Haifa Ketiti, the Staff Systems Engineer for the Middle East at Proofpoint, says cybersecurity is a field where learning never stops

Can you please elaborate on your role at Proofpoint? What does a typical day in your life at work look like?  
In my current role as a Staff Systems Engineer at Proofpoint in the Middle East I help companies find cybersecurity solutions to achieve their goals, and most importantly keep their people and their data safe.

As a self-starter and being solutions-oriented, I am constantly looking for the most effective solutions to meet the needs of our customers. The fast-moving, constantly evolving day-to-day work that comes hand in hand with the role constantly requires me to adapt to new challenges, with new solutions – and fast! I also think that targets are best met in collaborative, diverse teams, not in silos. With this in mind, it’s safe to say that no two days are the same in this industry!

Can you share a bit about your background and how you became interested in the tech industry?
I’ve always been drawn to technology, with a special focus on cybersecurity. The importance of IT security touches everyone, from individual users to large corporations. My passion lies in helping combat cyber threats for organizations of all sizes.

I studied Telecommunications at university, where my interest in cybersecurity guided my career choice. I started as a support engineer and quickly moved into pre-sales, working with both cybersecurity firms and resellers.

In terms of career development, cybersecurity presents a lot of opportunities for growth and ongoing development, as cybercrime isn’t slowing down! It’s a fast-paced, exciting industry, where no two days are the same, which keeps me on my toes. Being able to say my day-to-day work helps keep people safe and secure is a great motivator to continue on this path.

What were some obstacles that you had to overcome in your career?
While cybersecurity is one of the most fast-paced, rapidly evolving modern industries, this evolution has been slower when we look at the number of women taking up careers in cybersecurity. With that, I believe that women can be very skilled cyber professionals. At Proofpoint, I have been fortunate to work within an organization that empowers strong female role models and have a platform where I am encouraged and bolstered to grow my skillset. I have been able to find my voice and build confidence without being intimidated by any diversity issues that the industry has previously faced.

Improving diversity in the cybersecurity industry by hiring people from different backgrounds not only helps better reflect the population and create a culture of inclusivity at the workplace, but it can also bring different ways of thinking and different skills to the table. Diversity could also help improve online defences because it will enable information security teams to think about – and defend against – concepts and attack techniques they may not have considered before. The more we include new and varied viewpoints, evolved from different backgrounds and expertise, the better-informed our industry becomes, and the better equipped we are to innovate as a business and respond to the evolving threat landscape.

What advice would you give to women considering a career in the tech industry? Any learnings that you would like to share?
My advice to young women who want to pursue a career in the tech industry is to find their voice and confidence and go for it, without being intimidated by any diversity issues that the industry has previously faced.

Focus on your target and continue to work on enhancing your skills, building your self-confidence, and pursuing your goals. Constantly build your knowledge and network by attending workshops, technical sessions, networking events and industry shows. Cybersecurity is a field where learning never stops. staying up to date in the technology industry requires a multifaceted approach that combines continuous learning, networking, engagement with communities, and a proactive stance toward emerging threats and technologies.

Outside of work, what are some of your hobbies or interests?
For me, balancing between professional and personal life is critical to achieving an increased sense of accomplishment and to maintain a successful career and a healthy lifestyle. To maintain this balance, I focus on prioritizing and planning and spend my free time doing what I love. I love travelling and exploring new places, this helps me get out of my comfort zone and learn about new people and cultures. I also love cooking especially when gathering with friends and loved ones.