Tech She Secures

Several Cyber Tuesday’s have discussed the game-changing impact that team members with diverse experiences bring to solving problems and building high performing teams. Maliha Charania is a real-life example.

Maliha is cybersecurity leader with more than 14 years of global experience – from leading the development of the first global cybersecurity risk management function at Pakistan’s largest university hospital; to helping teams in the UK, Africa, and Central Asia; to guiding Fortune 100 companies in the U.S. She has been a trusted advisor as an external consultant for my team at HCA Healthcare for the last several years.

She created a new platform that goes live this week called - Tech She Secures - to foster collaboration, share knowledge, and amplify the voices of those who are often underrepresented. Here is an introduction to her story:

You have traveled an unusual road - describe how you got from growing up in Pakistan to this point

I feel fortunate in my career because I had very supportive parents who let me own my career and make decisions from a young age. Societal norms never affected me. I was always focused on my career, thanks to my mother’s determination to raise independent children. 

My parents were a bit unconventional, especially for Pakistan. They ensured we had the education and support we needed and shielded us from societal pressures, like people questioning why my parents weren’t focused on getting us married. They encouraged us to pursue the lives we wanted and reminded us to always stay independent, whether we married or not.

During my computer science undergrad, I found myself drawn to the idea of stopping hackers. I took a cybersecurity course where we learned about hacking, and I thought, "How cool would it be to use these techniques to prevent attacks?" That’s when I decided, let’s go for it.

The pivotal moment came when I started working at the university hospital in Pakistan. That’s when I realized the real-world impact of cybersecurity, protecting patient data and contributing to patient safety. It was a powerful experience that reaffirmed I had made the right decision by focusing on this field.

What obstacles did you face starting the first cybersecurity program at a major hospital in Karachi?

The biggest obstacle I faced was being seen, heard, and accepted. At just 23 years old, I had to constantly prove myself and earn the trust of others while building a global security function.

Fortunately, I had an incredibly supportive boss who gave me the autonomy to make decisions, allowed me to fail and grow, and ensured I was heard. I also built a strong network, including two amazing women leaders who are still close friends and were instrumental in helping me move forward.  I collaborated across departments—working with the legal team to understand data protection laws, with IT teams to secure resources for mobile device management and encryption, and with others to launch cybersecurity awareness campaigns.

Another challenge was communicating cybersecurity’s importance to leadership and securing the resources needed for critical controls. After coming to the U.S., I realized that this challenge is a global issue—unfortunately, cybersecurity only becomes a priority for many organizations after an incident or breach happens.

How has your journey shaped your leadership style?

My journey from Pakistan to the U.S. taught me to adapt quickly and stay resilient. Moving between different cultures and workplaces helped me appreciate diverse perspectives and made me more empathetic. I’m intentional about creating spaces where everyone feels heard and supported. That experience also strengthened my resilience, helping me stay focused through change and encourage my team to push through challenges. I believe in being authentic and building trust within my teams so we can work together and succeed.

What gives you the greatest satisfaction about your role as a leader?

I know it sounds cheesy, but seeing my team grow and succeed brings me the greatest joy. Watching them get promotions or achieve milestones and knowing I’ve contributed to their career growth in some way makes me truly happy.

What qualities do you think are most important for effective leadership in cybersecurity, especially given the constantly evolving threat landscape? 

In cybersecurity, leadership is all about staying current and adaptable. The landscape changes fast, and you have to be ready to shift with it. Collaboration is key because no one can tackle these challenges alone.

I also think resilience is huge. Things don’t always go as planned, and it’s about how you bounce back and keep moving forward.

Finally, thinking strategically is essential. It’s not just about security. You have to align with the bigger picture and make sure your efforts support where the business and industry is headed.

What has changed about your focus in your new role?

I’m in a new role at CORL Technologies, where my focus has shifted more toward driving strategy, governance, and innovation. Third-party risk management has become a major priority, especially with recent breaches showing just how vulnerable organizations can be through their vendors. I get to help shape how we tackle this challenge and support clients in staying ahead of these risks.

I’m also focusing on AI strategy, exploring how to leverage AI securely while addressing new risks. Thought leadership plays a bigger role now too—developing insights, engaging with industry trends, and finding new ways to support and guide our clients.

What are your goals for Tech She Secures?

As a Pakistani woman in the U.S., I understand the importance of representation, and I’m committed to helping others find and own their stories.

With Tech She Secures, I want to create a space where people—especially women—find inspiration, support, and community. It’s about more than cybersecurity—it’s about exploring success and growing together, both personally and professionally.

I’ll share insights from my experiences across continents and cultures and bring in diverse voices so we can learn from each other. It’s a space to reflect on personal fulfillment, well-being, and aligning ambitions with happiness.

I’ll be authentic and vulnerable, sharing both wins and setbacks, and encouraging others to pursue whatever success means for them. My goal is to create a safe space where people feel they belong and are inspired to take bold steps toward their goals.

What advice do you have for young women who have a passion for cybersecurity?

Just go for it! There are so many resources and people now who can help you along the way. Take that leap of faith—you automatically lose the chance you don’t take. If you give it a go, there’s always a chance it will work out.

It’s also important to connect with people, find the right mentor, and never be afraid to ask for help. In our field, most people are willing to help, especially since there’s such a need for quality cybersecurity professionals.

(Borrowing from James Gorman..). What five words would people who work with you use to describe you?

Empathetic, Genuine, Resilient, Optimistic, and a little bit crazy (in a positive way, hopefully 😁)

I can vouch for those five words describing Maliha. Be sure to check out Tech She Secures and spread the word to others!

Hold Fast

Stay True