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Learning from the Best: My Cybersecurity Journey with Vandana Verma

June 1, 2026

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Cybersecurity isn’t just a career — it’s a calling. I realized this more deeply after speaking with Vandana verma, whose journey, insights, and mentorship lit up new paths in my cyber journey.

I had the privilege of meeting Vandana Verma during a null/OWASP meetup hosted at Tekion in Bengaluru. I’d been following her work for a while — her sessions, talks, and community involvement always stood out. But meeting her in person was something else entirely. She was approachable, insightful, and incredibly generous with her time.

During our chat, she shared stories from her early days — how she transitioned into cybersecurity, the roadblocks she faced, and how being part of communities like OWASP shaped her journey. It wasn’t just about certifications or titles — it was about curiosity, consistency, and community.

When I reached out, Vandana didn’t hesitate. That alone showed me something vital — the cyber community is built on sharing and lifting others.

During our discussion, she spoke about:

- Her journey from development to security, starting with curiosity and self-learning.

- The importance of foundational knowledge before jumping into specialized fields like application security or cloud security.

- How she faced early challenges as a woman in tech and turned them into platforms for advocacy and leadership.

- Her deep involvement with OWASP and how contributing to open communities can teach more than any textbook

- What struck me most was her emphasis on consistency and community.

What I Learned from Vandana — In Her Words and Spirit

“Security is a marathon, not a sprint.” Vandana reminded me that in cybersecurity, there’s no finish line. Things are always changing — new tech, new threats. You’re constantly adapting. It’s not about racing to learn everything overnight, but about showing up every day with curiosity and commitment.

“Community is everything.”
Whether it’s OWASP, the null community, or just infosec Twitter, Vandana stressed how much strength comes from surrounding yourself with like-minded people. It’s in these spaces that we grow — not just through knowledge, but through collaboration, guidance, and even friendship.

“Your voice matters.”
One thing I didn’t expect her to emphasize so much was soft skills. She talked about how crucial it is to communicate ideas, explain risks, or speak to non-tech audiences. Knowing how to talk about security is just as powerful as knowing how to break it.

“Mentorship isn’t a one-way street.”
This hit me hard. Vandana said she learns from the people she mentors too. That made me realize that even as a student, I have something to offer — a perspective, a question, an idea. All it takes is the courage to speak up or reach out.
My Cybersecurity Path Forward

After speaking with Vandana, I’m more confident than ever in pursuing a career in cybersecurity. I’ve started:

- Contributing to open-source security tools.

- Writing blogs about basic security concepts.

- Building my skills in email phishing analysis and OSINT, areas that fascinate me.

- I also realized the power of storytelling in security — why sharing experiences is just as important as writing code.

Final Thoughts

Security isn’t just about firewalls or exploits — it’s about people. It’s about professionals like Vandana Verma, who turn challenges into lessons and careers into missions. Thanks to this challenge by CloudSEK, I was able to reach out, connect, and grow in ways I never expected. For anyone curious about cybersecurity — start now, stay humble, ask questions, and never stop learning.

About The Author - Sai Jayanth is a Security Researcher specializing in web application, API, and AI security, with expertise in vulnerability research, responsible disclosure, and application security testing. He has been recognized by organizations including Apple, Microsoft, NASA, Ferrari, and Bugcrowd for responsibly disclosing security vulnerabilities. Sai is a Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) and recipient of the 2025 Best Informative Research Poster award for his contributions to cybersecurity research and awareness.