‘Cyber is certainly not limited to hackers or techies. Quite the contrary. We also need people with a background in Social Studies, Economics, or the Humanities. Strategic and management issues are a key part of the solution. If you’re not sure whether you’re qualified to work in cyber security, I strongly suggest that you do a job interview anyway. I have a background in History and Public Administration and I’m happy that I tried.’

Complex issue ‘In general, cyber security is a complex issue for any organisation. Even though cyber threats can sometimes appear to be far away, there’s a growing urgency to be prepared. After all, a hack or an abuse of the systems can have a huge impact on organisations, and also on society as a whole’, Dick (32) explains. ‘Our Cyber Strategy team, which is a part of Cyber Risk, works with clients to identify the optimal security strategy. An effective strategy requires that organisations look at the issues from various business angles. How does cyber security contribute to our company goals? How should we invest and who should be responsible for what within the organisation? Or: How can we become an organisation that is future-proof, with a high level of cyber security? Cyber Strategy supports organisations with the choices they need to make for an effective strategy, based on consensus.’

Key contributions ‘In order to achieve a high level of cyber security, shared responsibility is vital. After all, effective cyber security concerns the entire organisation. So we do not only need people with a technological background who understand encryption and cyber intrusion, but also people with expertise in the field of psychology. For instance, how can you involve all employees in a digital transformation? Our Cyber Strategy team builds an environment that allows ethnical hackers and security engineers enough room, time, and budget to guarantee the required cyber security. Our multi-disciplinary teams and unique mix of competences are required to build a cyber-secure society.’

Top advisor for the public sector Cyber Strategy works for all kinds of organisations within the public and the private sector, from ministries to corporates, all of them with their own complex and time-consuming issues. ‘I like a hectic and dynamic environment, where you know who you’re up against and what you need to do. Currently I’m setting up a long-term strategy for a technology firm, determining the focus areas for the next five years and raising questions about what the organisation needs to become future-proof, including investments and advice on how to face increasing threats’, Dick says excitedly. ‘Another inspiring project was writing the Adviesrapport Integrale aanpak cyberweerbaarheid van de Cyber Security Raad [file:///C:/Users/colij/OneDrive%20-%20Deloitte%20(O365D)/Documents/Content/tk-bijlage-csr-adviesrapport-integrale-aanpak-cyberweerbaarheid%20(1).pdf]. The project team consisted of eighteen members working in the profit sector, the public sector and the academic world. Despite our various interests we managed to draw up a clear advice for our new government regarding the key priorities and investments for cyber security in the Netherlands. I’m very proud of what we have achieved with our team and with the other members of the CSR.’

Open, friendly and welcoming ‘It’s actually my background in History and Public Administration that enables me to make a key contribution to our national cyber security’, Dick continues. ‘When I graduated I didn’t know an awful lot about cyber security, but I was willing to learn. During the job interviews, I noticed that Deloitte was interested in who I am, in my expertise, and in what I wanted to learn. The vibe was very open, friendly and welcoming. Meanwhile, six years have passed. Six years in which I’ve expanded my expertise in the fields of strategy and cyber security by means of trainings, and through collaboration with hackers, engineers and other experts in projects. Our cyber team consists of experts in all kinds of specific security topics. Also, everyone is willing to share their expertise, which is very inspiring. What I like about Deloitte is that we cover the entire range from cyber strategy to ethical hacking. My background in History and Public Administration helps me to solve strategic cyber security issues within these multidisciplinary teams. If you want to know what it’s like to work within the cyber domain, don’t hesitate to contact me!’

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