Meet Panagiotis

Meet Panagiotis - who studied MSc Information Security

Tell us about your career path since graduation. How did you end up where you are?

Immediately after graduation I returned to Greece to complete my obligatory army service, then worked as a software analyst/programmer before joining one of the four systemic banks in Greece as a system administrator. From there I was able to move internally into the Information Security Department of that bank because of my masters. This was the first pivotal step for me in Information Security journey.

I continued to gain experience in the field, changing positions and gaining more responsibilities - becoming an Information Security Officer, locally in Greece, and then as the Global Information Security Manager in a multinational organization. Currently, I’m an Information Security GRC Senior Manager at one of the largest manufacturing groups in Greece, with presence in Europe and sales worldwide.

Volunteering has also played a part in where you now are. Tell us a bit more about what you’ve done?

I have volunteered as a board member - specifically as the Secretary of the Board of Directors of the ISC2 Hellenic Chapter – which has proved to be another pivotal step for me. During my four years there I had the pleasure to be involved in many projects that have shaped me as a person and as a professional. I played a key role when the Chapter was awarded the ISC2 Chapter Recognition Award EMEA region in 2022 and I was also personally awarded the ISC2 Global Achievement Awards Center Outstanding Volunteer Award.

I continue to contribute to voluntary activities, such as mentoring, public cybersecurity awareness activities, presenting in conferences, article writing and on translation projects. These voluntary activities have heavily shaped me as a professional, boosting my national and global recognition and helped kick-off my professional career.

What was it about your time at Royal Holloway that has most benefitted your career or influenced your path since graduation?

For me, it was the grounding I got - the up-to-date and cutting-edge knowledge that I gained. It gave me insights that within my country seemed very advanced.

I gained deep knowledge on Information Security and on specific subjects, such as Advance Cryptography. I still recall the days being taught Quantum Cryptography – a topic that is still being developed and discussed today, and which I’m now seeing action being taken on twenty years later.

Besides the studies and the course material, the location of the university and the astonishing Founders Building will always be in my memories. It’s a great place to study, and it gave me access to the British countryside which I really valued.

What would you say to potential students considering studying at Royal Holloway?

Royal Holloway is one of the top universities, especially in the Information Security sector. The Information Security Group has been established for many years, and the knowledge you gain during your studies is cutting-edge and ready to be used practically when pursuing your career.

These were the reasons I chose Royal Holloway for my master’s degree, and I’m happy they still remain the same.

What advice would you give to students thinking about a career in your sector?

I would urge students to consider Information Security as a field of study because it is currently one of the most developing sectors worldwide. It is a very challenging sector but at the same time also very rewarding. Every day you assist in making the word cyber safe. In addition, Information Security has excellent job prospects as there’s a very strict regulatory environment that enforces the use of cyber security measures which just continues to grow. More and more companies see the value of hiring subject matter experts into the field to help them protect their brand and assets.

What did you love most about your time at Royal Holloway?

I loved having the joy of studying a field so cutting-edge and gaining actionable insights. The location is wonderful and the student accommodation was excellent - I stayed at Highfield Court. I loved seeing the countryside every day and there were excellent activities in the surrounding area. I remember spending time with fellow students and I’m grateful that I still keep in touch with some of them.