Pathways into Cybersecurity with Noah Pincini

1. Can you share the story of how you first got into cybersecurity, and what drew you to this field?

I took an alternative route into cybersecurity at PwC Australia. After one year at Macquarie University, I joined PwC’s two-year Higher Apprenticeship programme for school leavers. The programme combined client work, business and technology skills development, and study towards a Certificate IV in IT and a Diploma of Business. On completion, I continued on as a consultant and have since progressed to Senior Consultant. I was drawn to cybersecurity by its rapid growth, the demand for specialists and, above all, its vital role in protecting organisations and building trust.

2. Looking back, what has surprised you most about working in cybersecurity, either about the work itself or the industry?

The breadth of cybersecurity. I initially assumed it would be purely technical, focusing on coding, systems, and networks (like the stereotypical hacker in a dark basement). I quickly discovered that there are many pathways, ranging from deep technical roles to strategy, culture, behaviour, and risk management. Each plays a critical part in keeping organisations secure. That breadth has been eye-opening because it creates room for people with a wide range of skills and backgrounds to thrive. It’s a field where you never stop learning and where opportunities continue to expand.

3. What’s one project or accomplishment in your cybersecurity career that you’re most proud of, and why?

Being named a finalist in the 2024 NSW Training Awards (Central and Northern Sydney): Trainee of the Year. The recognition reflected my progress through PwC’s Higher Apprenticeship programme, which I chose as an alternative pathway into the workforce. The VET pathway combined structured learning, career development and respected qualifications. It allowed me to apply what I was learning immediately by working with clients to implement effective cybersecurity measures across strategy, risk and transformation.

4. Which skills or personal qualities do you think are most essential for success in cybersecurity, and why?

While technical skills are important, success in cybersecurity ultimately depends on a combination of personal qualities and soft skills. The people I’m surrounded by in PwC’s Cybersecurity & Privacy team are curious, motivated, passionate, driven, and willing to help. For me, securing my role was based on who I was as a person, specifically noting my demonstrated passion for cybersecurity and a strong focus on developing soft skills. If I had to put it down to one skill, though, I’d say technical translation —the ability to communicate cybersecurity concepts clearly to different audiences.

5. Looking back, is there a moment when you learned a lesson that shaped how you approach cybersecurity today?

One of the most significant lessons is that cybersecurity is a dynamic field. Threat actors are constantly evolving, so defenders must be just as agile. I’ve learned you can’t rely on a single solution or assume today’s controls will protect against tomorrow’s risks. Success in cybersecurity stems from continuous learning, staying up-to-date with new tools, processes, and perspectives. That mindset shapes how I approach my client engagements: stay curious, remain adaptable and never assume the job of securing an organisation is finished.

ACS is highlighting members working in cybersecurity to celebrate the diverse paths, experiences, and insights shaping this vital field. These spotlights showcase how professionals entered the industry, the challenges they’ve faced, and what drives their passion for protecting digital systems. By sharing their skills and stories, ACS aims to inspire the next generation, encourage knowledge-sharing, and highlight the critical role cybersecurity plays in Australia’s digital future.