Yusra Shaeik, Technical Director at Dial A Geek, tells us about her journey from apprenticeship to MSP to Cyber Essentials Cyber Advisor.
When did you first become interested in technology?
My interest in technology started quite organically. I was always fascinated by how things worked and how technology seemed to underpin so much of our everyday lives. It wasn’t until I had a problem with my own computer that I became hooked. There was something satisfying about troubleshooting the issue and discovering that I could fix it myself. From there, I realised how empowering it was to understand technology and its potential to solve problems. That curiosity led me to pursue more knowledge, and eventually, it became clear that this was more than just a hobby—it was a career path that I wanted to explore further.
How did your career start out and what was the progression?
My career began with an apprenticeship in IT, which was the perfect way to immerse myself in a professional setting while learning the fundamentals. I started out doing 1st Line Technical Support, which was a great experience because it taught me the importance of patience and clear communication, especially when dealing with clients who weren’t as tech-savvy. Over time, as I honed my skills and learned to work on more complex projects, I began to feel more comfortable taking on leadership roles. Eventually, I moved from 1st Line Support to more advanced technical positions, and ultimately to the role of Technical Director. It was a journey of constant learning, stepping out of my comfort zone, and being open to new challenges.
What has been your experience as a woman in the tech world?
Being a woman in tech comes with its own set of challenges, like managing period pain while trying to stay as mentally and physically consistent as my male counterparts. Simple things for them like carrying heavy IT equipment is more difficult for myself. While I luckily haven’t personally encountered significant bias in my workplace, these are still underlying dynamics in the industry that can make it harder to navigate and thrive as a woman. I strongly believe that diversity is better for business, and I strive to have a variety of backgrounds on my team.
However, it can be harder to encourage women to join the field due to these demands of the job that may be tougher to do as opposed to desk-based work. Networking groups like WiTCH (Women in Tech & Cyber Hub), a UK-based, not-for-profit organisation dedicated to helping women enter and stay in tech, have been instrumental in offering support and mentorship. I’m encouraged by the growing number of women joining the field and remain committed to helping create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all.
What is your part in the Dial a Geek story?
Dial A Geek’s journey began with a simple mission: to make IT support accessible and friendly for small businesses in Bristol, and it’s incredible to see how far we’ve come. I’ve been part of this story for nearly seven years, starting as an IT apprentice, and I’m proud of the growth I’ve witnessed and contributed to. Since becoming Technical Director in 2022, I’ve played a key role in our major achievements, including helping us transition fully to a Managed Service Provider model with our Protect & Grow plans and putting cyber security compliance at the heart of everything we do.
We became a Cyber Essentials and IASME Cyber Assurance certification body, and a National Cyber Security Centre Assured Service Provider in 2024, solidifying our commitment to security. In 2023, we aligned our values with sustainability, earning B Corp accreditation, and just recently, we won the Best Cyber Company Award at SPARKies 2024. These milestones reflect how we continue to evolve while staying true to our ethos of providing approachable, human-centred IT support.
Why did you decide to become a Cyber Advisor?
The decision to become a Cyber Advisor came out of a desire to help our clients navigate the increasingly complex world of cybersecurity. With the rise of cyber threats, it became clear that businesses—especially small and medium-sized enterprises—were struggling to keep up with the latest security protocols. I wanted to become a trusted source of guidance for these companies, someone they could turn to for straightforward, actionable advice on how to protect their data. Cyber security can seem overwhelming, but by becoming a Cyber Advisor, I can help simplify it and make it more accessible for businesses that don’t have dedicated internal resources for security.
I’m currently the only Cyber Advisor at Dial A Geek, and I’m proud to be the first of many hopefully within the company to achieve this certification. Cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important for our clients, and being able to offer them expert advice is something I take seriously. As the first Cyber Advisor, I’m leading the charge to train our entire technical team in cybersecurity and compliance. Over the next few years, I aim to have every member of the team fully certified, so that no matter who our clients speak to, they will receive the same high level of expertise. This is a significant step for us because we want our clients to feel confident that their security needs are being handled by knowledgeable professionals at every touchpoint. It’s a big commitment, but I believe it will set us apart and help us continue to grow as a trusted cybersecurity partner for our clients.
How did you find the process of becoming a Cyber Advisor and the notoriously difficult exam?
The Cyber Advisor exam was definitely challenging! Time management is critical, as the exam is structured to test not only your technical knowledge but also how well you can apply it under pressure. The preparation was intense, requiring deep dives into cybersecurity frameworks, compliance regulations, and real-world scenarios. One of the toughest parts is staying up to date with the latest developments in the field, as cyber security evolves quickly. The exam is taken in person at an exam centre, which adds an extra layer of formality and focus. If you’re worried about the difficulty, I’d recommend looking into the Cyber Advisor training available from IASME. It’s a solid way to prepare. And while technical skills are essential, the exam also tests your soft skills, like explaining complex ideas in a way businesses can understand and implement. But ultimately, it was incredibly rewarding to pass the exam, and it’s been invaluable in my role, as it gives clients confidence that they’re getting advice from a certified expert.
How do you work with clients?
At Dial A Geek, we don’t just provide services—we really become part of our clients’ teams. One example that comes to mind is a client who was worried about the cost and complexity of getting Cyber Essentials certified. They weren’t sure it was worth the investment. I took the time to explain how it would not only protect their business but also help them win new contracts, as more companies now require this certification. After we guided them through the process and they became compliant, they immediately saw benefits—both in security and new business opportunities. Seeing that real impact is what makes this work so rewarding for me.
Any advice for other MSPs or anyone thinking of following the same route?
My biggest piece of advice is to stay client-focused. As a Cyber Advisor, your role is about more than just providing tech solutions—it’s about understanding your clients’ unique challenges and helping them navigate security and compliance issues. Always keep learning, because cyber security is constantly evolving, and staying up to date will be crucial to offering the best advice. Lastly, surround yourself with a strong, knowledgeable team. Cyber security is a complex field, and having a team with diverse skills and expertise will ensure you can offer comprehensive support to your clients.
We’re seeing a big shift in the industry, with more businesses looking to upskill their internal teams and move toward a consulting-based approach. As cyber security spending is predicted to surge by 15% in 2025, companies will need expert advice to navigate the growing complexities of security. Becoming a Cyber Advisor is a great first step for MSPs to offer more than just tech support—it’s about guiding clients on security and compliance. With the demand for skilled cyber security professionals on the rise, being able to offer that expertise will be essential for future growth.