It was my first Microsoft Tech Ed in North America, this year it was in Orlando.
I helped the community in the Learning Lab’s as “technical learning guide” as well as I worked in the Microsoft Springboard booth, talking about Windows and Windows Security
The feedback was great and as a result, I am now invited to be part of TechEd Europe which is going to be in Barcelona; and I am invited to be one of the FIRST members of MICROSOFT SPRINGBOARD, which is the brand new Windows Community…
See you in Spain, yes I know, it’s going to be a very long flight from Australia, but its worth to be this wonderful community …. Thank you Melissa Bathum, Ali Parker and Stephen Rose
MICROSOFT SPRINGBOARD
Microsoft Springboard Program, a fantastic initiative focused on helping women professionals re-enter the tech workforce after a career break. It’s sometimes referred to as the “STEP” (Springboard to Technical Employment Program) program.
Here’s a breakdown of what the Microsoft Springboard Program offers:
Support for Returning Professionals:
- Targeted at Women: Specifically designed for women who have taken a break from their tech careers (for reasons like childcare, elder care, or personal pursuits) and are looking to return.
- Flexible Work Arrangements: Offers flexible work hours and the possibility of remote work to help women balance their personal and professional lives.
- Structured Onboarding: Provides a supportive onboarding process to help women get up to speed with the latest technologies and Microsoft’s work environment.
- Mentorship and Guidance: Connects participants with experienced mentors who can provide guidance and support throughout the program.
Skill Development and Training:
- Focused on In-Demand Skills: Training is tailored to in-demand technical areas like software development, cloud computing, and data analysis.
- Real-World Projects: Participants work on live projects within Microsoft, gaining practical experience and building their resumes.
- Upskilling Opportunities: Offers opportunities to learn new technologies and enhance existing skills through workshops and training sessions.
Career Opportunities:
- Potential for Full-Time Roles: The program serves as a stepping stone to potential full-time employment opportunities at Microsoft.
- Career Guidance: Provides career counseling and support to help participants identify suitable roles and navigate the job search process.
Benefits of the Microsoft Springboard Program:
- Reduces Barriers to Re-Entry: Addresses the challenges women face when returning to the tech workforce after a career break.
- Promotes Diversity and Inclusion: Helps increase the representation of women in technology roles at Microsoft.
- Provides Valuable Skills and Experience: Equips participants with the skills and experience needed to succeed in today’s tech industry.
- Opens Doors to Career Opportunities: Creates a pathway for women to re-launch their careers at Microsoft.
CISO Insight
Cybersecurity is not a product you buy or a project you complete — it is a continuous operational discipline. Organisations achieving genuine maturity embed security thinking into every business decision, invest in people and processes alongside technology, and build resilience for when preventive controls inevitably fail.
The Evolving Cybersecurity Landscape
The threat landscape continues evolving at a pace challenging even well-resourced teams. AI-powered attacks, supply chain compromises, ransomware-as-a-service, and state-sponsored campaigns create a multi-dimensional environment no single technology addresses. Organisations defending most effectively take a risk-based approach — understanding which assets are critical, which threats most likely, and where investments create greatest impact. For CISOs, translating complexity into actionable strategy requires quantifying cyber risk in business terms, prioritising based on risk reduction, and communicating in language that resonates with non-technical stakeholders.
Building a Defence-in-Depth Strategy
Effective cybersecurity requires layered defences addressing the full attack lifecycle. No single control is sufficient; every control can be bypassed by determined adversaries. The goal is creating enough layers that attackers must overcome multiple independent defences, while ensuring detection and response capabilities contain breaches before catastrophic damage. The most common mistake is treating security as a technology problem. The fundamentals — patch management, access control, security awareness, incident response planning — prevent more breaches than advanced technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest cybersecurity mistake organisations make?
Buying tools without coherent strategy, skipping basic hygiene for advanced solutions, and failing to invest in people and processes. Fundamentals prevent more breaches than advanced technology.
How should CISOs prioritise security investments?
Start with risk assessment identifying critical assets and likely threats. Prioritise highest-risk scenarios. Ensure basic hygiene before advanced capabilities. Use NIST CSF or CIS Controls to structure your programme.
Related reading: Visit our Cyber Resilience Hub or download the CISO Toolkit.