Profile

Read Christiana's inspiring story below!

Expertise
What is your role, job title, and field of expertise?

I am Dr. Christiana Ioannou, an Assistant Professor and Course Leader of MSc Cybersecurity at UCLan Cyprus. My field of expertise lies in Cybersecurity, Intrusion Detection Systems (IDSs), and IoT Security. I am also the CTO and founding member of iotshield.ai, a startup focusing on IoT security solutions.

Inspiration
What sparked your interest in this technology field and what path led you here?

When I got my first computer in the 90s, I was amazed at how I could chat with people online. Technology was changing so fast, and I loved discovering new things every week. I had two big interests—Math and Computers—so when I started at San Diego State University, I wanted to study both as a double major. But back then, the university didn’t allow one class to count for two different majors, so I had to pick one.
As I started taking classes, I realized I was more drawn to Computer Science. When I moved to the USA for university studies, I had never written a single line of code before! One of my first-year classes was Machine Learning programming, and I found it really exciting. That’s when I knew I wanted to focus on Computer Science.
While I was studying, a rumor spread about a student who hacked the university’s computer labs. He created a fake login screen that looked just like the real one. When students entered their usernames and passwords, he stole their information. Eventually, he got caught and expelled, but this made me curious about cybersecurity. I wanted to understand how people could break into systems—and more importantly, how to stop them.
That curiosity led me to graduate school at the Florida Institute of Technology, where I learned even more about cybersecurity. Later, during my PhD research, I focused on Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) for Wireless Sensor Networks and the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT devices, like smart home gadgets and industrial sensors, are everywhere, but they can also be vulnerable to cyberattacks. My research was all about finding better ways to detect and stop these threats before they cause harm. Since then, my passion for keeping systems and smart devices secure has only grown.

Career Growth
What skills and strategies have helped you succeed in this field?

Throughout my professional journey, I have learned that collaboration is key to success. Engaging with fellow researchers, sharing ideas, and continuously expanding my knowledge have played a crucial role in my growth.
I have come to appreciate that working with others fosters innovation and helps achieve common goals. Hard work, perseverance, and the ability to recognize and seize opportunities have been fundamental to my progress. Most importantly, I have learned to trust myself, embrace challenges, and remain adaptable in an ever-evolving field like cybersecurity.

Memorable Achievements
Share a project or moment that reflects the impact of your work.

One of my proudest moments was the development of an AI-driven Intrusion Detection System for IoT during my postdoctoral research, which received funding from the University of Cyprus' ONISILOS grant. Additionally, co-founding iotshield.ai has been a milestone in bringing research into real-world cybersecurity solutions. 

Challenges
How do you stay ahead in a competitive field, and what obstacles have you overcome?

Passion for what I do keeps me motivated to stay up to date with the latest advancements in cybersecurity. In such a rapidly evolving field, continuous learning is essential, and I actively seek opportunities to expand my knowledge and skills.
However, time is often a limiting factor, with multiple responsibilities competing for attention. Despite this, I remain persistent and focused, ensuring that I balance professional growth with personal well-being. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is not just important—it is essential for long-term success and fulfillment.

Work-Life Balance
How do you manage the demands of career and personal life?

Balancing a demanding academic career, research, and family life is challenging, but I prioritize time management and setting clear boundaries. As a mother of two daughters, I strive to be a role model for them while contributing to the advancement of cybersecurity. Support from family and colleagues, along with effective delegation and structured planning, has been key to maintaining this balance.

Personal motive
What’s your personal moto or favourite quote that can also inspire the younger generation to follow studies and a career in an ICT field?

If you love a fast-pacing environment where no day is ever the same then ICT is for you. Embrace the challenges, stay curious, and never stop learning!

Future
How do you envision the future of technology and what role can gender diversity and inclusion play?

The future of technology is dynamic, with advancements in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and the Internet of Things continuously reshaping our world. As technology becomes more integrated into everyday life, ensuring security, ethics, and inclusivity will be more important than ever.
Gender diversity and inclusion are critical in shaping this future. A diverse workforce brings different perspectives, fosters innovation, and leads to more effective problem-solving.