Cyber threats move faster than borders can contain them. From ransomware attacks on hospitals to deepfakes influencing elections, cybersecurity now shapes the way governments, businesses and societies function. For Berenike, Senior Security Consultant at BAE Systems, this challenge is what inspires her.
Her role blends technical expertise, cultural understanding and diplomacy. She supports governments worldwide as they respond to emerging cyber threats, helping them navigate both operational and cultural nuances.
Read on to hear more about Berenike’s journey and how she came to play such a pivotal role in shaping cybersecurity on the global stage at BAE Systems
From Music to Modern Diplomacy
Berenike grew up in a family of musicians where the sound of orchestra rehearsals replaced television and computers. Initially, her passion was diplomacy. A government scholarship took her to Costa Rica, where she led humanitarian projects and learned how to influence decision-making, communicate across cultures and drive change in resource-strained environments.
Years later, those skills have become central to her role as a cybersecurity consultant.
Her turning point came at university during a cyber-crisis simulation.
“I found what felt like modern diplomacy, fast-paced, impactful decision-making between technology and strategy. I remember thinking, ‘This is it. This is where I can make a difference.’”
Ten years later, she is part of BAE Systems’ cyber security team, balancing threat intelligence research with advisory work for governments across the world.
Understanding Cyber Threats Without Borders
One of Berenike’s main responsibilities is analysing threat actors – individuals or groups behind cyberattacks. Threat actors can be state-sponsored teams working on behalf of governments, financially motivated cybercriminals, hacktivists seeking to make political statements, or even organised groups that exploit vulnerabilities for profit or influence.
“Threat actors operate across the world,” Berenike explains. “They aren’t held back by traditional borders, and they can move rapidly from one state to the next. That’s why it’s so important that we understand the latest trends.”
Her team researches reports and data to identify how these actors work, what motivates them and which tactics they use. This insight helps governments anticipate potential risks and prepare accordingly.
“For some governments, the biggest concern might be threats to critical national infrastructure. For others, fraud or disinformation might be higher on the agenda. If you can understand a country’s past, you can understand what threats it might be wary of now or in the future.”
The Biggest Cybersecurity Challenges Right Now
Berenike works at the intersection of fast-evolving threats and high-stakes decisions. These are some of the questions driving her work right now:
How can we secure vital supply chains?
From hospitals to power plants, our most critical services depend on complex supply chains. Many organisations lack visibility, especially in operational technology environments. Bridging that knowledge gap is essential.
Are IoT networks being exploited?
Billions of connected devices create billions of potential entry points for attackers. Securing them is no longer just a technical issue, it is strategic.
How safe are the undersea cables we rely on?
Over 95% of international data travels through physical undersea cables, yet many remain vulnerable to tampering or sabotage.
How do we prevent election interference?
AI-driven disinformation, deepfakes and influence operations are reshaping the political landscape, demanding collaboration across governments, media and technology.
How do we stop ransomware from threatening critical infrastructure?
Coordinated incident response and resilience-building frameworks are key to protecting sectors like energy and healthcare.
Each challenge requires solutions that combine technology, strategy and collaboration.
Blending Diplomacy with Cybersecurity Expertise
What makes Berenike’s work unique is her ability to blend cultural intelligence with technical knowledge. She collaborates with governments worldwide, sharing insights and helping them contextualise threats within their own priorities.
Cybersecurity is not just about code or systems, she explains. It is also about people, politics and trust.
“Wherever I am in the world, it’s about putting the threats in the context of that country’s culture, just like in diplomacy.”
Why We Need More Women in Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is growing rapidly, yet women remain underrepresented. Recent figures show women account for only 22% of the global cybersecurity workforce, with even fewer in senior roles.
Berenike’s career highlights the value of diverse skills and perspectives in tackling global problems. Her path shows that cybersecurity is not just for programmers – it is for linguists, diplomats, researchers and anyone curious about how people and systems interact.
Her journey sends a clear message to aspiring women in tech: your background can be an asset, even if it is unconventional.
Looking Ahead
From researching the latest threat actors to supporting governments around the globe, Berenike is helping shape a safer digital future. Her work shows that effective cybersecurity is more than a technical challenge. It is cultural, collaborative and deeply human.
