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A recent chat with Nauman, Topsec’s Account Executive and resident history buff, revealed why a human-first approach is essential in cybersecurity. Nauman’s commitment to simplifying complex security challenges rests on his conviction that education and awareness are just as crucial as technology when it comes to protecting businesses from cyber threats.
Absolutely. My journey traces back to India, where I worked for an ed-tech company called White Hat Junior. I was part of a special vertical that provided coding-related backend solutions to teams in Fortune 500 companies. This was focused on DevOps, specifically Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD). While working in that space, I realised how challenging backend operations can be for those of us on the front end, and that sparked my interest in understanding backend functions in greater depth.
As I collaborated with different teams, I became increasingly aware of the importance of security and deliverability in business operations. With cyber attackers leveraging technology to their advantage, I saw how crucial it is for organisations like Topsec to stay ahead. When I graduated with my master’s degree in Ireland, I was looking for opportunities in SaaS, a sector I’ve always been keenly interested in, but also for a company that made a real impact beyond a specific market niche.
Many SaaS companies target specific segments, such as startups, mid-market firms or enterprise clients. However, cybersecurity, and specifically email security, is universal. It’s not limited to any one industry or business size. Given the increasing importance of security post-COVID, I wanted to be part of a company that offers unrestricted, essential services. That search led me to Topsec, where I now work as an Account Executive, focusing on business development alongside my manager, Niall.
My role is centered on business development. I engage directly with potential clients, understanding their pain points and identifying where Topsec’s email security solutions can help. My responsibilities include both outbound prospecting and inbound sales. This means I conduct discovery calls, respond to website inquiries and qualify leads. Then I bring in our technical experts, like our CTO Gavin and pre-sales engineer Tim, for deeper discussions.
I work with my prospects to ensure that we can integrate with their current infrastructure and that they understand the value of our solutions. My job is not just about selling a service; it’s about educating and guiding businesses toward a stronger security posture.
I’ve always known of the massive role email security plays in preventing cyber threats. However, my true appreciation for its importance came after joining Topsec. My knowledge prior to this was more theoretical. Now, working in the field and seeing real-world threats in action has deepened my understanding and commitment.
One thing that particularly motivates me is the idea that cybersecurity isn’t just about keeping up with attackers. It’s actually about surpassing them. Cybercriminals are not content to use their same tactics every year. They update their ways of attacking organisations constantly. That’s why we need to be even more creative in how we defend against them. Rather than just reacting, we need to anticipate and counteract threats proactively. That perspective keeps me engaged and passionate about what we do.
I have a strong moral compass, which can sometimes be rare in sales. What I love about Topsec is that our work isn’t just about selling a product. It’s about making a tangible difference in cybersecurity.
The company culture resonates with me because of its strong emphasis on service, not just technology. Sitting in our office, I hear conversations among our team, whether it’s Niall, Tim, Gavin, Sarah or Liam, and I see how dedicated everyone is to solving real security challenges. No one denies revenue is important, but It’s not just about revenue.
Unlike some competitors who diversify into multiple security solutions, Topsec has remained laser-focused on email security. That dedication ensures that we provide the best possible service in our niche, and I respect that level of commitment.
I would divide email security trends into two periods: pre-COVID and post-COVID. Before COVID, cybersecurity was important, but many organisations relied on office-based networks and controlled environments. Post-COVID, with the rise of hybrid and remote work, security became even more critical. Human error, such as clicking on malicious links or downloading compromised attachments, became one of the biggest vulnerabilities.
One of the most interesting trends is nudge-based security training. For example, Microsoft prompts users if they forget to attach a file they mention in an email. Imagine applying a similar concept to security, where users receive prompts when they attempt to open suspicious attachments. Small interventions like this can help prevent human errors before they turn into security breaches.
Additionally, I recently spoke with an Australian company in the mining industry that lost a quarter of a million dollars due to an intercepted email that altered bank details. This highlights the importance of email authentication protocols like DMARC, SPF, and DKIM. Many companies overlook these measures, but they are crucial in preventing fraud and ensuring email integrity.
The key is simplicity. Many senior executives, despite their years of experience, can struggle to keep up with rapidly evolving cybersecurity threats. To bridge this gap, I use relatable metaphors.
For instance, I compare email security to three houses on a street: one with only a front door, one with a guard dog and one with fences, alarms, and CCTV. Just as a burglar would have a harder time breaking into the third house, a cybercriminal will struggle to breach an organisation with multiple layers of security.
Metaphors like this help non-technical decision-makers understand the importance of robust security solutions.
For me, every new client is a success story. It’s not about the size of the deal but about helping another organisation strengthen its security posture.
That said, one standout experience was an event we hosted at Explorium. I had been reaching out to businesses in the Sandyford Business District for months, trying to spread awareness about Topsec. One attendee from that outreach later reached out to me independently in the new year, eager to learn more. He’s now one of our hottest leads. It reinforced the value of in-person events and genuine engagement.
I focus on both physical and mental well-being. Recently, I’ve been exploring different types of workouts, including yoga and Pilates, to relieve stress physically. For mental relaxation, I play video games and study history. I’m a huge history buff. I love learning about civilizations, technological innovations and historical timelines.
Balancing work and personal interests keeps me motivated and energised.
Artificial intelligence has the potential to revolutionise email security. If used correctly, AI can significantly enhance threat detection and response. However, we must balance automation with critical thinking to avoid over-reliance on AI.
Another key trend is sector-specific security protocols like NIST 2 and DORA. Organisations need to stay on top of evolving compliance requirements, as these impact their cybersecurity needs. Understanding these shifts helps us tailor our approach and remain relevant to our clients.
