27th October 2026
Cyber security is about more than technology. It takes curiosity, problem-solving and collaboration to stay ahead of evolving threats and ensure the products that organisations rely on are secure.
As we reflect on Cyber Security Month 2026, we want to take time to celebrate women at Civica who help protect our products and strengthen our approach to cyber security.
From investigating potential threats and identifying vulnerabilities to managing risk and improving security governance, their expertise plays a vital role in helping us build secure, resilient products.
Earlier this month we spoke to Civica’s Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), Renata Vincoletto, who leads our global team protecting Civica’s technology, data and vital public service to celebrate Ada Lovelace Day.
Now we hear from three more of our female cyber security specialists – Sonali Rathi, Security Operations Centre (SOC) Team Lead, Myrah Pathan, Senior Penetration Tester and Sarah Bethell, Senior Cyber Assurance Specialist – about their roles, what inspired them to pursue careers in cyber, and what excites them about the future of the industry.
Sonali Rathi – Security Operations Centre (SOC) Team Lead
What do you do day-to-day?
I lead a SOC team, so my day can change very quickly. We investigate everything from suspicious emails and unusual sign-ins to endpoint and security alerts. A big part of my role is understanding the story behind an alert – what happened, why it happened and whether there is a real risk. I also support my team through investigation, understanding what actually happened and when something needs a deeper look or escalation.
What brought you into cyber?
My curiosity landed me in cyber, and it’s still what drives me today! I’ve always been the person who wants to understand why something happened rather than just accepting that it happened. That naturally led me towards cybersecurity, where asking questions, investigating and learning are part of everyday life. I sometimes say my curiosity landed me in cyber, and I’m glad it did.
What excites you about what comes next?
AI makes the future of cyber really interesting because it is changing both sides of the picture – how threats are created and how we defend against them. I’m excited about using AI and automation to take away some of the repetitive work, giving us more time for investigations that really need human judgement and curiosity. Personally, I’m also excited to take on bigger challenges and continue growing as a leader in cyber.
Why is Cyber Security Month important?
Working in a SOC has taught me that cybersecurity really is everyone’s responsibility. A security incident doesn’t always start with something highly sophisticated. Sometimes it starts with one email, one click, or simply something that doesn’t feel quite right. Cyber Security Month is a great reminder to pause, stay curious and speak up. Sometimes asking “Does this look right?” can make all the difference.
Myrah Pathan – Senior Penetration Tester
What do you do day-to-day?
I help make applications more secure by identifying vulnerabilities and working closely with teams to fix them and strengthen their security.
What brought you into cyber?
A passion for technology and curiosity about what goes on behind our digital lives. I wanted to understand how things could be broken so I could help secure them better.
What excites you about what comes next?
The pace of change. I’m excited about figuring out how AI can be responsibly integrated into pentesting workflows, while recognising that in security there’s no one-size-fits-all approach.
Why is Cyber Security Month important?
I believe humans are the first line of defence, and Cyber Security Month is a great reminder to stay aware, informed, and secure. Because security is everyone's responsibility.
Sarah Bethell – Senior Cyber Assurance Specialist
What do you do day-to-day?
My day-to-day activities are never the same. Whilst I'm still finding my feet and learning the 'Civica Way' I have really enjoyed getting to know colleagues and using my skills to set the stage for positive change. My role has both an internal (Internal Governance) and external (Customer Security Operations Centre) element which offers great challenge and variation. All activities are related to Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC).
What bought you into cyber?
Unexpected opportunities. My first role was a Group Administrator for a cyber security consultancy company. It was here that I gained experience in HR, Contracts Management, Resource Management and Project Management, but most importantly it was a foot in the door to the world of GRC, and I have never looked back. Taking those opportunities to try something new, was probably the best career decision I've made to date. I'm now focusing forward on my Civica Cyber Journey.
What excites you about what comes next?
A touch of the unknown is quite exciting in itself. Cyber is not something that can easily be predicted (despite best efforts) so sometimes you need to be ready to react when an issue arises. Occasionally you need to come up with a solution that's a bit outside the box and I love the challenge this brings. From a career perspective, I am truly excited to be part of the team and doing what I can to improve the cyber culture, governance and promote positive change and development.
Why is Cyber Security Month important?
Security awareness training is always important. It facilitates the enhancement of knowledge and skills to help our colleagues make good security decisions that ultimately improve the organisations cyber posture. It's imperative that companies empower their members to confidently address threats, as people are the first line of defence –our ‘Human Firewall’.
Future tech experts
Sonali, Myrah and Sarah bring different skills and perspectives to cyber security, but their experiences share a common thread. A curiosity to explore, a willingness to embrace new challenges and a commitment to continuous learning.
If you would like to pursue a career in tech and follow in Sonali, Myrah and Sara’s footsteps, please go to our careers page to find out more – Civica Careers.