A lot has changed in cybersecurity over the past 20 years – threat levels has escalated, breaches are almost daily, cyber criminals are getting smarter and sneakier, and the industry is opening up to embrace the skills and talents of women. Cyber security is typically considered a space dominated by spectacled, young men in dark rooms sitting behind multiple screens. These stereotypes hinder the entry of more women in cybersecurity. For cyber security specialist Taminda Polle, challenging the status quo has been a driver for her to change the industry and open up career pathways for other women. Taminda is a pioneer in cyber security and as an advocate for small to medium enterprises, she uses her decades of knowledge and experience to ensure people’s data is protected and reputations intact. In 2019, she founded The Pollé Consulting Group with a mission to demystify digital technologies and bolster information security within businesses. Recognizing the escalating cyber threats during the pandemic, she launched Cyber IS, a venture that provides specialized cybersecurity services to small and medium businesses across Australia. Known affectionately as Babel Fish, Taminda has a unique ability to simplify complex problems, ensuring cybersecurity is accessible and understandable for all.
We at EliteX are proud to introduce Taminda Polle as one of the Impactful Women in Security, 2024.
Her work, especially with Cyber IS, underscores the philosophy that people within an organization can be its greatest security asset. Taminda and her team focus on empowering employees, ensuring they are a supportive shield against cyber threats. Cyber IS not only protecting organizations from external and internal threats but also by ensuring they meet regulatory and legislative obligations. Tailor-making cybersecurity roadmaps for clients, Taminda’s approach is about prevention, empowerment, and staying a step ahead of cybercriminals.
“By fostering inclusivity, diversity, and continuous education, we’re not just closing the gender gap in cybersecurity; we’re opening up a world of possibilities for innovation and resilience in the digital realm.” – Taminda Polle
A significant achievement that highlights Taminda’s impact in the security field is her strategic approach to forging partnerships. Understanding that success in cybersecurity is a collaborative effort, she has been instrumental in forming alliances that drive innovation, growth, and a tangible impact on the cybersecurity landscape. An early and crucial partnership with 6Clicks, a leading cybersecurity software provider, exemplifies her vision. This collaboration leveraged their AI-powered GRC platform, enhancing Cyber IS’s ability to deliver comprehensive protection while adhering to industry best practices. Furthermore, Taminda’s engagement with Sonia Gibson from Accounting Heart and the establishment of Accounting Innovators Australia showcase her dedication to empowering industries vulnerable to cyber threats, particularly focusing on educating women within the accounting sector.
Taminda Polle’s contributions to the cybersecurity industry extend beyond her business ventures. Her engagement with government cyber bodies and achieving accreditations like ISO 27001 and IRAP demonstrate her commitment to shaping policies that affect small businesses. Her multidisciplinary approach, focusing on the human element within cybersecurity, positions her not only as a leader in the field but also as a visionary who recognizes the importance of collaboration, education, and empowerment in combating cyber threats. Taminda’s journey and achievements make her an inspirational figure in the cybersecurity world, embodying the qualities of leadership, innovation, and advocacy that EliteX celebrates in its recognition of Impactful Women in Security.
Navigating the intricate landscape of cybersecurity as a woman, Taminda Polle understands that the challenges faced today extend far beyond the technical realm; they delve deep into societal perceptions and approaches towards technology. With recent statistics placing Australia sixth globally for data breaches, the urgency to address these issues becomes apparent. Taminda sees these breaches not just as technical lapses but as a reflection of broader societal attitudes towards cybersecurity. The sheer volume of leaked accounts, averaging 15 every minute, highlights the struggle businesses face in safeguarding their data.
“I envision a future where women lead the charge in shaping cybersecurity strategies and solutions, leveraging their unique skills and perspectives to address complex security challenges.” – Taminda Polle
Despite the resources at their disposal, prominent entities like NDIA, Canva, and Optus continue to fall victim to cyber threats, underscoring the relentless pursuit of cybercriminals. However, Taminda believes the conversation needs to transcend mere technological solutions. While advancements like AI, blockchain, and IoT reshape the cybersecurity landscape, the human element remains paramount. Women, with their emphasis on communication, education, and collaboration, possess a unique ability to address this aspect.
Taminda asserts that the ultimate defense against cyber threats lies in educated and empowered individuals. Through robust cybersecurity education and awareness programs, individuals can become the first line of defense, capable of identifying and mitigating potential risks. Taminda champions a people-centric approach to cybersecurity, emphasizing the importance of nurturing a culture of security within organizations and communities. By demystifying technology and promoting cybersecurity literacy, women can play a pivotal role in fostering a safer, more resilient society.
Advocating for continuous learning, vigilance, and collective responsibility in the fight against cyber threats, Taminda believes that by empowering individuals to take ownership of cybersecurity, not only protect data but also safeguards our way of life. In this mission, women have a vital role to play, leveraging their innate qualities of nurturing, education, and collaboration to build a more secure digital world for everyone.
Staying abreast in the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity is akin to attempting to drink from a firehose – the influx of information is incessant, and the terrain is in a perpetual state of flux. With an acute shortage of cybersecurity talent in Australia, Taminda and her team at Cyber IS have made continuous professional development a top priority. Balancing business growth with the cultivation of expertise, they endeavor to remain at the forefront of the field.
Central to their strategy is collaboration, forged through partnerships with seasoned cybersecurity firms. In an industry as dynamic as cybersecurity, cultivating a robust network is not merely advantageous; it is indispensable. Taminda’s commitment extends beyond business growth; she aims to bridge the cybersecurity gap, particularly for small to medium businesses, with a focus on empowering female entrepreneurs. Witnessing the transformative moment when these women grasp control of their digital security fuels Taminda’s passion for the cause.
To maintain their competitive edge, every team member at Cyber IS becomes an ISO 27001 certified lead implementer. Additionally, Taminda herself is on the verge of completing her CISSP accreditation, strategically enhancing their capabilities in the governmental sector. Regular engagement with global compliance and professional development events ensures the team remains abreast of the latest developments in the field.
“In today’s digital age, cybersecurity isn’t just about technology; it’s about people. Empowering individuals with knowledge and resources is the cornerstone of effective cybersecurity.” – Taminda Polle
Taminda’s approach to team development is comprehensive and holistic. Leveraging powerful collaboration tools and fostering regular check-ins, she cultivates a strong sense of unity within her compact, remote team. Apprentices benefit from dedicated study blocks and personalized coaching sessions, ensuring empowerment at every level. Inclusivity and diversity lie at the core of Cyber IS’s ethos. Taminda is passionate about equipping women with the skills and tools to thrive in cybersecurity, thereby fostering a culture of inclusivity and support within the community. Through a unique approach likened to a “gym membership for cybersecurity,” Cyber IS guides clients from the outset, ensuring everyone receives the support they need to navigate the digital realm confidently.
For Taminda, it is more than helping people understand the technical safeguards; it is about creating a sense of community and inclusivity. Cyber IS endeavors to create a digital neighborhood watch where everyone, regardless of their technical acumen, is empowered and protected. Nurturing curiosity and inclusivity equips individuals with the tools needed to navigate the complexities of the digital world collectively. Tackling the challenge of enhancing security awareness and education among the general public requires a multi-faceted approach rooted in acknowledging the prevalent threat landscape faced by businesses, particularly small enterprises. Taminda Polle recognizes that cybercriminals target not only industry giants but also smaller entities, often with devastating consequences. Despite this reality, there persists a dangerous sense of invulnerability among small business owners, perpetuating the misconception that they are immune to cyber threats. Taminda emphasizes the importance of dispelling such myths, highlighting the alarming statistics that underscore the pervasive nature of cyberattacks.
The introduction of initiatives like the Notifiable Data Breaches scheme has shed light on the escalating frequency and severity of data breaches, necessitating a shift from reactive to proactive cybersecurity measures. Taminda advocates for investing in education and training to empower individuals to identify and respond to cyber threats effectively. By fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness at every level of the organization, businesses can better mitigate risks and protect valuable assets. Looking ahead, Taminda envisions a future where women play pivotal roles in shaping cybersecurity strategies and solutions. She recognizes the untapped potential of women in the cybersecurity field, noting their unique skills and perspectives as valuable assets in addressing complex security challenges. Taminda acknowledges the barriers that women often face in entering the industry but remains steadfast in her commitment to fostering inclusivity and diversity.
To facilitate the evolution of women’s roles in cybersecurity, Taminda advocates for raising awareness of opportunities within the field and dispelling misconceptions that may deter women from pursuing careers in cybersecurity. She emphasizes the importance of providing support, training, and mentorship to women entering the industry, ensuring they have the resources needed to succeed. By empowering women with the skills, confidence, and platforms to thrive in cybersecurity, Taminda believes that the industry will benefit from increased innovation, resilience, and security in the digital age.