Rebecca Gibergues

Executive Director, EMEA – FS-ISAC, the Financial Services Information Sharing and Analysis Center

How long have you worked there?
Since July 2023. Almost a newbie!

What aspects of your job bring you the most satisfaction?
FS-ISAC is a member-driven organization, which means that the community aspect is very important. A large part of my job involves bringing members together, whether on an ad-hoc basis or through our planned events, for them to learn from each other about cyber challenges and innovations. I find this very satisfying, particularly when I see members have been able to resolve problems thanks to our communities.

What do you enjoy most about the company?
I like the size of the company, and that it’s small enough to feel that my daily work has an impact, but also large enough that our teams cover the globe meaning that we can be wherever our members are.

How did you get into cybersecurity?
A few years ago, I was a victim of a cyber-enabled fraud known as SIM Swapping. Following that challenging experience, I wanted to do something that meant I could play my small part in ensuring others didn’t suffer from cybercrime. After spending most of my career in financial services technology, I studied for a qualification in Cyber Crime and Digital Forensics and made the move to FS-ISAC. My role allows me to combine my financial services knowledge with cybersecurity work.

What do you like most about cybersecurity?
I like that it is fast moving, and that no two days are the same.  Everyone is innovating to stay ahead of the game, and that makes cybersecurity an exciting place to be.

This year’s International Women’s Day theme is #InspireInclusion. What does that mean to you?
#InspireInclusion to me underlines the importance of having, or being, role models. Ideally, inspiring inclusion shouldn’t be a one-day event and only for women; we should all be constantly looking for ways to inspire others to be more inclusive, male and female, regardless of ethnicity or disability.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever been given?
It’s a piece of advice my stepfather gave me when I was 19: “Always think long-term”. It’s such a simple piece of advice but one that has helped me persevere in even the most challenging situations.

What is your favorite quote and why?
I love the quote: “Never let a good crisis go to waste”, attributed to Churchill or Machiavelli (depending who you ask). Both personally and professionally, this quote helps me look for the positive outcome in everything. My move into cyber security, mentioned above, is an example of this.

Who is your hero?
I may be cheating with this answer, but I would say I don’t have just one hero. However, I am constantly in awe of anyone, male or female, who is juggling a full-time job with parenting and making it look easy (because it isn’t!)

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-gibergues