MIWIC26: Motunrayo Fransisca Ogundipe, Cybersecurity Analyst at TikTok - IT Security Guru

Organised by Eskenzi PR in media partnership with the IT Security Guru, the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards aim to shed light on the remarkable women in our industry. The following is a feature on one of 2026’s Top 20 women selected by an esteemed panel of judges. Presented in a Q&A format, the nominee’s answers are written in their own words. In 2026, the awards were sponsored by BT, Bridewell, Plexal and Fidelity International. Community partners included WiCyS UK & Ireland Affiliate, Women in Tech and Cybersecurity Hub (WiTCH) and Seidea.. What does your job role entail? In my role as a Cyber Security Analyst specialising in threat detection and incident response at TikTok, I work within a Security Operations environment focused on identifying, analysing, and responding to cyber threats that could impact the organisation’s systems, data, and users. A core part of my role involves monitoring and analysing security events from various technologies such as SIEM, EDR, and other security monitoring tools to detect suspicious or malicious activity. When potential threats are identified, I investigate them thoroughly to determine their root cause, assess the potential impact, and coordinate appropriate response actions to contain and remediate the issue. Beyond reactive incident response, I also focus on proactive security initiatives such as threat hunting and improving detection capabilities. This involves analysing patterns of attacker behaviour, fine-tuning detection rules, and developing dashboards and queries to enhance visibility across systems. The goal is to ensure threats are identified as early as possible and that security teams can respond efficiently. Overall, my role is about strengthening the organisation’s security posture by combining technical analysis, continuous monitoring, and collaboration with cross-functional teams to protect digital assets and users. How did you get into the cybersecurity industry? My journey into cybersecurity was not entirely linear, which is something I believe makes the field so interesting and accessible. I originally studied Food Science and Technology for my undergraduate degree, but during my early professional experiences I developed a strong interest in technology and how organisations protect their digital systems and data. My transition into cybersecurity began when I joined the technology academy of a leading commercial bank. The programme was designed to train and develop technical talent across various areas of IT and security. During that time, I gained foundational knowledge in programming, information security, network monitoring, and incident response, which ultimately led to my appointment as an Information Security Analyst within the bank’s security team. Working in a security operations environment exposed me to real-world cyber threats and the importance of protecting organisations and their customers from evolving risks. This experience sparked a deeper passion for cybersecurity and motivated me to further develop my expertise. To strengthen my technical and analytical skills, I later pursued a master’s degree in Cyber Security and Data Analytics at Loughborough University London, graduating with distinction. Since then, I have continued to build my career in security operations, threat detection and incident response. What keeps me motivated in this field is the constant evolution of threats and the opportunity to continuously learn while contributing to the protection of organisations and their users. What is one of the biggest challenges you have faced as a woman in the tech/cyber industry and how did you overcome it? One of the biggest challenges I have experienced as a woman in the cybersecurity industry is navigating environments where women are still significantly underrepresented, particularly in highly technical or operational security roles. Early in my career, I sometimes found myself being one of the few women in technical discussions or security operations teams. This can occasionally create moments where you feel the need to prove your expertise more than others. Rather than allowing this to discourage me, I chose to focus on strengthening my technical skills and building confidence in my abilities. I invested in continuous learning through certifications, advanced training, and hands-on experience in areas such as threat detection, incident response, and security monitoring. Over time, consistently demonstrating my knowledge, problem-solving ability, and commitment to the work helped me build credibility and earn the trust of colleagues and stakeholders. I have also learned the importance of mentorship, collaboration, and supporting other women who are entering the field. Cybersecurity thrives on diverse perspectives, and creating more inclusive spaces benefits the entire industry. Today, I see representation not just as a challenge but also as an opportunity to inspire and encourage more women to pursue careers in cybersecurity and to show that they absolutely belong in these technical spaces. What are you doing to support other women, and/or to increase diversity, in the tech/cyber industry? Supporting other women and increasing diversity in cybersecurity is something I am deeply passionate about, and I actively contribute through mentorship, outreach, and knowledge sharing initiatives. One of the ways I support this is by serving as a mentor through the ISACA Global Mentorship Programme, where I provide structured guidance to early-career professionals and individuals transitioning into cybersecurity. In this role, I support mentees with career development, certification preparation, and practical insights into areas such as security operations and incident response. Mentorship allows me to share real-world experience and help others navigate the industry with greater confidence.  I also engage in community outreach aimed at inspiring young girls to consider careers in technology and cybersecurity. For example, I organised and delivered a technology empowerment programme for approximately 200 secondary school students at my former school, introducing them to cybersecurity career pathways, digital skills, and mentorship opportunities. The initiative included talks, mentorship sessions, and learning resources to help students better understand the possibilities within the technology sector.  In addition, I am a member of Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) UK & Ireland Affiliate, a community dedicated to advancing the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women in cybersecurity. Being part of this network allows me to stay connected with initiatives that support women in the field and contribute to conversations around inclusion and professional development within the cybersecurity community. For me, increasing diversity in cybersecurity is not only about representation but also about building a stronger and more resilient industry. By mentoring others and encouraging young women to explore technology careers, I hope to contribute to a more inclusive and sustainable future for the cybersecurity community. Who has inspired you in your life/career? Throughout my career, I have been inspired by a combination of mentors, industry leaders, and the broader community of cybersecurity professionals who are committed to protecting organisations and advancing the field. One of the most meaningful sources of inspiration has been the mentors and colleagues I encountered early in my career who demonstrated not only strong technical expertise but also a genuine commitment to knowledge sharing and professional development. Seeing how experienced practitioners approached complex security challenges and supported the growth of others encouraged me to continuously improve my own skills and contribute to the wider community. I am also inspired by women in cybersecurity who have paved the way for greater representation in the industry. Their visibility and leadership show that it is possible to succeed and make meaningful contributions in what has traditionally been a male-dominated field. Their work motivates me to continue building my expertise while also supporting others entering the profession. Beyond individuals, I find inspiration in the mission of cybersecurity itself. The idea that our work helps protect organisations, communities, and individuals from evolving digital threats provides a strong sense of purpose. That sense of responsibility continues to drive my commitment to learning, mentoring, and contributing to the growth of the cybersecurity ecosystem.