Inside Cybersecurity with Harness Projects mentor Raza Nowrozy
Why one of Australia’s most senior Cyber professionals thinks communicators, critical thinkers, and career changers are reshaping the future of cyber.
Think you need to be a programmer to work in cybersecurity? Think again.
Raza Nowrozy, a cyber risk and compliance leader has spent his career proving that some of the most valuable cybersecurity professionals aren’t the ones writing code—they’re the ones who can think strategically, communicate clearly, and understand how organizations really work.
The Hidden Truth About Cybersecurity Careers
Here’s what most people don’t realize: the cybersecurity industry is facing a skills shortage, but it’s not just about technical expertise. The real gap lies in professionals who can bridge the divide between complex security concepts and business reality.
“Career changers are not only welcome—they’re necessary,” says Raza. “We need new ideas and diversity of thought.”
Throughout his career, Raza has witnessed firsthand how professionals from backgrounds in business, psychology, law, and communications often become the most impactful team members. They’re the ones who can translate technical risks into language that executives understand, who can see the bigger picture beyond individual vulnerabilities, and who can align cybersecurity efforts with actual business outcomes.
Why Cyber Needs More Than Just Technologists
The cybersecurity industry has a problem: it’s been over-indexing on technical skills while underinvesting in the human elements that make security programs actually work.
Raza’s own career journey spans GRC (Governance, Risk & Compliance), advisory roles, and major enterprise environments. He’s worked across business units at top organisations to embed cyber risk into company-wide decision-making. His experience has taught him that cybersecurity success depends as much on how you communicate and engage as on what tools you use.
This is why he champions generalists—people who can examine problems from multiple angles, who don’t just patch systems but ask why the system failed in the first place.
Real-World Experience Over Certifications
Recognizing this gap, Raza is now mentoring in Harness Projects’ Cybersecurity Career Launcher, a program that takes a radically different approach to cybersecurity education.
Instead of theoretical labs or multiple-choice certifications, students complete real-world projects with actual clients. No IT
Your Background Might Be Your Biggest Asset
If you’ve ever looked at a cybersecurity job posting and thought, “I could do that—if someone just gave me a shot,” you’re not alone. The reality is that many of the skills you’ve developed in other fields are exactly what the cybersecurity industry needs:
- Business professionals understand organizational dynamics and decision-making processes
- Psychology graduates grasp human behavior and social engineering risks
- Legal professionals navigate compliance requirements and policy frameworks
- Communications experts can translate complex technical concepts for diverse audiences
No coding required. No IT degree needed. Just a willingness to learn, collaborate, and think differently.
The Bottom Line
Raza Nowrozy brings something rare to cybersecurity mentorship: a perspective that sees beyond tools and threats, focusing instead on people, decisions, and systems. He doesn’t just help students understand cybersecurity—he helps them understand their place in it.
For anyone looking to enter the field from a non-technical background, that guidance can be career-defining.
The future of cybersecurity isn’t just about building stronger walls—it’s about building stronger teams. And those teams need people who can think critically, communicate effectively, and see the forest for the trees.
Ready to explore your path into cybersecurity? Book a call with our team to see if it’s the right fit for your cybersecurity journey.
