MIWIC26: Meera Tamboli, Digital Forensics and Incident Response Analyst, AVEVA - 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? I work as a DFIR (Digital Forensics and Incident Response) analyst, which means I investigate and respond to cybersecurity incidents, helping organisations detect, analyse and recover from cyberattacks. My role involves monitoring security alerts, conducting forensic analysis of compromised systems, coordinating with internal teams across multiple regions and implementing process improvements to strengthen overall security posture. In short, my job combines technical expertise, problem-solving under pressure and collaboration to protect organisations from evolving cyber risks. How did you get into the cybersecurity industry? I got into cybersecurity during my third year of engineering. While most of my peers were focused on software development, I realised I wasn’t drawn to it. As an IT student, I started exploring alternative pathways and discovered cybersecurity and I absolutely loved it. Back then, guidance and mentorship were scarce, roadmaps were unclear and online resources were limited, so I had to self-learn and navigate this new field on my own. Through persistence, I built skills, secured an internship and worked for two years as a SOC analyst. Wanting greater exposure and growth, I moved to the UK to pursue an MSc in Cyber Security Management at the University of Warwick. After graduating, I joined AVEVA and now work as a DFIR analyst, combining my technical expertise with a global perspective. 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 faced was when I was looking for my first internship and job in cybersecurity. I was told by some recruiters that, because I’m a woman, I wouldn’t be considered for roles that involved night shifts due to safety concerns and shift timings. It was the first time I truly realized that cybersecurity is heavily male-dominated and that women often face barriers to entry and advancement. Instead of letting this discourage me, I told them to consider me based on my skills and the rest was my responsibility to manage. I overcame these challenges by refusing to see my gender as a limitation. I reminded myself that if I had the qualifications, interest and determination, I could succeed. Today, I live by the motto: “they told me I couldn’t, that’s why I did”. This mindset has not only helped me break barriers but also fuels my commitment to mentor and empower other women in the field. What are you doing to support other women, and/or to increase diversity, in the tech/cyber industry? I focus on making cybersecurity accessible and actionable for beginners, especially women, because I know first-hand how challenging it is to navigate this field without guidance. I run a YouTube channel with 35,000 subscribers, creating content that breaks down complex cybersecurity concepts, career pathways and realistic advice for aspiring professionals. Beyond digital content, I’ve mentored over 1,000 individuals one-on-one, helping them break into cybersecurity, navigate job applications and build confidence in their skills. I also speak at conferences, deliver lectures at UK universities and participate in online networking events, sharing my experience, guidance and encouragement to help women and underrepresented groups thrive in the cybersecurity community. Who has inspired you in your life/career? I’ve been inspired by people who lead with curiosity and resilience. Early on, I looked up to the few women in cybersecurity who had broken barriers in a male-dominated field, their determination showed me that it’s possible to succeed even with challenges. I’m also motivated by the students and mentees I work with every day; seeing them overcome challenges, land internships or gain confidence reminds me why I pursued this path and fuels my drive to give back. Their growth inspires me to keep learning, sharing knowledge, and building opportunities for others in cybersecurity.