EVA BENN

I am Senior Security Program Manager on the Microsoft Red Team Intelligence team. This simply means I develop and drive various security initiatives that enable Microsoft to approach our defenses through an attacker's lens. Prior to this, I used to lead the Offensive Security (Red Team) TPM team that secures Microsoft’s largest and most important products and services across Edge devices, Windows OS and Devices, Xbox, Microsoft Game Studios, and more.

I bring a diverse cybersecurity background spanning various cyber domains. Prior to joining Microsoft, I have been fortunate to lead multiple global scale cyber initiatives in Big 4 cybersecurity consulting. Aside from my obsession with cybersecurity, I have a tremendous passion for storytelling and distilling complex, ambiguous tech problems into easy-to-understand concepts.

I give back to the security community by serving on several leading security non-profit organizations including OWASP Seattle, WiCyS Washington, ISACA Puget Sound Chapter, the EC Council's Certified Ethical Hacker Board and the GIAC Advisory Boards. I am also on the Leadership Team of the Microsoft Women in Security Forum. I hold multiple leading cybersecurity certifications and I am currently enrolled in the SANS Technology Institute Masters of Science in InfoSec Engineering program.

I am originally from Bulgaria. I haven't always been into technology. In fact, I'd probably laugh if ~12 years ago someone told me that I'd end up with a career in cybersecurity (that I love!). Growing up in Bulgaria, tech subjects weren't part of the school curriculum, nor did I have any mentors or female examples in technology I could emulate. I had to stumble upon my love for tech merely on accident, while pursuing a Marketing degree. I believe that we can do a better job as a society to address the elephant in the room by driving closure of the gender gap in the technology fields. This is why in 2019 I co-founded Women in Tech Global, an organization that aims to support and grow women seeking to pursue a career in tech.

Coming from a non-standard career path and having to put myself through college while working full time hasn't always been easy. That's why I am passionate about inspiring and empowering others on their journeys, while expanding the women footprint in men-dominated fields. In addition to being a devoted lifetime cybersecurity professional, I am also a passionate mountaineer. When I am not at work, you'll find me summitting the next mountain peak.

My journey is far from perfect, and I hope to inspire other women that you don't necessarily follow a cookie-cutter life path to achieve your goals. Being different is not only ok, but also the way to go.

We need more women leaders and the best way to inspire and get inspired is to connect with other like-minded women, learn, share and celebrate our achievements.