Shannon Parker
“Once you set a goal, you just need to take one step each day in the right direction, and before you know it, you have arrived at your destination, whatever that might be.”
Shannon Parker is a nationally recognized cybersecurity leader, and one of Canada’s top 20 women in STEM. From helping launch Canada’s National Cybercrime Coordination Unit to co-developing international cyber standards domestically, she’s been at the forefront of shaping digital safety. A published specialist, former digital forensic examiner, and certified crypto-tracing analyst, Shannon has advised federal panels, trained law enforcement across North America, and led groundbreaking investigations in cybercrime and child exploitation. A retired teacher, former athlete, and lifelong community volunteer, she brings fearless leadership, calm under pressure, and a deep love of learning to everything she does.
What is one skill, interest or talent of yours that makes you great at your job?
I have two superpowers. My first superpower is my ability to sift through the chaos and find the calm, to help identify the real root problem, and create an orderly way to address it. Second, you might be smarter than me, but you will never be more prepared than me, and you will never work harder than me.
What is the best piece of unconventional career advice you’ve gotten?
“You are never stuck.” You always have the ability to move forward each and every day. Once you set a goal, you just need to take one step each day in the right direction, and before you know it, you have arrived at your destination, whatever that might be.
What is your proudest moment working in the cybersecurity industry?
My proudest moment has been working with a highly skilled, technical, and motivated team of investigators and crown prosecutors, saving children from harm at the hands of perpetrators. And, now in the later part of my career, I enjoy helping people at organizations in their most stressful and trying times, like during a cybersecurity incident, and delivering critical services.
When did you become interested in pursuing a career in cyber and what prompted it?
As a law enforcement officer, I was offered the opportunity to work in child exploitation, which allowed me to explore the world of digital forensics, and that led to cybercrime and cybersecurity investigations. It took me many years to embrace my curiosity and interest in all things STEM, but today, I am thankful that I am in the field and have the opportunity to encourage another generation to pursue a career in cybersecurity.
What are the top 3 things you would tell people hoping to enter the cybersecurity industry?
- Be fearless. Change is a great catalyst for growth. Try new things.
- Be curious. There are so many interesting areas in cybersecurity; don’t limit yourself.
- Be a problem solver; try, try, and try again.
What are some misconceptions people might have about the cybersecurity industry and what can we do to change these misconceptions?
One misconception is that cybersecurity is about technology. Cybersecurity is about people working together towards one goal: To be more secure! The best way forward is to educate your family, your community, your team, and your organization. Lead them, and make risk-adverse, fact-based decisions.
Do you feel like you’re contributing to helping keep our world secure and can you share why that matters to you?
I know our teams are making the world a more secure place each and every day, one person and one organization at a time. They are brilliant. Supporting organizations and victims in their time of need matters because we are all connected (virtually and physically). We are all one community; we are all neighbors.
What positive change do you think will take place as we bring the next generation into the cybersecurity industry?
With this new generation, we are going to see a real burgeoning of creative thinking and problem solving. With the current cybersecurity opportunities and challenges, and with the advancements of AI and quantum, we are going to need to find new ways to approach traditional problems.
Who is your role model in the cybersecurity industry and why?
The wisest person I know is Wes; the best decision makers are Ken and Grant; the most confident and capable is Colleen; the hardest working is Joel; the person who truly sees and values you is Tina; the smartest is Brenda; the pragmatist is Scott; and the calm throughout my life in all of the chaos is my Mom.
I have taken valuable lessons, pieces of advice, and wisdom from all of these special folks, and try to incorporate small bits of them daily as I lead.
