The IT Security Guru’s Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards aims to shed a light on the remarkable women in our industry. The following is a feature on just one of the many phenomenal women put forward for the 2021 awards. Presented in a Q&A format, the nominee’s answers are written in their own words with minor edits made by the editor for readability.

This year, the awards are sponsored by KPMG and Beazley.

Jennifer Valentine, Security Specialist Lead at Jamf

What does your job role entail?

I am responsible for driving a whole product experience that helps our customers find success with the Apple platform. As a subject matter expert in various security-related product offerings and operations, I use this expertise to analyze and improve operational strategies via cross-functional collaboration with product, sales, marketing, support, and training. Additionally, I am leading a $400m integration of a network security technology firm for product and engineering.

How did you get into the cybersecurity industry?

During undergrad, I read a book written by James Bamford titled ‘Body of Secrets: Anatomy of the Ultra-Secret National Security Agency’. I was fascinated and had an innate desire to preserve freedom, protect the common good, and solve difficult problems. I made a goal – not only to work for the NSA – but for its Director. I researched the best path to do so and decided my best bet was to learn a language. 

After I graduated college, I enlisted in the United States Air Force as a Cryptologic Language Analyst and eventually made my way to the National Security Agency and worked for the Director, NSA and Commander, United States Cyber Command. In t ..

Support the originator by clicking the read the rest link below.