Unveiling a cybersecurity journey: A conversation with Linda Milvi

In the world of cybersecurity, where every click and keystroke could spell the difference between safety and vulnerability, individuals like Linda Milvi stand as guardians of the digital realm. As a Senior IT Security Specialist at Nordea, Linda's passion for cybersecurity extends far beyond her professional duties.

Linda's unique blend of interests sets her apart from the typical cybersecurity professional. When she's not safeguarding digital systems, you might find her surrounded by her nine playful canines and tending to her collection of 80 exotic houseplants. Linda is also a fan of graffiti and rap music. You might find her marvelling at spray-painted art pieces, or you'll likely find her immersed in the lyrics of the music genre. 

A journey unlike any other

Linda’s journey into cybersecurity is not a conventional one. Initially aspiring to become a veterinarian due to her love for animals, Linda's journey took a different turn when she discovered her aptitude for mathematics didn't align with her dream. Instead, she found herself drawn to the world of information technology, inspired by her father's career as an onsite technician.

After completing vocational school with a focus on Information Technology, Linda entered the IT field as a technical customer support at Nordic Processor where she became the acting team leader for Nordea's account. Little did she know, this would mark the beginning of her extensive journey at Nordea. 

In 2007, Linda officially joined Nordea in the operational security team. Back then, the term "cybersecurity" wasn't commonly used, and the focus was primarily on ensuring the safety and integrity of systems and data. Over the next 12 years, Linda witnessed cybersecurity's evolution within Nordea. Working within the Identity & Access Management organisation, she tackled issues like Single Sign-On authentication system support, managing intranet traffic, and assisting with security platforms such as Mainframe and Panafix.

A Wake-Up Call 

In 2019, she weathered the storms of layoffs and industry shifts. It was a wake-up call that prompted her to reassess her career trajectory. Faced with uncertainty, Linda made a pivotal decision – to take charge of her professional development. No longer feeling like an attractive candidate in the job market, she asked herself a critical question: “What do I want to do with my career?” Seeking advice from fellow cybersecurity professionals, she realised the importance of defining what interests her and what are her strengths in the field of cybersecurity. 

Driven by a desire to carve out her niche, Linda enrolled in Bachelor’s studies in Business Information Technology, concentrating on ICT Infrastructures and IT Security at Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences. She attended events, listened to podcasts, and actively participated in discussions, forging connections and gaining insights from industry experts. 

Not long after, Linda rejoined Nordea as an IT Supporter Request Fulfilment Specialist, providing and administrating user access and authorisations while also delving into Identity Access Management (IAM) automation projects. Fuelled by her curiosity and determination, from 2019 to 2023 Linda transitioned from user administration to incident response and finally cyber defence where she now acts as a Senior IT Security Specialist. 

Protecting digital assets at Nordea

As a vital member of Nordea's cybersecurity team, Linda plays a crucial role in safeguarding the bank's digital infrastructure alongside more or less 300 dedicated professionals. Engaged with a mix of legacy tech and cutting-edge technologies, she focuses on endpoint protection, identity threat detection and response, and user behaviour analytics, supporting incident response at Nordea's Cyber Defence Centre. Her primary mission? Keeping customers safe by safeguarding employees.

Nordea’s cybersecurity team operates in a dynamic environment, characterised by constant evolution and collaboration. Linda highlights Nordea’s commitment to knowledge sharing and mentorship. Linda currently spends 50% of her work learning from the incident responder team, underscoring Nordea’s supportive culture that fosters growth and development

Empowering the Community

Beyond her role at Nordea, Linda is an active advocate for diversity and inclusion within the cybersecurity community. As the Vice Chairwoman of Women4Cyber Finland, she spearheads initiatives aimed at empowering women in the field. Through networking events, mentorship programs, and community outreach, Linda strives to cultivate a more inclusive and diverse cybersecurity landscape.

For aspiring cybersecurity professionals, Linda stresses the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and leveraging one’s strengths. Whether it's through formal education, online resources, or hands-on projects, Linda encourages individuals to chart their unique paths and embrace their interests and strengths. 

The career of a cybersecurity professional is not a linear path but rather a journey filled with twists, turns, and reflections. As she continues to navigate the complexities of cybersecurity, her story serves as a testament to perseverance and an inspiration to aspiring professionals. Read more about other cybersecurity stories.