Women of Ontinue: Leading the Way in Cybersecurity

At Ontinue, we know that cybersecurity isn’t just about technology – it’s about the people behind it. In honor of International Women’s Day, we’re celebrating the incredible women of Ontinue who are shaping the future of cybersecurity. Throughout this series, you’ll hear directly from them about their career journeys, the challenges they’ve tackled, the advice they have for aspiring professionals, and what excites them most about this industry.

Each week, we’ll spotlight a different woman in cybersecurity, sharing her unique perspective and leadership. Join us as we highlight the voices driving change, innovation, and excellence in our field.

This week, we’re spotlighting Kirila Gigea, Senior Product Owner.

What does a typical day in your role at Ontinue look like?

I start my day by biking to work, which helps me clear my mind before diving in. After catching up on emails and Teams messages, I take a coffee break with colleagues – an easy way to stay connected before the day gets busy. At 10 AM, I join our team stand-up, where we align on priorities, tackle any blockers, and ensure we’re focused on our commitments.

As a Product Owner, no two days are exactly the same. My schedule might include calls with colleagues from different teams to gather requirements for new features, prioritization discussions with stakeholders, UX design reviews, or preparing engineering requirements. I also oversee release readiness, ensuring that features go through security testing, migrations, and successful deployments. It’s a dynamic role that keeps me engaged and constantly learning.

What is one challenge you’ve faced in your cybersecurity career, and how did you overcome it?

Early in my career, I was fortunate to work alongside incredibly smart people, which gave me the opportunity to learn a lot. However, it also made me question my own abilities and took a toll on my confidence. Over time, I realized that I didn’t need to compare myself to others. I had my own strengths to bring to the table. By focusing on those strengths and leaning into my expertise, I gained confidence and found my place in the field.

What advice would you give to women who are considering a career in cybersecurity?

You don’t need to be a hacker or spend every waking hour immersed in security to have a successful cybersecurity career. There’s value in having diverse interests and skills, so don’t let outdated stereotypes discourage you. If cybersecurity sparks your curiosity, start learning, seek out mentors, and take steps toward your goals. There’s space in this industry for a wide range of talents, and your unique perspective can be a major asset.

Is there a person—mentor, leader, or peer—who has had a significant impact on your career? How did they influence you?

One of my early managers played a huge role in shaping my career. He encouraged me to share my ideas, challenge the obvious solutions, and think critically. At first, it was intimidating, but over time, I built confidence in my ability to contribute. That experience helped me develop the problem-solving mindset I use every day, and it ultimately led me to a role where generating ideas and finding creative solutions is central to my work.

5. What excites you the most about the future of cybersecurity and your role in it?

More than excitement, I feel a strong sense of responsibility when I see how cyber threats evolve. The fact that attackers target hospitals, steal personal data, and disrupt lives is alarming. But that’s also what drives me—I want to be part of an organization that helps protect businesses and individuals, giving them peace of mind in an increasingly digital world. The ability to make a real difference is what keeps me motivated.

Let’s build the future of cybersecurity together!