Erye, the lead security engineer for Google’s Threat Analysis Group, plays a crucial role in safeguarding the internet’s most vulnerable users—activists, journalists, and political entities. Her team’s mission is threefold: track financially motivated cybercriminals, combat disinformation, and monitor government-backed attackers.

“I protect those who are most at risk,” Erye explains. Her journey into the nerve center of cybersecurity began unexpectedly at a college cyber camp, which ignited his passion for the field. Surrounded by peers equally enthusiastic about digital security, she found her calling. “The vibe was awesome; everyone was friendly and eager to share tips,” she recalls.

Today, Erye’s expertise is more crucial than ever. With exponential data migration to the cloud, understanding how to protect these digital assets is paramount. “Knowing how to secure assets in the cloud is very important,” she notes, stressing the necessity of this skill as more companies transition their sensitive data online.

Erye emphasizes the importance of mentorship alongside self-driven education through books and videos for those aspiring to enter the cybersecurity field. “Reach out to people you admire,” she advises. “The cybersecurity community is beneficial,” She suggests attending conferences, joining local communities, and participating in cybersecurity meetups to connect with seasoned professionals who can provide guidance and resources.

Describing her work as an “adventure,” Erye highlights the unpredictable nature of cybersecurity. “Sometimes it’s amazing, and sometimes it’s a difficult adventure, but you always end up learning something,” she says. This dynamic and ever-evolving career path not only offers challenges but also the profound satisfaction of making a significant impact on the safety and integrity of the internet.

A recent video by the Google Cloud team featured Eyre, a Lead Security Engineer who helps protect Google from cyber threats.