FeatureHaifa’s core responsibility is to help companies find cybersecurity solutions and use the best people-centric technology to achieve their goals, and most importantly keep them and their data safe.
Haifa’s role at Proofpoint has presented a multitude of opportunities for growth and ongoing development. Some of the analytical skills that she has honed-in her career are system security networking and a thorough understanding of operating systems and how data is structured, stored, and disseminated. In addition to the technical strengths mentioned above, her role also requires her to be adept at problem solving, communication and adaptive learning.
While cybersecurity is one of the most fast-paced, rapidly evolving modern industries, this evolution has been slower when looking at the number of women taking up careers in cybersecurity. With that, Hafia believes that women can be very skilled cyber professionals.
At Proofpoint, she has been fortunate to work within an organisation that empowers strong female role models and have a platform where she is encouraged and bolstered to grow her skillset. Haifa has been able to find her voice and build confidence without being intimidated by any diversity issues that the industry has previously faced.
Improving diversity in the cybersecurity industry by hiring people from different backgrounds not only helps better reflect the population and create a culture of inclusivity at the workplace, but it can also bring different ways of thinking and different skills to the table. Diversity could also help improve online defences because it will enable information security teams to think about – and defend against – concepts and attack techniques they may not have considered before.
The more companies include new and varied viewpoints, evolved from different backgrounds and expertise, the better-informed the industry becomes, and the better equipped companies are to innovate as a business and respond to the evolving threat landscape.
With an ever-expanding scope, cybersecurity presents the ultimate growth potential both in terms of career path and for learning opportunities. Haifa has had multiple enriching experiences throughout her career but one her favourites is being part of Proofpoint Protect event which is an opportunity for Proofpoint’s valued customers to gather and learn together.
It is an annual security summit for customers, partners and guests. Presented online, they share strategies, knowledge and the latest intel on cybersecurity.
Some of the analytical skills that Haifa has developed are system security networking, understanding of operating systems, how data is structured and stored.
