Elaine McKechnie is a cyber security specialist with a portfolio of roles working within major household name financial institutions. With a background in policing and intelligence roles she has a real passion for Security. Elaine is proficient in developing hardware, software and cloud-based solutions, pursuing every opportunity to enhance security frameworks and mitigate risk, through innovative technological applications. Previous roles she’s held in financial services include IT Architecture, Cyber Risk Intelligence and Big Data. Elaine loves to encourage others to build careers in the fields of technology and cyber-security and holds positions on various Member Advisory Committees, setting direction for cyber skills in the UK, driving collaboration between communities and shaping technology outcomes.
Professional Career – Elaine left school at 16, went to Uni and studied BA Business Studies. Joined the Police, served 9.5 years in frontline, community and intelligence roles then left and went back to Uni and completed MSc Business Analysis and Consulting. Joined HSBC in 2012 as Business Analyst in IT Architecture, moved up to Lead Project Manager role in Cyber Risk Intelligence (Info Sec) and then joined Virgin Money (then Clydesdale Bank) as a Senior PM in 2017 leading Security Investments Programme. Since then she’s worked her way up through Programme Management and now Senior Management of Cyber Strategy & Frameworks including Cyber Threat Intelligence.