Guarding the Digital Frontline: Why María Celeste Chose a Career in Protection

When you think of a "protector," you might not immediately think of someone sitting behind a screen. But for María Celeste Montoya, an L2 Cybersecurity Analyst at Equifax, that is exactly what her role represents.

Starting her journey as an intern from the Business Informatics program in Paraíso, María has spent the last year and a half evolving from a student into a key defender of our digital ecosystem. We caught up with her to discuss the "why" behind her work and the real-world impact of cybersecurity.

A Responsibility to People

At a data and analytics company like Equifax, security isn't just a technical requirement: it’s a commitment to consumers. María takes this responsibility personally.

"Equifax handles sensitive information like social security numbers and credit data," María explains. "If that’s not protected, it could fall into the wrong hands and be used to hurt people or steal money. I feel proud knowing I’m contributing my grain of sand to make sure that doesn't happen."

A Day in the Life of a Defender

As an L2 Analyst, María’s daily routine is far from repetitive. She is on constant lookout for "spikes" and anomalies—from suspicious emails to targeted IP attacks. Her goal? Mitigation.

• Detection: Identifying potential threats before they escalate.
• Response: Blocking malicious actors and neutralizing risks.
• Evolution: Adapting to new threats involving Artificial Intelligence (AI), which is currently reshaping how attacks are designed and detected.

A Culture of Constant Growth

For María, the motivation to show up every day comes from the endless opportunity to learn. In a field that moves as fast as cybersecurity, "staying still" isn't an option.

"What I love most is that I learn something new every single day, whether it’s about a new type of attack or a new application we are using," she says. "My team has been incredibly supportive; they encourage us to get certifications, continue our studies, and they are always there to lend a hand on complex projects."

The Skills of a Successful Analyst

Beyond technical knowledge, María believes that three personal traits have been the engine of her success:

1. Resilience: The ability to stay focused under pressure.
2. Discipline: A deep-seated love for studying and staying ahead of trends.
3. Communication: In a high-stakes environment, being able to talk to your team is just as important as being able to code.

The Invisible Value of Security

María acknowledges that cybersecurity is often seen as an "invisible" department, as you only notice it when something goes wrong. However, she views it as the most vital investment a modern company can make.

"Cybersecurity is often seen as an expense because we aren't 'producing' a product in the traditional sense," María laughs. "But our role is to protect everything the company has built. We are here to safeguard our internal assets and, most importantly, the people who trust us with their information."

Are you ready to join a team where your work has a real-world impact?

Learn more about available opportunities at Equifax.