We recently caught up with Amanda, a cyber security architect at 6point6 | Part of Accenture, who shared valuable insights about her career journey, what she enjoys most about working at 6point6 and her advice for aspiring cyber security professionals.
Name: Amanda Thomson
Company: 6point6 | Part of Accenture
Job Title: Managing Consultant, Cyber Security Architecture
How would you describe your career to date?
I joined the world of cyber security straight after graduating with my Computer Networks BSc. I knew this was the sector for me straight from the get-go. A forensics module at university piqued my interest in cyber security when we dabbled in forensic tools and learned how to pull metadata out of files - it was really exciting and felt like stepping into the shoes of a Secret Service agent!
My background is primarily operational. My first role was as a SOC analyst where I honed my skills in identifying and mitigating security threats. My knack for encryption technologies soon led me to specialise as a cryptography consultant. Working on large-scale projects, I often found myself stepping into the role of a technical architect which inspired my next career move. I took the plunge at my last company and never looked back.
What does a typical day look like for you?
I have agency over how I structure my day around my client commitments, which is one of the great perks of working here. I am a morning person so I like to reserve that time for creative work that requires deep focus - such as threat modelling or researching new technologies that clients want to implement. I also check in with my project team or fellow architects inside 6point6 to collaborate and conduct peer reviews. My afternoons are the ideal time for meetings where I gain fresh perspectives from colleagues and tackle any challenges or sticking points. Another plus is that everyone in the company makes time for each other. There’s a great culture of support and no one feels unreachable because of their position, right up to the CEO.
What do you enjoy most about working at 6point6 including opportunities for professional development?
What excites me about working at 6point6 is the opportunity to get involved in high-profile projects, often working on critical infrastructure with central government clients. My career has involved evaluating the security impact of new applications or the enterprise architecture of businesses. However the scale and complexity are on another level here where you can genuinely see the impact of your work.
Another plus is having a resourcing team like no other! They match you with clients and projects that align with your skills and interests to make sure it’s the right fit for you. It ties into the broader culture of the company, which genuinely values our happiness.
When it comes to professional development, they don’t just talk about personal growth for the sake of it. They actively support you, ensuring that your training aligns with real opportunities. They match your qualifications and skills with relevant projects and clients so you can put your new knowledge to the test, rather than just ticking a learning and development box.
Then there is the professional development that comes from being surrounded by a team with a wide breadth of experience. We’re lucky to have a cyber security team that spans seven key areas of cyber security so there’s always something new to learn and plenty of people on hand to help you develop your skills.
What excites you the most about working in cyber security?
Technology is ever-changing, and so are the threats and challenges that organisations face. There’s always something new to learn. It might sound like a cliché, but there’s never a dull moment in cyber security. I’m also drawn to the combination of hands-on technical work and strategic architectural planning, which feed my passion for problem-solving and tackling complex challenges.
Take biometric systems, for example. As consumers, we use facial recognition and fingerprint scanners on our devices, sometimes without realising the intricate security challenges and vulnerabilities. It's great to work in an environment where you’re contributing to projects that genuinely matter to the lives of citizens.
What advice would you give someone who’s thinking about moving to cyber security?
I would say it’s more about mindset than experience. If you can demonstrate your passion for cyber security, that goes a long way. Technical skills can be taught. Those who succeed - and I’ve seen this firsthand - aren’t necessarily the ones with the most technical know-how at the start, but those who show they’re eager to learn and grow. If you want to make it in cyber security and can demonstrate that drive, the ‘hard’ skills will quickly follow.
How can the sector attract more women into cyber security?
Attracting more women into cyber security starts with visibility and representation. Seeing women succeed in this industry can be incredibly inspiring. We need to showcase the excellent work women are doing in cyber security, whether they’ve been in the field their entire careers or transitioned from other disciplines. We need to show how diverse teams lead to different ways of thinking and problem-solving. A broad spectrum of backgrounds, experiences and skills is essential for greater innovation and more robust cyber security. That brings me to the value of reforming recruitment practices to attract more women. At 6point6 | Part of Accenture, we've revamped our recruitment processes to be more inclusive. This includes using gender-neutral language in job specifications and ensuring female representation on hiring panels. These changes are making an impact, but we’re always on the lookout for people to join our team and help to push us further.
Interested in a cyber security career at 6point6? Explore our current opportunities.
