Cyber Security: Interview with Chelsea, our IT Security Analyst

On the occasion of Cyber Security Month, we decided to have a chat with one of our employees in the Security team, Chelsea. Read along to learn more about her career story, security at N26, the importance of cyber security and advice on how you can protect yourself.

Hi Chelsea! Tell us a bit about yourself 😄

Hi, it’s nice to meet you, love — so we’d say in my beloved hometown. Somewhat sadly, I had to say goodbye to the comforts of home in North-West England, after falling head over heels for Berlin.

There was something about this place that drew me in. I felt as though this was where I was supposed to be. It was during a visit to Berlin, a couple of years ago, that I decided to move here. Coincidentally, during this very same trip, I first discovered N26. I was riding on an U-Bahn (Berlin’s underground transit) when I saw an advertisement: “Banking without the bullshit”. It caught my attention immediately — I was very intrigued.

How did you end up becoming an IT Security Analyst, in our Trust & Safety team? Tell us about your journey at N26.

After being offered a position in our Customer Service department, I was overjoyed. During my first few weeks, my schedule was jam-packed with new tasks and responsibilities — I was engaged from the outset. It was there that I learned more about the inception of the company, and the unique qualities which had enabled it to attract exceptional talent from all over the world.

A couple of months later, after cultivating a deep interest in the investigation of cases involving white-collar crime, I was approached by my manager regarding an opportunity to move to our AML (Anti-money laundering) department. I was thrilled! Once I’d officially moved departments, I dove into the world of anti-financial crime. I wish I could tell you more, but it’s top secret… just kidding! From investigating and disrupting fraud networks, to liaising with government authorities, there was rarely a dull moment.

Fast forward to 8 months later, and I’d decided I was ready for another challenge. I’d learned through my previous roles that there is important work to be done in terms of responding effectively to financial crime, and actively preventing it from taking place. I knew that this would be a key component in my next role.

During a discussion with my mentor one day, she happened to mention an upcoming opportunity in our IT Security department. A new sub-team, called Trust and Safety, had recently been formed and they were looking for an analyst. As soon as I’d learned that the purpose of the team was to protect customers from financial exploitation, I was hooked. After a series of interviews and shadowing sessions, I had earned my position.

I’ve been in the Trust and Safety team for about a year now, and throughout that time, I’ve developed in ways that I hadn’t anticipated. Each day, I’m faced with complex problems that push me far beyond my comfort-zone. Through dealing with such problems, I’ve become much more resilient, and able to perform well under pressure.

I’m so lucky to have found a position that has not only encouraged significant growth, but which has also enabled me to positively impact the lives of those around me. Whether I’m protecting my friends, my family, or complete strangers, I can live contentedly with the knowledge that I’m contributing meaningfully to the world. I’m truly grateful to N26 for enabling me to do so in a professional capacity.

Let’s talk Cyber Security. What is Cyber Security Month, and what is N26 doing about it?

Cyber Security Month is an opportunity for everyone to learn about the hidden dangers behind engaging in online activities, especially those involving personal and business assets. At N26, our top priority is to keep our customers’ accounts safe.

Our security teams work diligently to prevent attackers from exploiting internal systems and processes, and from gaining access to privileged information. In addition to this, we educate our customers, on a continual basis, to ensure they are equipped with vital skills and knowledge that will enable them to stay safe online.

Why is Cyber Security important for everyone?

If you regularly access the internet, for any reason, Cyber Security should be your primary concern. Whether you’re chatting with your friends on social media, or surfing the web for information about loans, you must remain vigilant.

Cyber criminals prey on unsuspecting people; those who aren’t consciously aware of such dangers are most vulnerable. As the saying goes, it’s better to be safe than sorry!

Why is Cyber Security important for an online bank?

When a customer places their trust in an online bank, they’re making a decision to forego the sense of comfort and familiarity that comes with traditional banking. Banks like N26 must provide a standard of service that not only inspires confidence in their products, but that reflects their commitment to protecting their customers and maintaining their trust at all costs.

Tell us more about Security at N26.

Our team is brimming with inquisitive, like-minded individuals, each of whom has a deep-rooted passion for Cyber Security. We endeavour to protect our customers with an unwavering level of commitment, something we’re only able to achieve through maintaining close working relationships with one another, and with other teams throughout the company. Charged with developing innovative ways to safeguard our customers, we play an integral role at N26. Trust me, we don’t take that responsibility lightly!

If you had to give one piece of advice to our customers on how to protect themselves, what would it be?

If you’re ever in doubt about the legitimacy of something you see online, take a moment to think about it carefully. If something seems too good to be true, is it? If a stranger is pressuring you into doing something, what might their true intentions be? If your friend on social media is typing differently, grammatically or otherwise, is it possible their account has been compromised? These are all questions you should be asking when you find yourself in unfamiliar situations such as these. More often than not, you’ll have a “feeling” that tells you something isn’t quite right. Listen to your gut! Doing this will save you from making a mistake which could cost you dearly in the long-run.