Role Model of the Month (6/2026): Ina Bilaj

• Who: Ina Bilaj, Cybersecurity Consultant, Cyber Strategy and Transformation at Deloitte

• Study background: MSc in Biology; 9-month intensive cybersecurity bootcamp at Peak Cyber Institute, London; CompTIA Security+ certified

• Professional interests: Sustainable cyber strategy and security maturity; cybersecurity awareness and culture

• Hobbies: Reading psychology books, especially positive child psychology (particularly Gabor Maté);

  nature walks in Finland

• Motto: “What you seek is seeking you” — Rumi

• LinkedIn: Ina Bilaj LinkedIn

It All Started with Black Friday Shopping

Ina's entry into cybersecurity was anything but conventional. In November 2019, she was at home doing some online shopping when her bank called. About twenty minutes after placing an order, someone was using her card in South America. The bank suspected the website she had used was vulnerable, and her card details had been intercepted.

She didn't lose much — the bank acted quickly. But the experience left her feeling unsafe and uninformed, and it sparked a curiosity she hadn't expected. She started watching YouTube videos about online security, learning what to share, what to protect, and how attacks happen. What began as a couple of videos gradually became weeks of reading and learning.

When her family decided to move to Finland, Ina saw the opportunity to turn that curiosity into a career. She enrolled in a bootcamp in London, completed it in nine months, and earned her CompTIA Security+ certification. She then worked with the certifying company as both a consultant and a career coach, guiding other professionals who were looking to enter the field. Once in Finland, she joined Deloitte, where she has been working for nearly three and a half years as a consultant focused on cyber strategy, security maturity, ISO 27001, and business continuity.

The AI Era: Risks and Threats From Basically Everywhere

Ina describes the era we live in as very different and, in many ways, more difficult than what came before. AI has changed a lot — and it is here to stay. Risks and threats are now emerging from basically everywhere, and the threat landscape that cybersecurity professionals once knew well no longer looks the same.

"Before AI, you would have some risks and threats and a very well-known threat landscape," she explains. "That is not the case anymore. It has changed drastically and continues to change every day."

For Ina, this means that open-mindedness is no longer optional. Cybersecurity professionals have to be constantly on the hunt for the latest information and skills, keeping pace with how bad actors are using AI to their advantage.

But she is equally insistent on the other side of that equation. If attackers use AI to create threats and target companies or individuals, it is the duty of cybersecurity professionals to use it too — to prevent, protect, and defend.

"Keeping up with all the new things emerging, seeing what's the next level, and figuring out how we can protect our clients — it's definitely very interesting," she says. "It keeps you on your toes constantly."

The Human Side of Cyber Consulting: Growth, Impact, and Balance

What Ina enjoys most about her job is supporting clients on their journey toward higher cybersecurity maturity. Working together to define goals and then helping clients achieve them brings a strong sense of satisfaction. 

“When they reach that next level and see the value of what we built together, it’s really rewarding,” she explains.

The positive feedback she receives from clients motivates her to continue growing and supporting more organizations in their cybersecurity journey.

Consultancy also gives her the opportunity to work across different industries and projects. Each client faces unique challenges, which makes the work dynamic and constantly evolving. This variety allows her to continuously learn and deepen her understanding of the cyber landscape. For Ina, enjoying consultancy means enjoying working with people, being curious, and being open to different perspectives. Identifying your strengths and building on them is key to succeeding in this type of role.

At the same time, consultancy comes with its challenges. One of the most significant is maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life. Ina shares that it can be difficult to fully switch off—when spending time with family, part of her mind may still be focused on work, and vice versa. As a mother of two, this also brings what she describes as “mom guilt,” especially after returning from maternity leave. Finding that balance between professional responsibilities and family life is an ongoing challenge, even if it is currently manageable.

Diversity in Cybersecurity: Progress and Remaining Gaps

Ina sees positive progress when it comes to diversity in cybersecurity, especially in the Nordics, which she describes as pioneers in this area. There are strong efforts to improve gender balance across industries, and at entry-level positions, the situation is encouraging. In some cases, women are even equally or more represented than men.

However, this balance does not continue as careers progress. Ina points out that a significant gap still exists higher up the career ladder. While entry and mid-level roles show improvement, representation shifts noticeably at top management and executive levels, where the field remains more male-dominated.

She also highlights the impact of what is often referred to as the “child penalty.” After having children, women’s career progression and salary growth can slow down compared to their male counterparts, who typically do not experience the same effect. This creates an additional barrier that makes it more difficult for women to advance into leadership roles.

For Ina, this highlights that there is still work to be done. Women already have the skills and capabilities needed to succeed—they simply need equal opportunities and support. This includes access to the same training, development opportunities, and visibility as their male colleagues.

Ultimately, she emphasizes that professionals should be valued based on what they bring to the table, regardless of gender. Equal treatment and equal opportunities are key to closing the gap and achieving true diversity in cybersecurity.

Ina’s Tips for Entering Cybersecurity

For those considering a career in cybersecurity, Ina’s advice is clear and practical.

“I would say spend some time exploring cybersecurity as a whole — watch videos, learn about different career paths. Then focus on something that resonates with you and build on your existing skills.”

She also emphasizes that technical knowledge alone is not enough. Building connections plays a crucial role in both personal and professional growth.

“Networking is extremely important. It gives you a sense of belonging and opens opportunities.”

For Ina, communities are especially powerful in shaping careers and supporting diversity in the field.

“Communities like Women4Cyber give a sense of belonging, inspire women, and support future generations. They are shaping the future of many young professionals.”

Recognition When It Mattered Most: Role Model of the Year 2025

For Ina, being recognized as Role Model of the Year 2025 came at a time when she least expected it.

“That was a wow moment,” she says. “It was actually a very tough year for me.”

She had gone through a difficult pregnancy, a challenging delivery, and several weeks in the hospital. With a newborn needing her full attention, she had to step away from almost everything and focus entirely on her health and her child.

“When the nomination came, I was really surprised. I felt like I had been disconnected, but someone still saw me as part of the community. That meant a lot.”

Winning the award made the moment even more emotional. For Ina, it wasn’t just about recognition — it was about impact.

“It made me feel that my story resonated with others and that I could inspire people.”

After the announcement, many young women reached out to her, sharing how her journey gave them hope. That, she says, was the most meaningful part of all.

This experience also strengthened her commitment to supporting others. Ina is actively involved in a mentorship program with Women4Cyber, where she works closely with mentees entering the field.

“I learn from them as much as they learn from me. It’s a very fulfilling experience.”

She also shares a clear message for the  Women4Cyber community:

“They are doing very important work. Communities like this are crucial, especially in domains that were traditionally male-dominated. They inspire, support, and shape the future of many young professionals.”

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Picture: Ina Bilaj

Text: Valeriya Bulaeva, W4CFI Articles