Pooja Shimpi, Founder and CEO of SyberNow, is an accomplished cybersecurity expert with an extensive academic and certification background, recognized for her valuable contributions and global prominence in the field. Pooja’s remarkable achievements and widespread recognition in the global cybersecurity field are attributed to her Master’s degree in Computer Science and CISSP certifications.
Pooja aims to enhance cybersecurity by addressing human risks, promoting best practices, and advocating for inclusivity and diversity.
Pooja’s Path towards Cybersecurity Expertise
Pooja, hailing from a small town in India, landed a campus placement at a prestigious tech firm as the only female candidate from her college, which motivated her to demonstrate her abilities, and led her to develop a strong resolve to prove herself.
Pooja explored different tech roles and domains to enhance her knowledge, ultimately discovering her interest in cybersecurity and dedicating countless hours to improving her skills and understanding the field’s ever-evolving nature and increasing threats.
Pooja’s Turning Point to Become an Entrepreneur
The daily reports of data breaches and the unfortunate incidents where people lose their life savings to scams deeply dishearten her. Witnessing the emotional and mental trauma caused by these losses, all because of misplaced trust in online entities has motivated her to establish this mission-driven startup.
“I am driven by the powerful belief that the rate of cyber-attacks will continue to escalate in various industries, necessitating a heightened focus on security awareness. With a strong mission to empower organizations and individuals, our startup aims to provide the necessary tools and knowledge to navigate the digital realm safely and with confidence,” says Pooja.
“So overall, the idea for my cybersecurity startup prospered from the recognition of the critical need for cybersecurity awareness and a strong security culture. My education, practical experience, and continuous learning have equipped me with the knowledge, skills, and mindset necessary to be an entrepreneur and leader in the cybersecurity field,” she continues.
Pooja made the life-changing decision to relocate from Singapore to Australia after obtaining permanent residency. However, a strong inner calling nudged her towards embarking on her entrepreneurial journey in the cybersecurity domain. Driven by a deep sense of purpose, Pooja swiftly redirected her path, returned to India, and began laying the foundation for her cybersecurity startup – SyberNow.
SyberNow: Empowering Minds, Securing Futures!
SyberNow embodies Pooja’s vision of empowering organizations with comprehensive Cybersecurity Awareness & Training solutions while placing a strong emphasis on fostering a Culture of security. By leveraging her expertise and passion for training and awareness, Pooja aims to equip businesses with the knowledge and tools needed to mitigate risks and protect their valuable assets in an increasingly hostile digital landscape.
“Our unique approach involves creating engaging and informative 2-3 minute-long animated episodes that effectively teach individuals how to protect themselves from hacking incidents. These episodes are inspired by real-life stories and actual breaches, ensuring their relevance and impact,” says Pooja.
By combining entertainment and education, the company empowers users to make informed decisions and enhance their overall cybersecurity posture establishing an emotional connection. Furthermore, SyberNow will play a significant role in training and addressing the requirements of organizations to foster a culture of improved cybersecurity.
“We will soon implement phishing simulation, tabletop exercises, and other tools to assess the efficacy of this training. This is because improvement can only occur when we measure and evaluate progress,” assures Pooja.
Pooja’s Journey Towards Leadership
Pooja became deeply drawn to ‘people’ when spearheading Cybersecurity Programs for APAC as an Information Security Officer; even with the best tools and processes in place, the actions of end users could pose significant risks to the organization if they lacked proper training and awareness. With the exponential growth of cyberattacks in the past five years, it has become imperative for organizations to prioritize security awareness training and cultivate a security-conscious culture.
Pooja has a keen ability to understand the complex cybersecurity landscape, identify gaps and challenges, and translate them into innovative solutions. This insight allows her to develop strategies that effectively address evolving threats and provide impactful cybersecurity awareness and training programs.
Leadership Responsibilities
As the founder and leader of a cybersecurity awareness, training, and culture startup, Pooja bears a range of responsibilities that are essential to its success.
- Setting the company’s strategic direction, defining its mission, and defining its values are her responsibilities. Their target audience’s needs must be aligned with their foundation and vision.
- Pooja is responsible for assembling a talented and passionate team and provides guidance, mentorship, and support to empower team members to excel in their roles.
- She fosters a collaborative and inclusive environment where innovation is encouraged and ideas are valued. Effective communication and fostering a positive company culture are key aspects of her leadership responsibilities.
An entrepreneur who has built a cybersecurity awareness, training, and culture start-up, she is responsible for setting a clear strategy, building and empowering a talented team, executing a comprehensive business strategy, and fostering a resilient and security-aware culture. Pooja brings insightful thinking, an empowering approach, and unwavering dedication to creating a safer digital world for organizations and individuals.
The Guiding LightTriumph over Challenges
Pooja is a tenacious leader, her startup journey is filled with challenges, setbacks, and uncertainties. However, she approaches these obstacles with a relentless determination to overcome them.
“Resilience is the one word that perfectly encapsulates my personality. Throughout my journey, I faced numerous challenges and hurdles, often finding myself as the sole female team member. However, I refused to let these obstacles hinder my progress. Instead, I used them as fuel to push myself further and to prove that gender should never be a barrier in the pursuit of excellence,” says Pooja. “I am resilient in the face of adversity and remain steadfast in pursuing my goals, even in the face of daunting challenges,” she continues
Pooja’s advice for enthusiastic leaders just starting in the Cybersecurity field
I strongly believe that passion is the most crucial attribute when pursuing a career in cybersecurity. The dynamic and ever-evolving nature of the cybersecurity field presents new challenges every day, both in the operational and governance realms. While qualifications can provide a solid foundation, practical industry experience is invaluable. Therefore, I encourage everyone to be prepared to dive into hands-on work.
Future Vision for SyberNow
SyberNow undergoing significant changes and growth within the next two years. As the industry continues to evolve and cyber threats become more sophisticated, the company must stay at the forefront of the cybersecurity landscape.
“I see our cybersecurity start-up expanding its services, extending its geographic reach, enhancing its technology capabilities, and fostering collaborations. As the leader, I will guide these changes by staying updated on industry trends, fostering innovation within the team, prioritizing client feedback, and forging strategic partnerships. Through these efforts, we will create a transformation that positions us as a trusted and leading cybersecurity solution provider in the industry,” assures Pooja.
Visit www.SyberNow.com today to learn more about Cybersecurity Awareness pieces of training.
