Welcome to the IT Pro Panel Profile, where we talk to the CIOs, experts and IT leaders that make up the IT Pro Panel, and discover their top tech, pet peeves and IT inspirations.
Cyber security is a moving target; the threat landscape is constantly changing, and the tools used by defenders to combat their adversaries evolve almost as quickly. While that can be challenging, for people like Moonpig head of cyber security Tash Norris, it’s also what makes security such an interesting and dynamic area to work in.
Among her passions are security automation, threat modelling and AppSec. Following her stint in the financial services industry, Tash now leads Moonpig’s security strategy, helping protect its customers’ financial details and personal information while supporting the company’s vision to help people connect with friends and loved ones.
Tash Norris
Head of cyber security - Moonpig Group
Describe your role in 20 words or fewer.
I’m responsible for supporting and enabling our teams in owning the security of our data and infrastructure here at Moonpig.
What was your first computer?
Technology wasn’t very accessible for my family growing up, so our first family computer was purchased secondhand - an old Dell PC running Windows 98 that served us well!
What do you like most about working in IT?
The element of creativity required. As everyone says, there’s a huge pace of change in tech, and you’ve got to be creative to stay a step ahead of everyone else.
If you could magically get rid of one piece of technology forever, what would it be, and why?
I have a love/hate relationship with e-readers. They’re great for an impatient Tash, and to help save bookshelf space, but I miss easily lending or gifting a book I’ve really connected with.
What future tech innovations are you most excited about?
Pretty much anything cooking related. I hate cooking and I will invest anywhere I can to reduce the risk of further causing harm to my kitchen and husband. Additionally, I’m really enjoying seeing security teams embrace data engineering principles. For example, there’s been some really interesting advancements from teams combining threat modelling and dynamic security testing with data science. This should produce some really interesting threat predictions as software products inevitably grow.
Who’s your biggest inspiration in the world of tech?
Dorothy Vaughan; to me, she is an incredible example of advocacy in the face of adversity. I hope I can continue to amplify the voices around me as she did for those around her.
If you're a senior IT decision-maker and you'd like to apply to be part of the IT Pro Panel, please email panel@itpro.co.uk.
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