Sarah Box Cyber Security Project Facilitator and Advisor at The Business Centre, Newcastle
S
arah Box got her first job at age 16, in a
CYBERSECURITY FOR SMES
Baker’s Delight store because “I wanted
Box facilitates a cybersecurity program for small to
to leave school but could not afford to.
medium businesses in regional NSW, upskilling SMEs
So I had to prove I was financially secure,
in the cyber gaps that may exist in their businesses.
buy a car and not sit around bludging.”
“It starts with a meeting to find potential gaps, then
This came after a brief flirtation with hairdressing
suggesting actions to improve their cybersecurity to protect their reputation and brand,” she says.
and a passing inclination to be a photographer. “I had
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no idea what I aspired to become,” Box says. “There
Cybersecurity aside, Box is well-qualified for such
was a fleeting moment of being a hairdresser. I was
an educational role. She holds a double bachelor’s
offered an apprenticeship at 14 years of age, but I
degree in Teaching and Design and Technology and
didn’t want to sweep the hair. I enjoyed photography
before getting into cybersecurity spent almost seven
and gave that a go for a while as a teen.”
years as a schoolteacher in Lake Macquarie, NSW.
She left home and had a child at 18, life-changing
“I was asked to join a role within the cyber industry
events that, she says, shaped her every decision.
whilst teaching and I declined on several occasions,”
“My child came first and I had to ensure we were
she says. Then, “I was worn down and I thought, ok,
both housed and fed. I never wanted to rely on any
I have nothing to lose so I will give it 12 months. Fast
handouts, or people. So I have worked hard to be
forward to almost four years later and I am still in
where I am today, with zero regrets.”
the industry.”
Today she works for The Business Centre,
However, she adds: “I loved teaching and miss the
a not‑for‑profit that provides business advice
students immensely. … I would eventually like to run
and skills training for small businesses across
my own cyber consultancy firm, but overall, so long
NSW as part of the NSW Government’s Business
as I am happy, engaged and enjoying what is thrown
Connect program.
my way, I am winning.”
W O M E N I N S E C U R I T Y M A G A Z I N E
S E P T E M B E R • O C T O B E R 2022
