Lauren Webber, Cyber Consultant, KPMG

Lauren Webber’s cybersecurity path was inspired by her family background, a unique blend of corporate and law enforcement influences. “My initial interest in cybersecurity was sparked by my family background. My mother works in the corporate sector, while my father is in law enforcement. Growing up, I was fascinated by the idea of combining the strategic, business-focused mindset from the corporate world with the investigative and protective nature of law enforcement. Cybersecurity felt like the perfect intersection of these two fields, allowing me to help organisations protect their assets while also contributing to broader societal safety.”

Her professional path began to take shape during her final year at university, when a chance encounter with a KPMG director opened her eyes to consulting within the Big Four. “That conversation opened my eyes to the possibility of combining my interest in cybersecurity with a dynamic, client-facing environment. I was inspired by that encounter and decided to focus my efforts on consulting

roles that specialised in cyber and digital risk. This decision set me on a path of preparation through researching the industry, building my technical and business knowledge, and practicing for the interview processes.”

Like many entering cybersecurity, Lauren faced moments of doubt and uncertainty. “Absolutely, and to be honest, I still experience moments of uncertainty from time to time. In the first few months of my career, I struggled with a strong sense of impostor syndrome, especially since my background was more non-technical compared to some of my peers. It was easy to question whether I truly belonged in the field or if I could keep up with the rapid pace of change in cybersecurity.” Her approach to overcoming these doubts was rooted in community and self-reflection: “I made a conscious effort to reach out to my support systems—mentors, colleagues, and friends—who reassured me that most professionals have faced similar challenges. Over time, I learned to reframe my doubts as opportunities for growth.”

“One of the most satisfying aspects of my role is knowing that the work I do generates meaningful outcomes and helps organisations defend against malicious threats. Knowing that my efforts contribute to the ability of these organisations to serve Australian citizens and protect critical services is incredibly rewarding.”

Lauren’s career path has unfolded organically rather than following a rigid roadmap. “Initially, I applied to join KPMG’s audit team, not because I was certain it was the right fit, but because I wanted to explore my options and gain experience at a reputable firm. Although I wasn’t successful in securing the audit role, one of the talent acquisition staff reached out to me about a cyber consulting position in risk services, having matched my profile from the talent pool. In many ways, the role found me rather than the other way around.”

Reflecting on her early education, Lauren wishes she had explored cybersecurity sooner. “During high school there were no ‘cyber’ or ‘technology’ subjects. I’d suggest seeking out online resources, workshops, and being proactive in researching emerging fields. It’s okay not to have everything figured out right away; sometimes the best opportunities come from being open to new experiences and following your curiosity.”

Lauren believes a multidisciplinary approach is key for building a strong foundation in cybersecurity. “Grounding my studies in Commerce gave me valuable commercial acumen and a deep understanding

of how cybersecurity fits into broader business objectives. I also explored my interest in human, political, and military security, which helped me appreciate the wider context in which cyber threats and solutions operate. Understanding how cyber risks impact organizations, governments, and society is just as important as knowing technical details.”

When it comes to professional growth, she advocates for exploring the full range of opportunities before specialising. “Beginner-friendly certifications such as the Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate, CompTIA Security+, and Microsoft SC-900 are great starting points. These courses can provide a pathway into cybersecurity and offer valuable learning experiences for those starting out in the field.”

The most fulfilling part of her current role? “One of the most satisfying aspects of my role is knowing that the work I do generates meaningful outcomes and helps organisations defend against malicious threats. Knowing that my efforts contribute to the ability of these organisations to serve Australian citizens and protect critical services is incredibly rewarding.”

Balancing a demanding career with personal life has also been a learning process. “A turning point came after a conversation with my people manager. She encouraged me to introduce non-negotiables into my routine—clear boundaries and priorities that I wouldn’t compromise on. Implementing these non-negotiables made it much easier to balance work and life, because I knew what was truly important for my wellbeing and could make time for myself without guilt.”

Lauren Webber’s journey demonstrates that cybersecurity is not only about technical expertise—it is about resilience, adaptability, and the ability to bridge multiple perspectives. Her story is an inspiring reminder that curiosity, perseverance, and openness to unexpected opportunities can lead to a meaningful and impactful career.