Women in Cybersecurity: Neelam Verma Reflects on Her Career in Medical Cybersecurity and IoT Technology
“I advise young women to be fearless, and persistent and never shy away from seizing opportunities to learn and grow.” Today’s woman dreamer, Neelam Verma is a highly accomplished and respected cyber security expert specializing in automotive security, IoT security, and medical cyber security. In her Women Who Win interview, she shares her journey in navigating this traditionally male-dominated field and how her deep-rooted curiosity to understand the inner workings of the digital world inspired her technology career. Enjoy this inspiring story!
1. Tell us your story. You are a highly accomplished and respected cybersecurity expert specializing in automotive security, IoT security, and medical cyber security. What inspired your interest in technology and security? And what were some key lessons you have learned in your journey?
My interest in technology and security was sparked by a deep-rooted curiosity to understand the inner workings of the digital world. Witnessing the rapid growth of technology and its transformative impact on society, I became fascinated by the potential vulnerabilities that accompany such advancements. This realization inspired me to embark on my journey.
Throughout my career, I have encountered a myriad of challenges and opportunities that have shaped me into an accomplished professional. One key lesson I have learned is the ever-present need for continuous learning and adaptation in the realm of cybersecurity.
2. Cybersecurity and IoT technology is generally a more male-dominated field. How did you address gender barriers in your career?
I never felt like that yet but yes, I have mostly worked with men. I never felt the gender barrier in my career. In fact, I have learned a lot from my male colleagues who guided me and shared their knowledge with me the honors go to them as well who believed I can achieve something in life. Moreover, being connected to technology I have given my best work to achieve the miles and will continue doing that today, more women than ever before are making significant contributions, trailblazing efforts to challenge gender biases and promote inclusivity.
3. Your area of expertise is around medical cyber security. How did you find your niche/your area of specialization? And what is your advice to other young women in their careers here?
As no one knows the future of their own I didn’t know that I will be involved with cyber security so much as a beacon of inspiration, I encourage young women embarking on their own careers to fearlessly pursue their passions and embrace the uncharted territories that lie ahead. I advise young women to be fearless, and persistent and never shy away from seizing opportunities to learn and grow.
4. What has been your proudest accomplishment in your career?
The ability to think outside the box and embrace innovation has set me apart as a visionary in my field. My meticulous attention to detail and exceptional problem-solving skills have yielded extraordinary results, earning the admiration and respect of colleagues and clients alike. My proudest moment came when I spearheaded a groundbreaking project that transformed the lives of underprivileged students, providing them with access to quality education and empowering them to chase their dreams.
5. You are certainly a busy lady. How do you find work-life balance? What are some of your hobbies?
A- To find equilibrium between my professional and personal life is truly awe-inspiring. By effectively managing my time and setting boundaries, ensuring that devote quality moments to my loved ones, and indulging in activities that bring joy and rejuvenation.
Thank you Neelam for sharing your inspiring story with us! We are excited to have you in our global women’s network!
Bio: Neelam is a highly accomplished and respected cyber security expert specializing in automotive security, IoT security, and medical cyber security. With a wealth of experience and in-depth knowledge in these domains, she has made significant contributions to the field and has become a trusted authority on securing critical technologies and protecting sensitive data. In automotive security, Neelam has played a pivotal role in addressing the evolving challenges of securing vehicle systems from cyber threats. Her expertise lies in developing innovative security measures. Neelam's proficiency extends to IoT security, an area where securing interconnected devices and networks is of paramount importance. With the rapid proliferation of IoT devices in various sectors, including smart homes, industrial systems, and healthcare, Neelam has been at the forefront of designing and implementing comprehensive security frameworks. Furthermore, Neelam's expertise also encompasses medical cyber security, a critical field that focuses on securing healthcare systems and safeguarding patient data. Understanding the sensitivity and confidentiality of medical information.