Protecting what’s invisible, that’s how I make my mark

Gizem on the common misconception that cyber security is purely a technological challenge

In 2024, Gizem Tütüncü left her role as head of legal at a tech company to join KPMG. She has a law degree from Uppsala University, but her interest in security emerged during her political science studies at Försvarshögskolan (the Swedish Defense University). At KPMG, Gizem brings all her skills to the table, supporting a wide range of clients, both in Sweden and internationally, with cyber security.

Making a mark in cyber security

– I was drawn to KPMG because I wanted to work with cyber security on a global scale. I wanted to make a mark internationally, not just locally in Sweden. My work today is the best of both worlds. I work with a Swedish company, providing legal advice on how to prepare for new cyber security legislation. At the same time, I work for a big, multinational company in a team that is creating a brand-new global security structure — which is all I could ever ask for.

The people dimension

– It’s a common misconception to regard cyber security purely as a technological challenge, when tech is only one part of it. At KPMG, we have teams working at the forefront of technology, collaborating closely with other teams in the organization. My focus is more around the skills, people, and legal dimensions – making sure that employees understand their personal responsibilities, obligations and rights. Creating a safe and secure culture that fosters the right behavior is as important as tech itself. Being able to provide advice that makes our clients more secure – that is one way in which I make a mark at work. 

Variety makes work fun

– In one of my first projects, KPMG spent half a year identifying gaps and opportunities for improvements in a global security structure. Now, we are spending at least another year implementing our solutions. Other projects are shorter — we get called in to advise on a legal situation and deliver a solution within weeks to months. The combination of long and short projects is stimulating and makes every day different and exciting.

Protecting what’s invisible

– With my background - having degrees in both law and political science - I am fortunate to work at the intersection of my greatest strengths, which also happen to be my biggest interests. That said, a lot of what I do is intangible, yet crucially important to our clients. You could say that every day, I work with what’s invisible to keep my clients safe – that’s how I make my mark.