Every year since 2017, Abelia and ODA Network have recognised Norway’s 50 leading women in tech – establishing a leading network for diversity in the tech sector across the Nordic region. Their initiative not only celebrates the exceptional women in the technology sector, but aims to actively impact women’s representation in Norway’s technology and management domains.
One of Norway’s 50 leading women in tech of 2024 is Arbnora Tahiri. At 33 years old, Arbnora has had an extensive journey in the tech field already, including pivotal roles such as Information Security Advisor, ethical hacker and penetration tester, and information security/risk and vulnerability advisor. Today, she balances the roles of Security Lead at Visma Group and Interim Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at the Visma company House of Control Group – and board member at Cloud Security Alliance Norway – all while being a devoted mother of two.
Join us in exploring Arbnora’s career journey and insights in the field of cybersecurity.
→ See the full list of Norway’s 50 leading women in tech.
Hi, Arbnora! So, as a security expert, what does a typical workday look like for you?
Well, each day at Visma is unique, which makes it a wonderful place to work. But a typical workday for me could be a combination of meetings and hands-on tasks. Beyond assisting Visma companies in adopting and implementing our security program, like I’m currently doing with House of Control, I lead the security work for Visma’s Cloud Delivery Model. In this capacity, I closely collaborate with our top 100 teams, providing guidance and support as they develop, deliver, and manage secure products for their customers. So, I contribute to enabling them to run their business in a secure, transparent, and efficient way.
What do you enjoy most about working with security?
What I enjoy the most has to be the constant challenge and excitement of staying one step ahead of potential threats. Security is such a dynamic field where I have the opportunity to apply my skills and expertise to secure valuable information and systems from cyberattacks.
Knowing that my work helps protect individuals and organisations against potential harm is incredibly rewarding.
This year, you made it on the “Norway’s 50 leading women in tech” list by Abelia and ODA Network. What does this acknowledgement mean to you, and what do you think has led you to this milestone in your career?
Being recognised as one of Norway’s leading women in tech is truly such an honour. I see this as a validation of the hard work, dedication, and contributions that I’ve made throughout my journey in this industry, and I think there have been several factors that led me to this milestone in my career.
First, my passion for technology has been a driving force, motivating me to continuously learn and grow in the industry. Second, my willingness to take on new challenges and push boundaries has enabled me to tackle obstacles and grab possible opportunities for advancement. Also, the support of mentors, colleagues, and networks within the tech community has been crucial for my professional development.
Ultimately, this achievement is not just a personal milestone but also evidence of the collective effort of everyone who has supported and encouraged me along the way. I hope to use this recognition as a platform to advocate for greater diversity, inclusion, and representation in the tech industry, and to inspire others to pursue their dreams without hesitation.
Have there been any women role models that have had a strong influence on you or inspired you?
To be honest, no. While growing up, I didn’t have any particular role models to look up to. I found myself having to navigate my own path without any guiding figures. I think that lacking role models made my journey in this male-dominated industry particularly challenging. That’s why I think it’s so important to change this dynamic.
I’m grateful that organisations like ODA Network and Abelia are actively working to promote diversity and inclusivity in tech. Their mentorship programs and initiatives are making a real difference, and I’m excited to see more positive changes in this direction.
Women continue to be underrepresented in the tech field. What changes would you like to see that would further support women in tech?
Indeed, that’s true and several aspects of the tech industry are due for a change. I’m anticipating more initiatives that will provide access to STEM education for girls. Also, inclusive hiring practices and the establishment of support networks dedicated to the empowerment of women are essential. I believe that equal pay and opportunities, along with greater representation in leadership roles, are crucial for fostering diversity and inclusion in the tech industry.
How would you describe the diversity across Visma?
Visma, as a multinational corporation with global reach across various countries and sectors, places great emphasis on cultivating a diverse workforce and inclusive company culture. Recognising the significance of diversity in backgrounds and experiences, Visma has established a dedicated discipline focused on diversity and inclusion. What’s even more important is the fact that Visma actively collaborates with various organisations dedicated to promoting the advancement of women in technology, demonstrating a dedication to promoting diversity both internally and externally.
Visma’s diverse range of individuals and organisations that I get to collaborate with stands out as a particularly fascinating aspect of my role.
What piece of advice would you give to other women aspiring to work in the tech field, and specifically security?
To all the aspiring women in tech out there, I want to say this: Don’t ever doubt your dreams or your potential. If you have a passion for tech, follow it with all you’ve got. Work hard and never give up on your aspirations, no matter what they are.
Most importantly, seek mentorship and networking opportunities. Connect with other women and professionals in the tech and security communities for guidance, mentorship, and support. Networking can open doors to so many opportunities, provide valuable insights, and help you navigate the challenges of entering and advancing in this industry.
