The fabulous world of Alessia, cyber woman of corporate security

Her career intertwines a passion for IT, dedication to knowledge, and a desire to protect the most vulnerable. Thanks to a rich and diverse education, ranging from law to technical skills, Alessia has been able to turn her ambitions into a job that fully satisfies her expectations. In this interview, she shares not only the steps of her educational path but also her vision on the role of women in a predominantly male-dominated sector.

How long have you been at Mashfrog, and what do you do?

I joined Mashfrog in March 2024 as a Cyber Fusion Consultant, and I currently work in Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC). My role involves risk analysis, conducting integrated assessments that include both cyber threats and threats from the physical world. I use cyber intelligence tools to gather data, for example, from open sources such as satellite images or land registry databases. These investigations allow me to create comprehensive risk profiles, helping our clients prevent and mitigate potential incidents.

What is your professional background?

My journey is marked by choices that, while initially seeming unrelated, followed a precise logical thread. I graduated from a language high school, then pursued a Law degree at the University of Trento with the goal of becoming a criminal lawyer specializing in new technologies and cybercrime.

In 2019, while still a student, something happened that completely changed the course of events: I received an offer from a major consulting firm that had launched a training initiative aimed at women interested in pursuing a career in cyber. That was the turning point. I passed the selection process and began an internship that allowed me to fully enter this field, integrating my legal knowledge with advanced technical skills. Since I was completely absorbed in work, I chose to complete my studies at an online university—another decision that positively impacted my life, as it allowed me to present a thesis in Computer Science titled "National Cyber Intelligence: Strategic Use of Computer Networks for National Security Defense". I am very proud of this work because it represents the perfect intersection of my three main interests: intelligence, law, and technology.

What led you to choose cybersecurity as your career path?

My passion for IT has been with me since childhood and has never left me. Over time, this passion was joined by a strong desire to protect those in need. This combination of IT and defense led me to cybersecurity because security, in the sense of feeling safe, requires the ability to defend oneself. And to defend oneself, one must have knowledge. This is why I chose to study law—to acquire the tools to defend myself and others.

Additionally, I have two major interests that drive my work: Intelligence—the enabling value of information and its protection—and Cybercrime—the fight against crimes committed through digital means. I also attended a Summer School on Cybercrime at the Catholic University of Milan and another on Neuroscience at the University of Pavia, experiences that deepened my understanding of these topics. In general, I always strive to educate myself and cultivate these passions, but it is through work that I have truly specialized in cybersecurity.

Based on your experience, do you think there is a gender gap in the cyber field?

Yes, the gap exists, and it is undeniable. I have often worked in predominantly male environments, where women were few and sometimes underestimated. However, I believe that the diversity between men and women is a valuable resource. Neuroscience shows that we think differently: female thinking is more transversal, while male thinking tends to be more vertical. This complementarity can enrich any team and improve overall performance. We should not see diversity as a threat but as an opportunity. Women bring added value in terms of organization, multitasking, and a holistic approach to problem-solving. Overcoming bias is essential to building a more inclusive and productive industry.

You are a member of the Women4Cyber Association. Why did you choose to join?

Women4Cyber Foundation is a European non-profit organization founded in 2019, under the ECSO – European Cyber Security Organisation, with the goal of promoting, encouraging, and supporting the participation of women in cybersecurity at a European level.

I decided to join Women4Cyber because I deeply believe in its mission: to promote women's participation in cybersecurity through education and awareness. For me, education is the first step toward freedom and self-defense, and Women4Cyber provides concrete tools to achieve this goal.

Another reason was the presence of Nunzia Ciardi as an honorary member of the association. She was the first woman to lead the Postal Police and now serves as Deputy Director General of ACN, the National Cybersecurity Agency. To me, she is the perfect example of how women can excel in a complex sector like cybersecurity.

What is your perception of gender equality at Mashfrog?

Mashfrog is an environment where I have always felt valued and respected for my skills. I have never perceived gender discrimination, and the focus on equality is evident not only in corporate policies but also in the initiatives promoted, such as social media content and internal awareness activities.

For me, being treated equally means being able to express my potential without having to face prejudice or stereotypes, and that is exactly what I have found here: a place where talent and merit are recognized regardless of gender.

Finally, what are your expectations for the future?

My priority is to continue my education. I already have plans to pursue a master's degree to deepen my expertise and prepare for new roles. In the future, I would like to become a manager, but not a bureaucratic one: I want to be an operational leader, someone who knows their team and the challenges of the industry. Mashfrog is giving me the opportunity to grow in a stimulating environment, and I am excited to build my path here.