In the financial sector, the need for robust security grows increasingly critical. At the forefront of this battle is Kelly McKillen...
The landscape of cybersecurity continues to evolve rapidly, especially within the financial sector, where the need for robust security measures grows increasingly critical. At the forefront of this battle against cyber threats is Kelly McKillen, the Interim Chief Information Security Officer at Bank of Ireland. Through her rich journey in technology and banking, Kelly has gained valuable insights into effective leadership and the importance of gender diversity in the tech industry.
Then came a “crucial turning point” in her career when she decided to specialise in cybersecurity about 13 years ago. “It was a pivotal moment for me. I felt it was time to specialise and information security is one of those areas. I knew they were looking for people in that area at the time, reached out and had conversations with a few people and I was intrigued by what they were doing and what I could bring to the table there with my own experience. So, I took the plunge.
During her early days in cybersecurity, Kelly grappled with imposter syndrome, a feeling many professionals encounter when stepping into new roles. “I remember thinking, ‘What have I done?’ as I stepped into meetings with seasoned professionals in information security,” she recalls. To support herself, Kelly leaned into her experience and sought guidance from her colleagues.
Despite the challenges posed by remote work, Kelly emphasises the resilience and dedication of the Bank of Ireland team. “Establishing security measures during such an uncertain time demonstrated how capable and committed my colleagues were.” A hallmark of Kelly’s leadership philosophy is her commitment to continuous development, not only for herself but also for her team. “We spend a lot of time managing learning and development paths and helping team members navigate their careers,” she says. This dedication to personal and professional growth ensures that the team remains agile and ready to tackle emerging challenges in the fast-paced cybersecurity landscape.
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