“What attracted me most to CyberTracks was the opportunity to take my first steps in cybersecurity supported by a network of women with backgrounds similar to mine,” says Laura Díaz, DevOps Engineer at Streaver, in her interview with LAC4 prior to the in-person training in Santo Domingo. With more than four years of experience in software development and currently pursuing Fundamentals of Hacking and Cyberdefense at Ekoparty Hackademy, Laura seeks to apply her knowledge to contribute to the building of more secure systems. Her testimony highlights the importance of creating accessible and inclusive learning spaces that bring cybersecurity closer to more women across Latin America. 

It’s been a while since you enrolled in the program. What caught your attention and prompted you to submit your application? 

For some time, I had been very interested in the world of cybersecurity, but I was also very uncertain about where to start. When I found this program (thanks to Mujeres IT Uruguay), designed for women with several years of experience in technology, I felt it was the ideal opportunity to take that first step with support and clear guidance. 

In my role as a DevOps Engineer, I understood how crucial security is: even the smallest vulnerability can completely compromise a system, which piqued my curiosity even more, but I was also intimidated by the amount of information and the breadth of roles in cybersecurity. In addition, I didn’t know any women working in this field, which made it seem even more distant to me. 

I was attracted to the program because it combined technical training with a network of women with similar backgrounds. I wanted to learn how to create more secure systems and discover how my experience could add value. Through the program, I met my mentor, who helped me identify my transferable skills and visualize new opportunities. 

I am especially motivated to be part of a movement that seeks to reduce the gender gap in a sector where women are a minority. I firmly believe that diversity generates more innovative solutions. The program not only gave me technical tools, but also the confidence to see that I can contribute from my own perspective and experience. 

The CyberTracks program is more than halfway through since it began in April, and we will soon meet in Santo Domingo for in-person training. How has it gone so far? 

CyberTracks has exceeded my expectations. Each module has provided me with valuable knowledge. I understood the importance of being prepared, of having clear policies and effective training. Seeing how CERTs and SOCs interrelate, and how frameworks such as NIST guide professional practice, helped me visualize the big picture. 

What I value most about the program is that it goes beyond the technical. The focus on personal and professional development seems essential to me for building a sustainable career in systems. CyberTracks really opened the door to a world of possibilities that I previously saw as distant.   

Given your experience, what do you think are the biggest challenges in cybersecurity right now? What do you observe in your daily work? 

From my experience as a DevOps Engineer, I identify three main challenges in cybersecurity today. First, vulnerabilities introduced during the development cycle: incorrect configurations, vulnerabilities in outdated dependencies, which can become critical attack vectors. 

The second challenge is both fascinating and terrifying: how AI is changing the game. Now anyone, without being a technical expert, can generate sophisticated malware. 

Attacks are being automated and customized at an impressive speed. 

But here’s the interesting part: we can use that same AI to defend ourselves. Automated detection tools, predictive analytics, real-time response systems… The key is to be as agile as the attackers. 

And finally, the third challenge I see is the shortage of qualified cybersecurity personnel. Demand is growing exponentially, but professionals are not being trained at the same rate. That’s where programs like CyberTracks become essential. 

However, behind all these technological challenges, I have learned that the crucial thing is to change the mindset: it’s not just about prevention, but about being prepared for when something happens. We need teams that know how to react quickly, plans that really work, and backup systems that don’t fail when we need them most. 

Based on your experience, how could international organizations such as the EU and ITU or initiatives such as the LAC4 Center help address these challenges? 

International organizations and initiatives such as the LAC4 Center have a key role to play in addressing these challenges, particularly through the development of diverse talent in cybersecurity. 

One of the most promising approaches I see is the development of free and accessible training programs designed specifically for women and underrepresented groups. These types of initiatives not only address the talent gap, but also build more diverse teams, where each person contributes their unique perspective and experience. 

This is crucial because cybercriminals are creative and diverse in their approaches, so we need equally diverse teams to anticipate and counter emerging threats. What I value most about these initiatives is that they go beyond the technical: they create an inclusive environment that motivates more women to become interested in this field. Often the barriers are not technical, but cultural or related to access.   

Developing strong communities with effective mentoring is essential. A good mentor can completely transform someone’s career path, generating an impact that goes far beyond the individual.  

About Laura Díaz

DevOps Engineer with more than 4 years of experience in software development. Currently expanding her horizons into cybersecurity, taking Fundamentals of Hacking and Cyberdefense at Ekoparty Hackademy.

Her CyberTracks is funded by the Federal Foreign Office of Germany  and the European Union and co-implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), in partnership with the Global Programme on Cybercrime of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for the Criminal Justice CyberTrack and the Latin America and Caribbean Cyber Competence Centre (LAC4) for the LAC region. Read more about the program.