Meet Victoria, Experienced Security Test Engineer and avid reader

What is your role at Axis?

I mostly work with things related to cybersecurity and so it varies quite a lot. I’m in Quality Assurance, so naturally I work with security tests, but I’m also part of something here at Axis called Software Security Group, that facilitates secure development practices, to ensure we have a security culture in the organization when we develop software.

In that role I help engineering teams to develop more secure products with a toolbox called ASDM, Axis Security Development Model, which contains, among many other things, threat modeling, vulnerability scanning and penetration testing. In that context I help other people with their security.

“One of the most exciting things about my job is that I get to work all over Axis”

Victoria Vucic

What does a typical day at work look like for you?

I like to get to the office quite early, usually around 7am while it’s still quiet. I check my emails, my schedule and prepare for any meetings I have so I feel I am ready for the day ahead. After that I have morning fika with my colleagues at 8:30 sharp. We like to be first in line in when fika is served.

After that my day can vary quite a lot. Some days are quite meeting heavy, with weekly syncs, planning discussions or meetings to decide what actions we have to take and who should take them. I have a lot of responsibility to plan my own work which suits me, so on the days that aren’t full of meetings I usually spend them looking at the results of our automated security tests or keeping up with latest security news. One of the most exciting things about my job is that I get to work all over Axis. The work I do with cybersecurity is not just restricted to my own team or SSG. I work with the whole development organization, since ASDM is for everyone developing software.

After work I like to walk home. I live close to the office, so it is always nice to walk home and clear your mind of work.

Describe Axis in three words?

When I think about Axis I think relaxed, challenging, and helpful.

It just feels relaxed when you come into the office. We often have a lot to do, but I find we don’t usually feel stressed. People always have time for you when you need it, and you can always talk about if there is something you don’t understand or need help with. We’re all very serious about our work and want to perform and deliver, but we also have a relaxed approach to learning and teaching. It contributes to the relaxing atmosphere.

It’s also challenging. I’ve always been challenged in my work here, and I think it’s important to feel that way so you can evolve as a person and in your job. Since my role involves the cybersecurity of our products, I come into contact with all the different teams here at Axis that develop software. Therefore, there is always a challenge in finding a solution that can work across the wide range of products we manufacture, but it’s a challenge that I enjoy.

Everyone at Axis is also helpful. People are willing to take time out of their day to help each other and take a fika if you need help, support, or advice. It’s nice to be able to sit with people and feel like you’ve had a good exchange and helped each other. Since everyone I meet here is helpful it makes me want to be just as helpful to others as well. It’s part of our culture here.

“If you can be proud of yourself, you can inspire others”

What does work-life balance mean to you?

For me work-life balance means I work to live and not live to work. I feel it’s very nice to have the opportunity to schedule the work in a manner that best suits me, but also suits the people I work with and Axis as a whole. I also have the opportunity to work from home if I need it, which helps me in general if I have things I need to be at home for.

Who or what inspires you?

I don’t have a specific person who inspires me. Instead, I like to take inspiration from the people around me. If they’re good at something, like public speaking or problem solving, that can often be inspiring to see. I try to be someone others can be inspired by as well. It’s also very important to be inspired by yourself. To be proud of what you do and be able to look back and say “wow, I did that”. If you can be proud of yourself, you can inspire others.

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