LEADERS IN CYBERSECURITY

Elena Casado

Manager, Deloitte

Elena Casado González is a threat intelligence lead with 11 years of experience in intelligence and cybersecurity. As a Production Research and Analysis Lead at Deloitte, she is responsible for leading teams in identifying, analyzing and helping to prevent threats by providing actionable intelligence.…

Throughout her career, Elena has provided intelligence about a wide range of threats, including social media intel, hacktivism, geopolitical events, terrorism and counterterrorism, cybercrime and criminal profiling. Her expertise in threat intelligence has helped different teams and areas stay ahead of emerging threats.

Elena has dedicated her career experience to building other threat intelligence teams for several clients and trained intelligence analysts. She is passionate about making a difference in intelligence and cybersecurity and being a valuable asset to Deloitte Global and the industry at large. Show more

What does a typical day of work look like for you?

There is no normal or typical day in CTI (Cyber Threat Intelligence). Each day is different and you may encounter a new threat to investigate. However, because we work with colleagues around the world, I try to wake up early to check emails and the team’s latest comments in case I need to provide support or action in any matter. Later, I’ll review international news and news on the latest threats.

What aspects of your career journey have taken you by surprise?

That the good friends and colleagues I found from my different jobs support each other. The cyber threat intelligence field often involves working on complex and challenging projects that require a diverse set of skills and knowledge. It’s common to encounter colleagues willing to lend a hand, share their expertise or provide support during difficult times. This sense of camaraderie and teamwork is necessary for those who are used to working in competitive or individualistic environments.

Tell us about your first job (can be anything!) and one lesson you might have learned from it.

During my first job at Cyber Threat Intelligence, we started a team of only three analysts, which grew to 20 in less than a year. That meant many changes, stress and new analyst training. The lessons I learned include the importance of work ethic and responsibility, and asking for the salary you believe you deserve and are worth as an expert.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give your younger self about getting started in cyber?

Keep yourself grounded and be yourself. You have a wide range of knowledge and strengths that are very valuable.

Tell us about the cyber project you're most proud of working on in your career.

The project that I am working on now.

How has public perception of cybersecurity changed over the course of your career, and how do you predict in the future?

In the early days of computing, cybersecurity was not a significant concern for the general public. Public awareness of and investments in cybersecurity have grown due to the rise of high-profile cyberattacks, espionage, disinformation campaigns and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Also, the general public perceived those who worked in cybersecurity as hackers working in a basement with hoodies or those who worked in intelligence as spies. Even people who work in cybersecurity have realized that non-technical people (like myself) and professionals with other backgrounds are and have been very necessary and valuable for cyber teams.

Tell us about a role model or mentor who has helped shape your career.

So many experts and thought leaders in the field have shaped the industry and provided valuable guidance and mentorship to those starting out. My role models are all the women who have worked hard in their fields and at home, paving the way for new generations to follow.

A meeting gets canceled and you have a surprise 30 minute window of free time — how do you spend it?

I would try to go out for a coffee with my colleagues and talk about non-work-related topics.

What are the ways you stay grounded and take care of yourself?

I suffer from chronic migraines, so I always try to prioritize my physical and mental health by exercising, reading and connecting with loved ones to stay grounded and reduce stress. Getting enough sleep is crucial for self-care. Watching TV shows and movies is one of my passions and helps me a lot. I would also try to go out for a coffee with my colleagues.

When you think about your personal legacy as a leader, what do you hope people will remember?

I hope people will remember me as a compassionate and visionary leader who helped, inspired and empowered others to reach their full potential.