During her university days, Anna Chung pursued studies in International Affairs, with a focus on International Political Economics and a minor in Business and Chinese Literature. Her academic journey sparked a keen interest in international cooperation, leading her to discover the dynamic realm of cybersecurity.
“In studying International Affairs, I began to recognise the parallels between international cooperation for peace and prosperity and the cybersecurity sector,” reflects Chung. “The ability to prevent cyberattacks through research and communication fascinated me.”
In 2010, Chung embarked on her cybersecurity career as a translator at iSIGHT FireEye, later transitioning to Uber as a Technical Investigator and eventually spearheading the Global Fraud Intelligence Programme.
She derives fulfillment from empowering organizations with threat-informed defense strategies, combatting cyber threats across borders.
“It’s the dynamic interplay of analysis, collaboration, and application that makes being a threat researcher not just a job, but a passion,” says Chung. “The constant evolution of threats and the innovative ways we come together to combat them keep me deeply engaged and continuously learning, underscoring the vital role we play in the broader cybersecurity ecosystem.”
In an interaction with edge/ Anna talks about her journey in the technology space
Tell us about what got you interested in technology, why did you choose the space and field of technology?
In 2010, I started working in the cybersecurity sector as a translator at iSIGHT FireEye, with my next tenure at Uber as a Technical Investigator later leading the Global Fraud Intelligence Programme.
Working in cybersecurity has been exciting as it is such an ever-changing sector, offering the opportunity to work with law enforcement agencies, policymakers, researchers, and private sectors across the globe.
This collaborative aspect of sharing cyber threat intelligence with the security community and law enforcement is precisely why I find my role as a threat researcher so fulfilling. Being at the forefront of understanding and disseminating knowledge about emerging threats not only contributes to a safer digital world but also fosters a sense of community among cybersecurity professionals.
The ability to empower organisations through threat-informed defense strategies, effectively turning the tide against attackers, is incredibly rewarding. It’s this dynamic interplay of analysis, collaboration, and application that makes being a threat researcher not just a job, but a passion. The constant evolution of threats and the innovative ways we come together to counteract them keep me deeply engaged and continuously learning, underscoring the vital role we play in the broader cybersecurity ecosystem.
Could you share your journey in technology, the challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
Working in cybersecurity has many challenges on a day-to-day basis, such as staying on top of all threat information and attacks, malicious tools, and campaigns and keeping up to date with new technology trends. While some days can be very hectic, these challenges make the job exciting.
I believe that at every stage of your career, it is essential to continue learning and expanding your skillset. Therefore, one should never be afraid to ask questions, always be open to other schools of thought and speak to various industry experts to inform a diverse view.
Could you share your journey in technology, the challenges you faced, and how did you overcome them?
Working in cybersecurity has many challenges on a day-to-day basis, such as staying on top of all threat information and attacks, malicious tools, and campaigns and keeping up to date with new technology trends. While some days can be very hectic, these challenges make the job exciting.
I believe that at every stage of your career, it is essential to continue learning and expanding your skillset. Therefore, one should never be afraid to ask questions, always be open to other schools of thought and speak to various industry experts to inform a diverse view.
What is your take on women in technology and how is the landscape changing? What can be done to ensure there are more women in tech roles?
Cybersecurity is such an ever-changing sector, offering the opportunity to work with law enforcement agencies, policymakers, researchers, and private sectors across the globe. Increased awareness of diversity and its positive and essential role in the workplace is important.
Diversity, inclusion and equity are such important points of discussion regarding workplace culture, and we are seeing businesses take more advantage of diverse skillsets that individuals from different backgrounds can bring to the workplace. Businesses are now acknowledging the importance that every individual brings to a role.
Cybersecurity is a field that benefits from new ideas and out-of-the-box thinking, and we need people with different backgrounds to join the industry to build a stronger and more diverse community.
What is the biggest obstacle that women in technology face?
Women in technology face a multi-faceted array of challenges that range from educational pathways to professional environments. At the educational level, stereotypes and societal norms often discourage girls from pursuing interests in STEM fields, leading to underrepresentation in tech related studies.
This foundational gap extends into the professional career, where women encounter a tech industry culture that has historically been male-dominated. This can manifest in various forms, including gender bias in hiring practices, fewer opportunities for advancement, and a wage gap compared with their male counterparts.
Women in tech often report feeling discouraged due to the lack of female role models and mentors in the field, which can impact their professional development and sense of belonging. Despite these obstacles, many women continue to make significant contributions to the tech industry, and there’s a growing movement towards creating more inclusive and supportive environments.
Efforts to address these challenges include mentorship programmes, networking opportunities tailored for women, and organisational policies aimed at fostering diversity and inclusion.
What advice would you give women who are looking to get into the field of technology?
An advice to all women looking to start in a career in technology or cybersecurity is not to be put off by the scientific image sometimes presented. When people hear cybersecurity, the always think about mathematics, coding, and engineering. A job in technology demands a much more robust and diverse skill set, including both hard and soft skills, welcoming people of all genders and personalities.
Palo Alto Networks also offers many learning programs for women such as the Partners in STEM Education in collaboration with Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA), which is a company programme that provides access to cybersecurity education for girls and priming female candidates to fill vacancies in the technology, IT, and cybersecurity fields.
Palo Alto Networks also provides free online training on many cybersecurity topics and skills to help young females protect their digital ways of life and provide access and hands-on industry experience at no cost.
In addition, I have also been coaching young women on a one-on-one mentorship basis for several years to understand their career progression, dreams, and goals to reach their desired next step. One of my primary coaching goals is to inspire young women to respect all elements within the industry, regardless of the hierarchy, as each role brings a unique value to the table.
