Articles

Empowering Diversity: Katrine Mørch Secher's Impact on Cyber Security

In the evolving field of cyber security, recognising the importance of diversity and inclusion is crucial. We’re delighted to present Katrine Mørch Secher, a professional in Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Security Advisory at KMD, whose personal journey exemplifies the power that diversity holds.

A journey filled with discovery and challenges

Katrine’s journey into cyber security began somewhat unexpectedly. With a background in communication, she took the initial step into GRC by working with ISO 9001 in ECOHouse consultancy. Her career then took a turn when the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was implemented by the European Union. Entrusted by her manager, she started developing GDPR advisory services, which marked her dive into the world of cyber security. 

 It was somewhat by chance that I ended up in security, but I found that it was an exciting and challenging field. I discovered that the challenge of protecting something and working together with the whole IT organisation appealed to me a lot, so GRC felt like a natural step, she explains. 

Driven by curiosity and an inclination towards security matters, Katrine decided to venture into new challenges. She applied for a position with the police force in their IT security department. Her determination and eagerness to learn ultimately opened doors to a new chapter in her professional journey where she began combining governance practices with IT security to effectively tackle critical concerns within cyber security. 

Embracing diversity and inclusion

Today, Katrine works as GRC Security Advisor at KMD, where they value diversity and actively works towards creating an inclusive environment. 

– Being a part of KMD is something I take pride in. In our company, it’s not just about the numbers, it’s about appreciating and celebrating the unique qualities and perspectives that each team member brings to the table. KMD values diversity and is dedicated to fostering a workplace environment that embraces individual strengths, Katrine says. One of the remarkable initiatives Katrine highlights is KMD’s support for the Women4Cyber Denmark organization. She is currently herself participating in the mentorship programme as a mentor. 

– The programme reflects the growing dedication to increasing diversity in cyber security. By providing mentorship and fostering collaboration, the community aims to inspire and empower more young people to pursue cyber security careers. This not only amplifies diversity in the field but also injects a broader range of skills, experiences, and perspectives into the cyber security landscape. 

The importance of continuous learning 

For Katrine, diversity and inclusion in cyber security are not just about overcoming limitations, but embracing possibilities, shaping a future where a variety of perspectives contribute to the industry’s innovation and success. Although the lack of representation in cyber security can be attributed to a variety of factors, Katrine points to the lack of focus on a career in the field for women, as well as self-doubt, as significant factors. Breaking these barriers is therefore essential for promoting diversity and inclusion in the world of cyber security and IT. 

Katrine’s journey is a testament to the power of curiosity, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. Her ability to communicate, bridge gaps, and empower others serves as an inspiration for those who want to follow in her footsteps. In her commitment to empowering the next generation, Katrine emphasises the importance of continuous learning and adaptability, where success hinges on the ability to keep growing rather than rigid technical skills. “Stay curious and embrace challenges” is therefore Katrine’s advice for aspiring young women entering the cyber security field. 

For those considering a career in GRC, Katrine suggests starting with getting an understanding of ISO 27001 and staying updated on the IT sector.