Rebecca Taylor

Trailblazing mentor, TEDx speaker and author

Part of the Tech Women Celebration 50 – a curated list of some of the most inspirational women working at all levels of tech

Rebecca Taylor joined Secureworks in 2014, quickly developing a passion for cybersecurity. She progressed through roles in Business Operations, Incident Command and Threat Intelligence, becoming a Threat Intelligence Knowledge Manager in 2022.

As a Human Intelligence Researcher, she navigates the dark web and underground forums, focusing on data dumps, access brokerage and emerging threats. Her contributions have earned industry recognition, including the prestigious Security Woman of the Year at the Computing Security Excellence Awards 2024. Beyond her technical expertise, Rebecca is a mentor, TEDx speaker and author of Securely Yours – An Agony Aunt’s Guide to Surviving Cyber, a self-help book empowering women in cybersecurity.

What does the nominee consider to be her biggest achievement to date?

Rebecca’s achievements in cybersecurity are marked by innovation, mentorship and advocacy. She has mentored over 150 women, many of whom now hold key roles in cybersecurity, crediting her guidance as transformative.

Her threat intelligence research is widely recognised for its depth and practical application, advancing the field and providing actionable insights for professionals. Her TEDx talk on children's digital footprints has sparked global discussions on digital privacy, showcasing her influence beyond the industry.

The pinnacle of her achievements is her book, 'Securely Yours – An Agony Aunt’s Guide to Surviving Cyber', which encapsulates her extensive experience and insights into a comprehensive guide aimed at helping women forge successful careers in cybersecurity. This book is not just a reflection of her individual accomplishments but a toolkit that enables other women to achieve their professional aspirations in a challenging industry.

The book has received acclaim for its practical approach and empathetic tone, making complex cybersecurity concepts accessible and relatable. It serves as a beacon for women at various stages of their careers, from novices seeking entry into the field to seasoned professionals aiming to expand their influence and impact. Rebecca’s greatest accomplishment lies in synthesising her experiences into a resource that supports and uplifts women globally, cementing her role as a catalyst for change in cybersecurity.

What is the most significant challenge the nominee has overcome?

One of the most significant challenges faced by Rebecca has been navigating the profound identity crisis and accompanying guilt that arose from balancing her aspirations as a cybersecurity professional with her responsibilities as a mother.

This challenge is a familiar struggle for many women who aim to excel both in their careers and in parenthood, but for her, the stakes were uniquely intertwined with the pioneering nature of her work in a male-dominated field.

The transition into motherhood brought about a seismic shift in her identity, as societal expectations often painted a picture that suggested professional ambition and effective parenting were mutually exclusive. This duality of doubts created an emotionally and psychologically taxing environment where she had to continually prove her worth in both domains.

Overcoming this challenge required a multifaceted approach. First, she sought out and established a supportive community of other professional mothers in tech, which provided her with the reassurance and validation that her dual aspirations were both valid and achievable. This network became a cornerstone for sharing strategies on managing both career and parenting responsibilities effectively.

Professionally, she took deliberate steps to reshape her work environment to be more inclusive and supportive of women, especially mothers. She advocated for flexible working hours, remote work options, and established clearer boundaries to protect her time with her family.

She openly shared her experiences through speaking engagements and her book, addressing the emotional struggles and practical solutions related to being a working mother in cybersecurity. Her honesty and vulnerability in discussing these issues have made her a role model for many women grappling with similar identity crises.

Tell us something about the nominee that people would find surprising

One surprising aspect about Rebecca that many might find unexpected is her struggle with networking and public speaking.

Despite her prominent presence at conferences and her TEDx talk, she does not naturally excel at networking or presenting. Contrary to the polished and confident persona she projects, networking has been a substantial challenge, compounded by persistent self-doubt and anxiety.

This revelation might come as a surprise! She has had to consciously develop the speaking and networking skills people see, through consistent practice, feedback and professional coaching.