Editor’s note: The ISACA Foundation offers annual Cybersecurity Month Scholarships to support students pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees in cybersecurity worldwide. Awardees will receive financial support for tuition as well as a career-building bundle to enhance their professional development. Find the most up-to-date information about the scholarship here, and learn more below about how several of this year’s Cybersecurity Month scholarship recipients view the future of cybersecurity and their place in the field. If you’d like to help even more students achieve their goals, please consider making a donation.
Tell us a little about yourself and what inspired you to pursue cybersecurity. What has your journey into the field looked like so far?
Priyadharshini Rengaramanujam MS, Cybersecurity Student at DePaul University: My journey into cybersecurity began with my experience as a software engineer at Cognizant, where I worked on Java and Spring Boot applications, REST APIs, databases and software development projects. Over time, I became increasingly interested in the security of the applications I was building—not just whether they worked, but whether they were designed to protect users, data, and organizations from evolving threats.
This interest inspired me to pursue a Master of Science in Cybersecurity at DePaul University in Chicago. As an international student, transitioning into a new country and a new professional field has been both challenging and rewarding. My coursework has helped me build a stronger foundation in network security, information security management, distributed systems and cybersecurity principles.
Sreya E P, Cybersecurity Researcher: My interest in cybersecurity took root in my teenage years, when I became fascinated by how digital systems could be both powerful and fragile at the same time. That curiosity carried me through a Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science and Engineering, and later a Master of Technology in Cybersecurity, where I could focus entirely on the field. Along the way, I’ve participated in community cybersecurity events, pursued specialized certifications and gradually shaped my path toward emerging, niche areas of the industry. Each step has reinforced that this is a field where curiosity is rewarded and there’s always something new to learn.
Lydia Otuokwu, Student at Babcock University: I’m an undergraduate computer science student with a strong interest in cybersecurity. I’ve always been fascinated by how technology works and how it is used to solve problems across various fields. But as I explored further, I realized that while technology makes our lives easier, it can also be used maliciously to harm people. This contrast inspired my interest in cybersecurity, and I sought to develop the knowledge and skills to help people better protect themselves in an increasingly digital world.
Temitope Oluwadare, Computer Science Student, National Open University of Nigeria: I am Temitope Oluwadare, a Computer Science student at the National Open University of Nigeria, and my interest in cybersecurity grew from a desire to build a better future through technology and continuous learning. I grew up in a financially difficult environment where I saw people take advantage of unsuspecting members of the community, which strengthened my desire to protect people rather than exploit them. Because my family could not afford many educational opportunities, I learned early to seek knowledge wherever I could find it and make the most of every opportunity to learn. My journey has taken me from studying Computer Science at Rufus Giwa Polytechnic to pursuing my BSc at the National Open University of Nigeria, while gaining practical experience through cybersecurity and IT audit internships and professional training. Today, I am developing my skills in areas such as network security, application security, PCI DSS, Linux security and GRC, with a growing interest in IT audit and digital trust.
What does this year’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month them, “Don’t Make It Easy for Them,” mean to you as a cybersecurity student and rising professional?
Priyadharshini Rengaramanujam: To me, “Don’t Make It Easy for Them” is a reminder that cybersecurity is not only about sophisticated technologies or highly advanced attacks. It is also about the everyday decisions we make that can either reduce or increase risk.
As a cybersecurity student and rising professional, I see this theme as a call to develop secure habits, remain curious and take responsibility for protecting information. Simple actions—using strong and unique passwords, enabling multifactor authentication, recognizing suspicious messages, keeping software updated, and reporting potential security incidents—can make a meaningful difference.
Sreya E P: To me, “Don't Make It Easy for Them” is a reminder that digital defense starts with the basics — consistent hygiene and everyday awareness, not just advanced technical skills. As I’ve grown in this field, I've realized that most security incidents stem from a simple lapse in awareness rather than a sophisticated exploit, which keeps me grounded in the fundamentals even as I explore more advanced areas. It’s a call to proactively protect my digital footprint and to never hesitate to report suspicious activity or reach out to the right people if I’m ever targeted.
Temitope Oluwadare: To me, “Don’t Make It Easy for Them” means that security begins with the choices we make every day. As a cybersecurity student and rising professional, I am learning that attackers often look for simple weaknesses they can take advantage of, so good security habits matter. This includes being careful with passwords, authentication, unexpected messages, software updates and the information we share. Having grown up seeing people take advantage of others, I have a strong interest in helping individuals recognize risks before they become victims.
Have you experienced a cybersecurity incident, such as a phishing attempt, account compromise, or scam? What did you learn from the experience?
Sreya E P: I once faced a coordinated social engineering attempt where a threat actor conducted reconnaissance on my social media, mapped my friend list and gathered real-world information about me. That experience taught me that Zero Trust principles must extend beyond computer systems to human interactions and personal habits. Minimizing your digital footprint and practicing strict information security in daily life are vital, as public data is always an attacker's first reconnaissance step.
Lydia Otuokwu: My earliest experience was a phishing attempt, where I was faced with a sense of urgency and the fear of missing out. After the incident, I realized that if an offer seems too good to be true, it’s probably fake. I also learned that through our online activities, we could unknowingly expose our personal information to the wrong people, especially when we register on random sites that claim to offer solutions to a problem. These sites may misuse our details or expose us to spam.
What has being part of the ISACA community meant to you? Have there been any connections, mentors, resources, or experience that have made a difference in your journey?
Priyadharshini Rengaramanujam: Being part of the ISACA community has been an important part of my transition into cybersecurity. As someone moving from software engineering into a new professional field and building a career in the United States, having access to a supportive professional community has been incredibly valuable.
Through ISACA, I have had the opportunity to benefit from mentorship, connect with people who have experience in cybersecurity, and gain perspectives that go beyond what I learn in the classroom. Mentorship has helped me better understand career possibilities, the importance of continuous learning and how to approach professional growth with greater confidence.
The ISACA scholarship has also made a meaningful difference in my journey. As a graduate student, financial support for education and professional development is especially valuable. Receiving the scholarship encouraged me to continue investing in my cybersecurity education, pursue certifications and develop practical skills that will help me contribute to the field.
I am also grateful for the opportunity to serve as secretary of the ISACA DePaul Student Organization. This experience has allowed me to become more involved in the cybersecurity community, collaborate with fellow students and contribute to initiatives that encourage learning and professional engagement.
For me, ISACA represents more than certifications or professional resources. It is a community that encourages students to learn from others, build meaningful relationships and recognize that cybersecurity is a field where collaboration and shared knowledge are essential.
Sreya E P: Being part of the ISACA community has taught me fundamental professional values, particularly resilience, while keeping me updated on global industry trends. There are many valuable communities within ISACA, such as SheLeads Tech and Emerging Technologies, where you can get answers directly from domain experts. It’s been incredibly helpful. The community resources and white papers have also been instrumental in broadening my real-world technical knowledge. I am especially grateful to my mentor, Deysan Jhoan Lavarce Herrera, whose guidance, support, and mentorship have made a significant impact on my personal and professional growth.
Lydia Otuokwu: Being part of the ISACA community has been beneficial to my career development. I have gained access to exclusive members resources that have strengthened my skills and foundational knowledge. Through the ISACA Mentorship Program, I was paired with an IT audit and assurance leader who shared valuable resources, industry insights and career guidance with me. I have also participated in cybersecurity and audit training sessions hosted by the ISACA Lagos Chapter. Together, these opportunities have made a meaningful impact on my career journey.
Temitope Oluwadare: Being part of the ISACA community has helped me move from learning about cybersecurity to understanding where I can build a career in the field. Receiving the ISACA Cybersecurity Month Scholarship introduced me more deeply to the ISACA community and the ISACA Mentorship Program later gave me the opportunity to learn from a mentor with experience in IT audit. The conversations and guidance I received helped me to better understand the field and the steps I need to take as I build my career. ISACA’s IT Audit Fundamentals course has also helped me to develop a stronger foundation in an area I want to pursue professionally. More recently, being invited to co-author an ISACA blog post has given me an opportunity to share my experience with the same community that has supported my development.
Looking ahead, what do you hope to accomplish in your cybersecurity career, and how do you hope to make a difference in the field or in your community?
Priyadharshini Rengaramanujam: Looking ahead, I hope to build a career in application security, product security, or vulnerability management, where I can combine my software engineering experience with my cybersecurity education. My goal is to help organizations identify and address security weaknesses, improve secure development practices and protect applications and the people who use them.
I am also interested in the intersection of cybersecurity and artificial intelligence. As AI becomes more integrated into software, business operations, and everyday life, I believe there is a growing need for professionals who understand both the opportunities and the security risks associated with these technologies.
Sreya E P: Looking forward, I aim to drive impactful innovation at the intersection of hardware security and AI, building resilient solutions that help defend critical infrastructure. I’m also exploring entrepreneurship as a path to bring emerging security ideas into real-world impact. I want to make research and development in advanced cybersecurity domains more accessible to aspiring professionals, bridging the gap between complex R&D and practical implementation. Ultimately, I hope to empower underrepresented groups in STEM and establish a trusted voice in cybersecurity that inspires the next generation.
Lydia Otuokwu: Looking ahead, I aspire to become a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and a cybersecurity thought leader, helping organizations build resilient systems and protect sensitive information. I plan to pursue an advanced degree in Information Systems Security, where I can contribute to the profession and body of knowledge through research. I also hope to give back to my community by mentoring aspiring cybersecurity professionals through short programs and collaborating with experienced professionals to develop innovative security solutions.
Temitope Oluwadare: Looking ahead, I hope to build a career in IT audit and cybersecurity, helping organizations identify technology risks and strengthen the controls that support their systems and information. As I gain experience, I plan to pursue the Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) certification and continue developing my knowledge through practical work and professional learning. In the longer term, I hope to grow into roles where I can contribute to cybersecurity audit and GRC while continuing to learn as the field evolves.
