2026-03-14 –, Main Room
A non-linear career path into information security and shows why changing direction is not a weakness but can become a real strength in practice. By drawing on experience across HR, operations, and process management, it highlights how diverse backgrounds help build security solutions that work in real organizations.
I did not plan a career in tech or information security. After my Matura, I studied tourism management and worked in restaurants and event settings before realizing that working weekends and holidays did not align with my understanding of work–life balance. My career path is deliberately non-linear. I moved through Property Management, Human Relations, Business Operations, Process Management, and Risk Management before information security became part of my role. Each step added perspective and helped me better understand the daily challenges of different teams. When information security and ISO 27001 certification became a concrete business requirement in a highly regulated environment, there was no internal expertise available. I stepped up, took responsibility, and grew into the role while building the necessary structures and knowledge. I entered information security by chance, fell in love with its diverse scope, and stayed by choice.
Barbara entered information security by chance and stayed by choice. Over the years, she has implemented and driven security and risk management within SMEs, fostering a collaborative culture where employees take ownership in their areas of expertise. She believes security succeeds when people understand the why behind the what and can also transfer practices to private life.