What do you work on?

"Hello, my name is Ann Mennens. I work in the Directorate-General for Digital Services at the European Commission, in the Cybersecurity Directorate, where I lead the CyberAware team for the entire Commission. It is the program that takes care of the human factor in cybersecurity.

With CyberAware, we cater to all our colleagues because we see them as the first line of defense for the Commission, they help us keep the Commission secure. We do this by training them and providing targeted briefings for Commissioners, VIPs, system owners, and technical profiles, adapting every training to their specific context."

What do you enjoy most about your job?

"No two days are the same, and I love that variety. The cybersecurity threat landscape changes constantly, and so does our work: from communications to training.

What I enjoy most, however, is interacting with colleagues and helping them upskill in cybersecurity. I love working through networks of people to spread key messages and seeing that shift when they realize why their role is vital in protecting the Commission."

One tip for someone considering applying for the ICT competition:

"My golden tip: believe in yourself and apply! And of course, prepare well! We need you as a cybersecurity expert in the European institutions."