Beyond the Threats: The People of CYJAX

At CYJAX, our strength lies in the people who drive our mission forward every day. In this series, we go beyond the headlines and threat reports to spotlight the talented individuals behind the scenes. From intelligence analysts to marketing strategists, each team member plays a vital role in keeping our digital world secure. Get to know the faces behind CYJAX; their stories, insights, and what makes them passionate about cybersecurity.

What motivated you to join CYJAX? 

My previous employer had gone into administration, and Covid had hit the UK. This was a great opportunity to start a role in a completely new industry and work from home during lockdown. I felt like a detective in my first role here!

Can you describe your role in one sentence? 

Maintaining, supporting, and being both proactive and reactive to the business administration requirements in HR and Compliance/IT, plus elsewhere across the business, as needed.

What does a typical workday look like for you?

I decide I am going to have a good day – drink water, walk the dog, feed the dog, drink coffee. Then it’s time to log in and check all my Teams messages, emails and To Do list – working through those in order of priority. This can be anything from administering annual leave requests to onboarding new employees, arranging training, placing orders, DSE assessments, and supplying compliance related support

What’s the most exciting project you’ve worked on at CYJAX so far?

I enjoyed helping to organise and attend our first ‘big’ Christmas all staff day and event – it was the first time some of us had met face to face for the first time in nearly 5 years.

If you could swap roles with someone in the company for a day, who would it be and why?

It would have to be one of the SOCMINT Analysts – I’d love to see what goes on – because it would feel like being a detective again (channelling my inner Miss Marple)!

How would you describe the culture at CYJAX?

Respectful – the organisation is good at understanding that everyone is individual and works best in different ways.

What’s your favourite thing about working here?

Remote working and the fact that although we are predominantly remote – when we do all meet up, it feels like we are a bonded close team (as though we have been working in an office together all the time). That’s something to celebrate.

What’s a memorable moment you’ve had at CYJAX?

Our first remote Christmas meeting was hilarious (during Covid) – when we were watching everyone on Teams running off to collect random items from their kitchen to try and win the event.

If CYJAX was a TV show, which one would it be and why?

I don’t really watch many TV shows so that’s a tough one to answer for CYJAX. But in my role, The IT Crowd with me playing the role of Jen? If you’ve seen it and know me, you’ll know why! Ha ha!😉

What’s one skill you’ve picked up (work-related or not) since joining CYJAX?

Not work related but I’ve managed to grow some lovely plants without killing all of them!

What’s a random fun fact about you?

I started dancing aged 3, taking part in many competitions, pantomimes and shows. My last tap-dancing competition was in March 2022 – and we won!

What’s your go-to productivity hack?

Eat the Frog – I try to complete the most difficult tasks first, wherever possible. And when things are feeling overwhelming, go for a walk and breathe.

What’s the last book you read? Would you recommend it?

I am currently part way through “With the End in Mind” by Kathryn Mannix. I would absolutely recommend it and think everyone should read it.

If you could master any skill instantly, what would it be?

To know what happens in the future….