AUSCERT’s Bek Cheb Wins MVP Security Award

Bek Cheb, Business Manager at AUSCERT, has been recognised with the MVP of the Security Industry award at the 2024 Australian Women in Security Awards. She has played a significant role in cybersecurity, championing mental health initiatives, fostering inclusive environments and leading AUSCERT’s annual conference.

Her advocacy for diversity and inclusion, along with her public speaking and leadership, has helped educate thousands on online safety and data privacy. She has built a reputation for her calm, diplomatic approach and commitment to supporting newcomers in the industry.

Career Journey

Bek’s cybersecurity career started 20 years ago in event management, where she worked on tech and cyber events. AUSCERT engaged her to assist with its annual conference, and 13 years ago, the organisation brought her on board full-time.

Initially focused on event management, her role expanded to include marketing, communications and membership. “I basically stumbled into the industry. It wasn’t a decision to work in cybersecurity, my career path just led me in that direction. Interestingly, one of my first jobs was corporate sales of computers and servers,” she recalls.

When Bek first attended the AUSCERT Conference, she was one of only a handful of women among 900 attendees. “At the time, the only women present were in marketing, events or public relations. There were no women on the program and maybe a handful of female delegates,” she remembers.

Bek says the industry has taken years to become more diverse. “It has only been in the last seven years that we have secured much greater female participation, both in terms of delegates attending and women speakers and tutorial presenters. In 2024, 30 per cent of our attendees were female. We are slowly growing to more balanced representation,” she says.

“Running the conference, I am very conscious not to invite women just to have a ratio. It is my view that women should be there on merit. There are now so many well-qualified women in the industry. What is important is making sure they feel welcome to submit and feel valued for their contribution,” she stresses.

Gender Diversity Challenges

Bek believes the cybersecurity industry has made progress, but more work is needed. A 2023 RMIT University report found that women make up just 17 per cent of Australia’s cybersecurity workforce, with many leaving after four years due to work-life balance challenges and industry culture.

The sector’s 24/7 culture and job design can make it difficult for women with family responsibilities to balance work and home life. Bek understands this firsthand. “When I started at AUSCERT, I had two young daughters. Flexible working made all the difference—it would have been impossible otherwise,” she says.

She believes representation and outreach are key to driving change. “We need to showcase role models, integrate cybersecurity into high school curriculums and attract mid-career professionals from other disciplines. It’s not just about technical skills. The industry needs diversity in all areas, from management to marketing, finance and human resources.”

Winning the MVP of the Security Industry award gave Bek a moment to reflect on her journey. She urges women to advocate for their worth in the industry. “I’ve done roles for years before getting a title that reflected them. Women often wait until they’ve proven themselves over and over before speaking up. Meanwhile, many men — sometimes with less experience — confidently advocate for what they want. We need to stop letting imposter syndrome hold us back,” she says.

For Bek, the best part of cybersecurity is the sense of community. “It’s incredibly fulfilling to be part of an industry working towards a common goal to make our nation more secure. There’s a strong sense of camaraderie. The first LinkedIn group I joined was called Women in Cyber Who Drink Gin. We found a minority within a minority!”

Advice from the AUSCERT Team

To mark International Women’s Day, AUSCERT asked women in its team to share advice for those considering a career in cybersecurity.

Megan Cox, Events Coordinator, AUSCERT

“My advice for women entering cybersecurity is to find mentors and join local women-in-cyber communities. Mentors can offer guidance, help you overcome challenges and support your career growth. Being part of a community allows you to share experiences, learn from others and discover new opportunities. Surrounding yourself with like-minded people can build your confidence, expand your skills and open doors to exciting career paths.”

Sanda Vesara, Marketing and Communications Coordinator, AUSCERT

“For women considering a career in cybersecurity, my advice is to confidently pursue your passion and not be discouraged by challenges or stereotypes. The industry needs more women to achieve diversity, as a wider range of perspectives leads to more innovative solutions and better decision-making. Trust in your abilities and recognise the meaningful impact you can make.”

Nallini Gowda, Information Security Analyst, AUSCERT

“I initially had no knowledge of cybersecurity but began by participating in the Cyber Security Champion program. The enrichment program offered valuable insights. I’ve had the privilege of connecting with so many brilliant industry experts. The learning and the supportive community I’ve encountered have strengthened my passion for this field. Becoming part of this community has broadened my understanding and given me a deep sense of purpose.”

Frances Du, Senior Security Systems Administrator, AUSCERT

“When I started my degree in Information Assurance and Security, I had very little knowledge of IT beyond my interest in technology and computers. However, through my coursework, I was introduced to computer networking, programming and information security—all of which I found fascinating.

“My advice for girls and women coming from a non-tech background is not to be intimidated. If you have a genuine passion for the field, there are plenty of opportunities and resources to help you learn. I also highly recommend connecting with people in the tech community, both online and in person—it creates a supportive and inspiring learning environment.”

Vishaka Wijekoon, Senior Information Security Analyst, AUSCERT

“For women considering a career in cybersecurity, I recommend focusing on continuous professional development through certifications, training and staying current with industry trends. The field evolves rapidly, so cultivating a mindset of lifelong learning is crucial for success. Actively seek mentorship and build a strong professional network to gain insights, support and guidance from experienced individuals.

“Start by mastering foundational concepts and progressively deepen your expertise in specialised areas, such as malware analysis, governance, risk and compliance or incident response. It’s important to foster confidence in your skills and overcome self-doubt, as cybersecurity values diverse perspectives and problem-solving approaches. Women have a significant role to play in shaping the future of cybersecurity.”

Last Updated on February 10, 2025 by Nick Ross