ICS leader, with 26 years of managing strategy and risk across the financial services industry. She is now working as an independent consultant.