21st Century Women in Technology: Laura Pérez Vilarelle 

In this latest instalment of our 21st Century Women in Technology series, we speak to our colleague Laura Pérez Vilarelle and learn about her work at Gradiant. Laura studied mathematics at the University of Santiago before going on to complete a Master’s degree in Mass Data Analysis Technologies: Big Data at the same university. She is now working in our Security and Privacy area, specifically in Security Analytics, with a focus on vulnerability detection and exploitability. 

What did you want to do when you were little? 

The truth is that when I was little, I didn’t worry about that question… and I remember that it was uncomfortable for me to have to answer that question, I used to just say first profession that came into my head [laughs].

Why did you choose technology?

It was not a choice as such, it just appeared in my environment, I guess because I chose a career in mathematics. I assessed the possibilities and gave it a chance.

Where did you plan to study? Why? 

I studied at the University of Santiago de Compostela. The main reason was that it was close to home.

What are you currently working on?

My recent work in the Security and Privacy area is focused on vulnerability detection from source code and vulnerability exploitability prediction. My current work is focused on anomaly detection using UEBA (User Entity and Behaviour Analytics) techniques in IT systems. In other words, what we do is to design systems capable of monitoring and learning the habitual behaviour of users or entities of an IT system. This way, we may be able to detect anomalous behaviour that could be the result of a cyber-attack. 

What do you like most about your work? 

What I like most about the work is how dynamic it is thanks to the possibility of tackling different scenarios through the projects. My work at Gradiant also requires me to carry out research tasks. This allows me to grow continuously.

Who is your female role model or reference in the world of technology?

In reality, more than role models, what motivates me in the world of technology is the infinite number of approaches, opinions, works, etc. There is a lot of stimulating information and ideas that are of special interest to me for different reasons. This amalgam of knowledge is likely to be reflected in many of my actions, choices or opinions, which is why it is difficult for me to consider one person or group of people as a point of reference. I think I take a lot of inspiration from different people.   

What would you say to the tech workers of the future?

I would tell them to analyse their environment and they’ll discover the many possibilities offered by technology, and perhaps some of them will be of interest to them and inspire them on their career path.