W4CFI - Security with Perspective: Lessons You Only Learn the Hard Way

This event is aimed at mid- to senior-level women in cybersecurity. Sign up through the waiting list and we will review all sign ups and send confirmation emails manually.Signing up on Meetup does not guarantee a spot. Confirmation emails means a spot secured.

This event brings together mid‑senior women in cyber to explore how our thinking evolves over time: the shift from execution to perspective, from technical depth to strategic influence, and from learning the rules to understanding when they must be bent.

Please note that we can accommodate dietary restrictions for those who get a spot by 22.05.2026. However, due to some constraints, we may not be able to make special food arrangements for those who get a spot after this date. We appreciate your understanding.

Agenda
17.00-18.00: Doors open, dinner and drinks will be served
18:00-19.00:Talk by Laura Kankaala - “FAFO (F*** Around and Find Out)”
From 19.00: Open discussion and networking

Our speaker, Laura Kankaala will share insights shaped by real world experience, including:

• How mindset and priorities change after several years in the field
• Mistakes that became turning points
• Balancing expertise with influence
• What she wish she had known earlier in her career
• How seasoned professionals build authority and perspective

Laura Kankaala works as Head of Threat Intelligence at F-Secure. She specialises in understanding the latest scams, hacks, malware and fraudulent behaviours in cyber crime and current threats that affect everyday internet users. Her background primarily lies in offensive security - ethical hacking. She's also known for her appearance in Finnish hacking TV documentary Team Whack.

After the talk, we’ll continue the conversation at the tables with open, honest, experience driven discussions among peers who understand the weight and complexity of this work.
This evening is designed to recognise and celebrate the women who are shaping security, not just implementing it.