Viccy Paterson
“I care deeply about making the world safer and more secure, not just for my own children, but for my nieces, nephews, and for children everywhere. The digital world holds incredible promise for their future, but it also brings unprecedented risks and the broadest, most complex range of adversaries we’ve ever faced.”
With over 20 years of experience, Viccy Paterson is a seasoned Partner and expert in strategy and transformation, driving high-impact cybersecurity and communications intelligence programs across National Security, the Defense sector, and Central Government.
What is one skill, interest or talent of yours that makes you great at your job?
Collaboration. Seeking out those who can bring complementary skills and experiences to deliver exceptional results that reduce cyber risk and improve cyber resilience.
What is your proudest moment working in the cybersecurity industry?
My proudest moment was winning our first cybersecurity engagement in the Defence account at Deloitte.
When did you become interested in pursuing a career in cyber and what prompted it?
I’ve always been interested in current affairs and the threats we face from our adversaries.
What are the top 3 things you would tell people hoping to enter the cybersecurity industry?
- It’s not all technical. We need to be focussed on business outcomes like reducing risk and improving resilience.
- It’s really interesting work that offers so many different career paths.
- It’s rewarding every single day.
What are some misconceptions people might have about the cybersecurity industry and what can we do to change these misconceptions?
There’s a common misconception that cybersecurity is purely technical, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. We need to shift the language we use to make the field more accessible. While some roles do require specialist expertise, successful cybersecurity teams rely on a broad range of skills—from strategic thinking and policy development to communications and project management. It’s a multidisciplinary field where diverse perspectives are not just valuable—they’re essential.
Do you feel like you’re contributing to helping keep our world secure and can you share why that matters to you?
Yes, I care deeply about making the world safer and more secure, not just for my own children, but for my nieces, nephews, and for children everywhere. The digital world holds incredible promise for their future, but it also brings unprecedented risks and the broadest, most complex range of adversaries we’ve ever faced. That’s why I’m committed to working every day to help build a digital environment where opportunity thrives and safety is never an afterthought.
What positive change do you think will take place as we bring the next generation into the cybersecurity industry?
Everyone will realize that cybersecurity is a shared responsibility that each of us must actively embrace and contribute to.
Who is your role model in the cybersecurity industry and why?
Emily Mossburg relentlessly elevates the profile of cybersecurity, making it an exciting, accessible space that inspires and energizes everyone involved. She doesn’t just raise awareness, she makes being part of cybersecurity genuinely fun.
