Fabiana Mayumi Tanaka
“Throughout life, many people will try to limit you, sometimes without even realizing it. People often project their fears, insecurities, or narrow views onto what you can or cannot do. I learned not to accept those barriers as mine.”
Fabiana Mayumi Tanaka is a seasoned cybersecurity and data privacy leader with 18 years of experience in cyber defense, digital forensics, Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT), red and blue teams, and security engineering. As CISO and Director of Cybersecurity and Data Privacy, she champions executive mentorship and LGPD compliance, and is an advocate for equal opportunity in all technology and corporate environments.
What is one skill, interest, or talent of yours that makes you great at your job?
My ability to connect with people and communicate complex cybersecurity concepts in a simple, relatable way. While technical knowledge is important, my “superpower” is empathy. It helps me build trust across all levels of the organization. This helps strengthen awareness, accelerate response, and foster a culture where cybersecurity becomes everyone’s responsibility.
What is the best piece of unconventional career advice you’ve gotten?
“Don’t let someone else’s limitation become your own.” Throughout life, many people will try to limit you, sometimes without even realizing it. People often project their fears, insecurities, or narrow views onto what you can or cannot do. I learned not to accept those barriers as mine. That advice taught me to trust my instincts, believe in my capabilities, and create my own path, even when no one else thought it was possible. This mindset shaped my journey in cybersecurity, where I’ve grown as a woman, a leader, and a reference in the field.
What is your proudest moment working in the cybersecurity industry?
One of my proudest moments was being named a Top Global CISO, and receiving Brazil’s Security Leaders National award for launching a human-centered cyber awareness movement. We empowered more than 100 internal influencers across all levels to champion cybersecurity, not just through controls, but by building trust and culture. It proved that real security starts with people.
When did you become interested in pursuing a career in cyber and what prompted it?
I became interested in cybersecurity nearly two decades ago when I realized how technology was shaping our lives, and how unprotected most people and systems were. I had a deep desire to protect people, their data, their identities, and their trust. I saw cybersecurity not just as a technical field, but as a powerful way to create impact, drive resilience, and give others a sense of safety in a digital world.
What are the top 3 things you would tell people hoping to enter the cybersecurity industry?
- Stay curious. Cybersecurity evolves fast with technologies, threats, and regulations changing constantly. A curious mind will always find opportunities to grow, solve problems creatively, and stay ahead.
- Don’t wait to feel “ready”. You don’t need to know everything to begin. Start where you are, ask questions, and surround yourself with people who support your learning.
- People skills matter. Cybersecurity isn’t just about systems; it’s about people. Listening, communicating, and building trust are just as important as technical skills. The human layer is where the real magic happens.
What are some misconceptions people might have about the cybersecurity industry and what can we do to change these misconceptions?
One common misconception is that cybersecurity is only about hacking or coding, and that it’s a field reserved for tech geniuses working in isolation. In reality, cybersecurity is broad, collaborative, and deeply human. It involves legal, risk, behavioral, strategic, and educational aspects.
Do you feel like you’re contributing to helping keep our world secure and can you share why that matters to you?
Yes, because each action we take in cybersecurity has a ripple effect. Whether it’s protecting a company, educating employees, or influencing global strategies, the goal is the same: to safeguard people, their data, and their trust. In a hyperconnected world, security means freedom, dignity, and resilience.
What positive change do you think will take place as we bring the next generation into the cybersecurity industry?
As we bring the next generation into cybersecurity, I believe we’ll see a powerful shift toward more inclusive, creative, and ethical approaches to digital protection. This new wave of professionals is not only tech-savvy, they care deeply about purpose, mental health, and social impact. They challenge previous mindsets and bring fresh perspectives to complex problems. I believe they will help redefine cybersecurity as a field that’s not just reactive, but proactive, human-centered, and woven into the fabric of everyday life. And that change will help make us all safer.
Who is your role model in the cybersecurity industry and why?
My role models in the cybersecurity industry are those who choose to stay, lead, and uplift others. While I admire many global specialists, it’s the quiet strength of those who break barriers daily that inspire me the most.
