Rescuing the unwary from the threats of the dark web
Mariska de Lange is cyber strategy manager at the Deloitte Cyber Intelligence Centre
Tell me what you do at work.
I am a manager in cyber risk, risk advisory. For five years, until August 2021, I was responsible for the delivery of the cyberthreat intelligence service in the cyber intelligence centre. I provided evidence-based information about existing or emerging threats to clients in different industries.
As the cyberthreat intelligence lead, I focused especially on threats available on the internet, looking at clients’ digital external threat landscape/footprint, including investigations on the dark web, the part of the internet not visible to normal search engines. The dark web is like an online black market where one can buy drugs, credit card information and other information stolen from legitimate businesses. I provided clients with advice on how to mitigate these threats.
I have now joined the cyber strategy team, where we focus on helping organisations develop a complete cyber security programme. We ensure clients adopt cyber assessment practices suited to their business needs. My favourite part is offering cyber training and awareness — organisations need to be cybersecurity-ready.
What do you think makes you good at your job?
I am very detail-orientated, committed and believe I am a critical thinker. I’m good with patterns, so I can easily see when something is “out of place”. Cyber security is fast changing — anyone in this field will need to be up to date with the latest trends.
What about your work keeps you awake
at night?
It is people with a lack of cyber security knowledge and awareness, such as not knowing not to click on malicious links sent through phishing e-mails, who compromise organisations’ assets. Hackers prey on human flaws; people are still seen as the weakest link in the cyber chain.
How has lockdown affected the way you work and where you work?
The last time I worked from the office was in February 2020. I went on maternity leave and returned in July 2020, by which time Deloitte SA had started working from home. I enjoy working from home. It was quite tricky in the beginning, sharing a home office with my husband (he can talk extremely loudly when on a call), but you learn to adjust.
Working from home saves me a lot of time by having meetings online, and I do not have to sit in traffic for hours. I also get to see my daughter grow up, which is awesome.
What work mistake has taught you an important lesson?
Not to overextend myself and say “yes” to everything. This is something I’m still struggling with. This year, especially, it was challenging to find that work-life balance, trying to juggle the workload, spending time with the family, a now very busy toddler, and trying to find time to focus on my PhD.
I decided to take a step back and reassess my life. I realised that there is no “perfect” work-life balance.
What is the best career advice you have received?
The best advice I received while at Deloitte is to “take something and make it your own”. To be known for that one thing.