Recently, my teammates and I had the honour of representing the Kasikorn Business Technology Group (KBTG) at the Women Thailand Cyber Top Talent 2024.

This competition allows women in cybersecurity to showcase their abilities and promote equality in the field. Our team, CVE2025Moodeng, emerged the winner!

This victory was the result of some serious preparation, unwavering determination, and awesome teamwork. We had less than a month to get ready for the Women Thailand Cyber Top Talent 2024, which was a huge challenge, but we knew we could do it if we had a solid plan. Here’s a peek into how we tackled it:

• Putting the Dream Team Together: First things first, we needed a strong team, and fast! We talked openly about what everyone was good at and what they liked to do. This made it easy to split up the work so everyone was doing what they were best at, making us super efficient.
  
• Becoming CTF Masters: We knew we had to be Capture the Flag (CTF) superstars, so we dove headfirst into a ton of practice. We tackled all sorts of challenges—crypto, reverse engineering, web stuff, you name it—and did a bunch of mock competitions to get used to the pressure and time crunch. We also made sure to keep up with the latest and greatest techniques by checking out write-ups and resources from all over the CTF world.
  
• Keeping the Communication Lines Open: We talked to each other a lot. Regular meetings to share what we were learning and plan our next moves were super important. It wasn’t just about the tech stuff – we were there for each other, cheering each other on.
  
• Keeping Cool Under Pressure: Competing at the national level with such a short prep time could have been stressful, but we kept our cool. We reminded each other how awesome we were, celebrated the small wins, and learned from any stumbles. Trusting in ourselves and our teammates was our secret weapon.
  
• Snacks, Snacks, and More Snacks!: Let’s be real, no one can focus on an empty stomach. We made sure to stock up on everyone’s favorite snacks to keep our energy levels up throughout the competition. Think famous Thai treats that give you that extra boost! And, of course, we had plenty of refreshing coffee to keep us hydrated and alert.

How did I get into cybersecurity?

My background is in languages, and I spent years working in that field. However, my frequent collaborations with IT teams sparked a growing curiosity within me. I started exploring different aspects of technology, and the more I learned, the more fascinated I became.

To solidify my foundation, I decided to join a Cybersecurity Bootcamp held by Kasikorn Business-Technology Group. This experience was invaluable, providing me with the essential knowledge and skills I needed to transition into a cybersecurity role. I landed a job as a cybersecurity analyst and dedicated myself to continuous learning and improvement. I was determined to become the best version of myself.

Along the way, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in several programs through the APNIC Foundation. Switch! allowed me to sharpen my skills in areas I was passionate about. Additionally, I was selected for the FIRST APAC Incident Response Fellowship, representing the Asia Pacific region at the APCERT & FIRST Regional Symposium for Asia-Pacific 2024. This experience was transformative, allowing me to enhance my skills and connect with experts and peers from around the globe.

My journey has been full of challenges, but it has been incredibly rewarding. I encourage all of you, especially women, who are considering a career in cybersecurity to take the leap. Don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and pursue your passions. With dedication, hard work, and a supportive community, you can achieve your dreams. And who knows, maybe you’ll be the next one making those small steps, just like me, and achieving something amazing!