Rebecca Taylor’s current role involves identifying and analysing emerging cyber threats—including those lurking on the dark web, an encrypted part of the internet where illicit activities can occur. As she explains, her path to becoming a dark web detective has been far from typical. An English and Creative Writing graduate, Taylor once felt most comfortable […]
Rebecca Taylor’s current role involves identifying and analysing emerging cyber threats—including those lurking on the dark web, an encrypted part of the internet where illicit activities can occur.
As she explains, her path to becoming a dark web detective has been far from typical. An English and Creative Writing graduate, Taylor once felt most comfortable in the world of literature. After graduating, she fell into white goods insurance before being recruited as a personal assistant at Secureworks, a Sophos Company.
The global cyber security firm has approximately 4,000 customers in more than 50 countries, ranging from Fortune 100 firms to mid-sized businesses in a variety of industries.
“I can’t say I was thinking, ‘Yes, cybersecurity is my calling,’ but it felt like an incredible opportunity,” she recalls.
That initial position marked the start of her burgeoning cybersecurity career. Through roles ranging from resource coordinator to incident command—where she supported businesses as they recovered from ransomware attacks—Taylor steadily built her expertise.
A major misconception about cybersecurity, Taylor notes, is the belief that every role requires advanced technical skills. “You don’t have to be a hacker or super coder,” she says. “Obviously there are roles in those specific areas, but cybersecurity is a lot more than that.”
Mentorship has also played a key part in Taylor’s career. “On-the-job learning and guidance from others has played a huge role in my success,” she says. “You don’t need a long list of technical qualifications if you’re willing to learn and ask questions,” she adds.
Uncovering hidden threats in the dark web
In her current role as a Threat Intelligence Knowledge Manager, Taylor researches and analyses information from a variety of sources, including underground forums.
“The dark web is an underground network where cybercriminals often communicate and trade stolen data,” Taylor explains. “It’s crucial to monitor these spaces to identify emerging threats before they strike.”
Her research focuses on access brokers—individuals who sell stolen credentials to criminals seeking unauthorised entry into systems.
According to Taylor, the biggest threats to businesses right now are the underground forums that sell Ransomware-as-a-Service.
“These spaces are also frequently used as zones to recruit and spin up these new ransomware-led groups and affiliates.”
Like any other business, she adds, threat actors often use these environments for mentorship, job hunting, community support and even to make friends.
Taylor points out that time and time again she sees businesses caught out by poor cyber hygiene efforts.
“So many organisations continue to fall short when it comes to cyber hygiene best practice, including multi-factor authentication, strong passwords, and the patching of internet-facing devices. And threat actors know this,” she says.
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Phishing emails and fraud also continue to happen, and although users are savvy at catching suspicious emails by looking for typical elements to validate trust and safety, businesses should not get too comfortable.
“Threat actors are even playing on a person’s need to feel safe and secure, leveraging fake CAPTCHAs [those ‘I’m not a robot’ authentication quizzes] leading victims into trusting a site or a request’s authenticity.”
How AI is changing the game
Taylor highlights how AI has significantly enhanced her role in cybersecurity.
For instance, the Human Intelligence Team leverages AI to analyse data from posts and personas on underground forums. This analysis provides deeper insights into potential threats.
“It’s important to recognise that if AI is emerging and accessible to us, the same applies to threat actors,” Taylor warns.
“They can exploit this technology for various purposes, from testing malware and coding to drafting phishing emails—essentially anything that improves their efficiency and success in carrying out attacks.”
While AI can help cybersecurity professionals amplify their messaging and defences, adversaries are equally capable of using it to craft convincing phishing campaigns or falsified worker documents.
“In essence, we must all be asking ourselves, ‘How can I use AI?’ while remaining aware that threat actors may be exploring the same technology for malicious purposes,” Taylor emphasises.
Helping families stay safe
Taylor’s role has also given her a sobering insight into the dangers lurking online. “As a mum of two, I worry about online safety—especially for children,” she says.
This concern led Taylor to deliver a TEDx talk on helping young people protect their digital footprint.
Taylor also educates on how to support and protect young people online
“I wanted to turn my knowledge into something positive to help families stay safe,” she says. One of her proudest moments came when a charity in Africa translated her talk into Swahili for use in schools.
“Knowing that my message is helping people halfway around the world is amazing,” she reflects.
Women in cyber
The cybersecurity industry remains male-dominated, with women making up roughly 25% of the global cybersecurity workforce, according to a report by (ISC)².
However, opportunities are expanding across various roles, from risk analysis to digital forensics and threat intelligence.
For Taylor, joining a supportive network of women in tech has been transformative.
“I feel like I’ve found my people,” she says. Now, she gives back by mentoring others, helping them build confidence and develop skills.
“Cybersecurity is a growing field with space for everyone,” she emphasises. “Whether you excel in writing, problem-solving, or relationship-building, there’s a role for you.”
Taylor encourages women to step into cybersecurity without hesitation. “Don’t limit yourself by thinking you need to know everything straight away,” she advises. “Find a mentor, learn as you go, and explore what excites you.”
With cybersecurity roles expected to grow by 32% between 2022 and 2032 (far above the average job growth rate), Taylor adds that opportunities in this sector are abundant.
“It’s important to take things at your own pace, find your niche, and focus on meaningful growth.”
Looking ahead
Taylor’s passion for empowering others continues to shape her journey. She recently co-authored Securely Yours: An Agony Aunt’s Guide to Surviving Cyber, alongside cybersecurity professional Amelia Hewitt.
Scheduled for publication this May, Taylor says that the book aims to demystify online threats and encourage women to embrace their voices in the digital world.
“Cybersecurity isn’t just about data and systems—it’s about protecting people,” she says. “I want to help more women realise they have the skills to thrive in this space.”
TechInspired’s key takeaways:
Embrace unexpected opportunities: Taylor’s transition from an English graduate to a cybersecurity expert highlights the importance of being open to new, unexpected career paths, even if they don’t align directly with your initial qualifications or interests.
Cybersecurity is more than technical: While many believe cybersecurity is purely technical, Taylor emphasises that skills such as clear communication, understanding human behaviour, and empathy are just as crucial in navigating the field.
The value of mentorship: Taylor credits mentorship and on-the-job training as pivotal to her career success, emphasising the importance of willingness to learn and grow from those around you.
