Eva Benn
This installment of our Q&A interview series features Eva Benn, a cybersecurity professional and advocate who turned curiosity into a career that breaks barriers and inspires others. From starting with small tech projects while supporting herself in New York City to leading initiatives that make cybersecurity accessible for all, Eva is dedicated to mentoring and empowering the next generation, especially women, entering the field.
Can you tell us about your journey into the field of cybersecurity? What inspired you to pursue a career in this industry?
I grew up in a small rural town in Bulgaria where girls were told to marry well and live a quiet life. The odds were stacked against me, but I refused to accept that future. With $50 in my pocket, I moved to New York City, worked nights waiting tables to support myself, and spent my days in lectures. On weekends, I worked for free on small tech projects for nonprofits and small businesses, building websites, migrating databases, and doing anything I could to gain experience.
For years, I had no days off. I was exhausted, but I refused to quit. Eventually, I graduated with a degree in Information Systems from the University of Washington.
I found cybersecurity by accident when I joined KPMG’s cyber practice. At first, I was intimidated because I didn’t see anyone who looked like me. But instead of letting that stop me, I used it as fuel. I realized cybersecurity wasn’t just a job. It was my chance to break cycles, push boundaries, and show other women that even when the odds are against you, anything is possible.
What do you find most exciting about working in cybersecurity? Are there any specific aspects or challenges that keep you engaged?
Cybersecurity is a field where you can never get comfortable. The threats change daily, and that means constant growth and challenge. My background in ethical hacking and penetration testing taught me to think like an attacker, anticipate risks, and lead teams through some of the most complex scenarios.
What excites me most is knowing the work matters. We’re protecting people, businesses, and entire communities. And every barrier I’ve had to break through as a woman in this industry reminds me why it’s so important to stay engaged: to make the path clearer for the next generation of women coming in behind me.
How do you help others stay updated with the latest trends and developments in cybersecurity?
I create free, accessible content on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and LinkedIn to give people direct access to everything I’ve learned, including the mistakes I’ve made along the way. Too often, cybersecurity careers are made to look out of reach, hidden behind paywalls or wrapped in expensive, overly complicated courses. I believe it should not be that way.
Through my content, I break concepts down into simple, practical lessons that anyone can apply. My mission is to remove the barriers and show people that cybersecurity is not reserved for a select few, it is for anyone who wants to step into this field.
In just a few months, this grew into a global community of learners who tell me my videos gave them the courage to apply for jobs, to interview with confidence, and to finally believe they belong in cybersecurity. I also stay active in professional communities like WiCyS, OWASP, ISACA, and certification advisory boards, because staying connected helps me keep bringing others along with me.
Most of all, I want women to see what is possible for them, even when the odds are stacked against them.
What advice would you give to other millennials aspiring to pursue a career in cybersecurity?
Don’t wait until you feel ready. If I had waited until I felt qualified enough, I would never have started. You don’t need to know everything, you just need the courage to start.
Be curious. Say yes to opportunities that scare you. And never shrink to fit into someone else’s mold. The cybersecurity industry doesn’t need another version of what already exists. It needs you, exactly as you are.
What role do you see artificial intelligence and machine learning playing in the future of cybersecurity?
AI is changing the game. Attackers are already using it to launch faster, smarter attacks. But that means we have the same power on defense to automate detection, run large-scale simulations, and outpace threats.
The future belongs to those who can embrace AI instead of fearing it. For women especially, this is the moment to step in. We need diverse voices shaping how AI is used in cybersecurity, because this technology will define the next decade of our industry.
What suggestions do you have for making cybersecurity and IT education more accessible and engaging?
We need to stop teaching security like it’s only for experts. Today’s learners live on TikTok, Instagram YouTube, and gaming platforms. That’s where education needs to be, accessible and engaging.
That’s why I’ve been involved in initiatives like The Hacking Games, which turn cybersecurity into an interactive, story-driven experience. When learning is fun, we remove the intimidation factor. That’s how we open the doors for millions of people who never thought cybersecurity was for them.
Have you ever experienced a cybersecurity or online privacy issue?
Yes, we all experience these daily even if we don't realize it. Everyone is a target, and everyone deserves to feel safe online.
What do you think the intersection of cybersecurity and pop culture looks like?
For too long, pop culture painted hackers as guys in hoodies hiding in basements. But the reality is different and it’s changing fast. Cybersecurity is showing up in games, on social platforms, and in stories that make people curious about how the digital world really works.
For me, the intersection of cybersecurity and culture is about making hacking look like what it really is: a skill anyone can learn. And when women see that, they’ll start realizing, “If she can do it, so can I.”
Keeping Up With this Intellect…
Website - Eva Benn - EVA BENN
Socials:
Instagram - @evabennofficial
TikTok - @cybersecurity_madesimple
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evabenn