The latest instalment of the Cyber Access Network (CAN) series, titled “Cyber for All: Expanding Opportunities and Breaking Barriers”, was successfully held yesterday at St. George’s University of London on 26 March 2025 from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM. This insightful event welcomed students from City University, other universities, and working professionals eager to explore best practices for skill-building in cybersecurity and discover how initiatives like CAN are opening doors for aspiring and transitioning professionals.
OPENING REMARKS BY PROFESSOR RAJ
The event was orchestrated by Professor Raj Rajarajan, a leading figure in cybersecurity, Professor of Cyber Security at City St. George’s University of London and an advocate for skill development. With a distinguished career spanning over two decades in cybersecurity, Raj has played a pivotal role in mentoring students and professionals while bridging the industry-academia gap. His expertise in ethical hacking, cyber risk management, and education has made him an influential voice in the field.
Raj began the event by providing an overview of CAN, emphasizing its role in addressing the cybersecurity skill shortage. He explained how initiatives like CAN help create opportunities for young professionals through skill-building and internship programs. His insights set the stage for the distinguished guest speakers, each of whom shared their journey, expertise, and commitment to fostering talent in cybersecurity.
INSIGHTS FROM HARRY HETHERINGTON
Harry Hetherington, a key member of the UK Cyber Security Council, was the first guest speaker. Since joining the Council in September 2023, Harry has been committed to demystifying cybersecurity careers and advocating for accessible pathways into the profession. With a background in teaching and local government, he previously worked on refugee visa programs and has been passionate about helping individuals develop new skill sets to expand their career opportunities.
Harry discussed the Council’s efforts in streamlining cybersecurity roles and certifications, making career paths more accessible for newcomers. He elaborated on the importance of role-specific certifications that allow professionals to focus on relevant skills rather than unnecessary technical knowledge. He also emphasized the Council’s initiatives in webinars, training programs, and networking events designed to engage and educate aspiring cybersecurity professionals. Furthermore, he highlighted ongoing internship programs aimed at integrating more individuals into the cybersecurity workforce.
MOONA EDERVEEN: A TRAILBLAZER IN CYBERSECURITY
Next, Moona Ederveen took the stage. A renowned cybersecurity professional, Moona is an advisory board member at Cyber London and has an extensive background in the financial sector as the former Executive Director for EMEA at FS-ISAC. Having attended cybersecurity conferences since the age of 16, Moona has consulted for major international banks and now advises on cyber risk, intelligence, and resilience strategies.
Moona shared her career journey, starting as a technology content writer and software documentation specialist, before transitioning into cybersecurity. She reflected on how her passion for cybersecurity and self-employment enabled her to work with some of the biggest names in the industry. She also addressed the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in cybersecurity, emphasizing the need for more women to enter the field. She inspired attendees by discussing her experiences at global events such as the World Economic Forum and National Security Expo. Moona concluded her talk by stressing the importance of networking and how building relationships has played a crucial role in her professional success.
PARESH DESHMUKH: BRIDGING CYBERSECURITY WITH INDUSTRY
Following Moona’s inspiring talk, Paresh Deshmukh, a serial entrepreneur and cybersecurity visionary, took the stage. Paresh is the Founder & Group CEO of Baseel Group, a multinational cybersecurity firm operating in over 100 countries, as well as the Founder of Cyber London. With decades of experience in cyber resilience, data protection, and corporate leadership, he has successfully spearheaded multiple cybersecurity initiatives across industries.
Paresh provided an overview of Cyber London and CAN, explaining how the initiative aims to connect individuals with cybersecurity opportunities. He highlighted the success of Baseel Group’s internship programs, which offer personalized training to students and young professionals. Through these programs, candidates are assessed on their skill sets and directed toward suitable internships, helping them build a strong career foundation in cybersecurity. To provide firsthand insights, Paresh introduced a few of his interns via Microsoft Teams, who shared their experiences and success stories. His presentation was followed by an engaging Q&A session, where he addressed queries about cybersecurity career pathways and the significance of internships.
MARK CHILD: LESSONS FROM A CYBERSECURITY VETERAN
The event also featured Mark Child, Co-Founder of Cyber London and CEO of Quantum Evolve Business Enablement. With over 30 years of experience in cybersecurity, Mark has dedicated his career to risk management, compliance, and cyber resilience strategies. His professional journey includes working with leading security firms, government agencies, and corporate organizations, where he has been instrumental in developing and implementing security frameworks.
Mark captivated the audience with his personal journey into cybersecurity, starting as a high school dropout who later joined 3M, a multinational technology company. His career took an unexpected turn when he had the opportunity to train with the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security in the US. This experience laid the foundation for his expertise in ethical hacking and penetration testing, eventually leading to his role as a Chief Information Security Expert in various organizations.
Mark emphasized that cybersecurity is an inclusive field where professionals are always willing to help each other. He encouraged attendees to focus on developing role-specific skills, rather than feeling overwhelmed by the vast scope of cybersecurity. His motivational speech underscored the importance of mentorship, networking, and continuous learning.
CLOSING REMARKS AND NETWORKING SESSION
Professor Raj concluded the event by sharing his own cybersecurity journey, which began in 1999 when the field was still in its infancy. He reflected on how cybersecurity has evolved over the past two decades and expressed his enthusiasm for mentoring the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
The event ended with a Q&A session, where participants asked about career pathways, essential skills, certifications, and internship opportunities. The discussions highlighted the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals and how initiatives like CAN are making careers in the field more accessible.
Finally, the networking session allowed attendees to exchange LinkedIn contacts and connect with industry experts. Many participants seized the opportunity to discuss potential career paths, upcoming training programs, and cybersecurity best practices.
The “Cyber for All: Expanding Opportunities and Breaking Barriers” event successfully brought together aspiring cybersecurity professionals and industry leaders, fostering meaningful conversations about career development, skill-building, and industry challenges. As cybersecurity continues to evolve, initiatives like CAN play a critical role in guiding the next generation of professionals toward successful careers.
Stay tuned for more Cyber Access Network events, where industry leaders continue to share their expertise and open doors to new opportunities in cybersecurity!
GET INVOLVED IN CAN
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Find out more about CAN here https://bit.ly/can-cl
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Join CAN here https://bit.ly/canrf-cl
