Exclusive: Orro's Manuel Salazar discusses shaping cyber security careers

Cyber security is an ever-changing frontier, and Manuel Salazar knows it well. 

With 25 years in the industry and now the Director of Cyber Services at Orro, Salazar has been helping safeguard businesses and mentoring the next generation of tech talent.

"I started in information security about 25 years ago," he explained. "Back then, it wasn't cyber security—it was a new discipline called information security."

Salazar's journey began shortly after completing a computer science degree.

Six months later, he joined eSecure, a specialised IT security services company.

"It was exciting," he admitted, during a recent interview. "I was mentored by capable individuals who helped shape my career. That culture of growth and learning is something I've carried forward to my team today."

eSecure was acquired by Orro three years ago, and Salazar transitioned to lead the cyber services division.

His role involves defining strategies, engaging with partners, and working across divisions to ensure seamless, secure services for customers. "Every day is different," he shared. "Cyber security is dynamic, with new threats and technologies emerging constantly."

Salazar described his role as a blend of strategy and leadership. "My key focus is defining and driving our team's strategy while aligning with Orro's goals," he said.

"I analyse market gaps, our strengths, and differentiators to decide where we should focus."

Insights from an Evolving Career

Reflecting on his career, Salazar noted that his journey has spanned hundreds of projects across diverse sectors, including financial services, government, and critical infrastructure.

"It's been fascinating to see how the industry has evolved," he said.

"While advanced organisations lead the charge with new technologies, the basics—like patch management and user awareness—remain as relevant as ever."

Salazar takes pride in sharing knowledge across organisations. "I've learned from mature organisations and applied those lessons to others that are still maturing," he added.

"That's been an interesting aspect of my work."

When asked about his accomplishments, Salazar highlighted the people he has worked with.

"The cyber security community has grown significantly, and I've been fortunate to collaborate with respected professionals," he said. "Seeing colleagues grow in their careers is rewarding."

The Talent Pipeline

Salazar is vocal about the current state of tech talent in Australia. "There's a shortage of experienced professionals," he said. "But it's not a lack of capable individuals—it's a lack of commercial experience."

Graduates and career changers often face challenges breaking into the industry. "Many organisations hesitate to hire graduates," Salazar explained. "But these individuals bring fresh perspectives, creativity, and adaptability."

He emphasised the importance of hands-on experience. "Even if they lack commercial exposure, many graduates have built their own networks, experimented with technologies, and gained valuable skills," he said. "It's about translating those experiences into their applications."

Salazar advises graduates to differentiate themselves with tailored cover letters and clear, detailed CVs. "Highlight your strengths, even if they're not directly commercial," he recommended. "Many career changers bring transferable skills, like financial risk expertise, that are highly valuable in cyber security."

Building Careers at Orro

At Orro, nurturing graduate talent is a priority. "I started as a graduate, and that culture is deeply ingrained in how we hire," Salazar said. Orro's approach includes structured training and mentoring programs, often led by former graduates.

"Early on, we instil a culture of both learning and teaching," he said. "Our team includes many individuals who started as graduates and have grown into leadership roles."

This ethos of support and growth fosters long-term loyalty. "When graduates feel supported and see a clear career path, they stay," Salazar explained. "It also contributes to a dynamic, diverse workforce that's adaptable and constantly learning."

The Impact of Fresh Talent

Salazar described graduates as a "good source of technical talent" who bring fresh energy to the team. "They adapt quickly to new technologies and help us define new services," he said. "Their flexibility and openness are invaluable."

He also highlighted the broader appeal of the tech industry. "Every organisation relies on technology," he said. "Cyber security is incredibly diverse—it's not just for technical people. Roles in risk, compliance, and policy-making are equally important."

A Secure Future

Looking ahead, Salazar remains committed to innovation and mentorship. "Orro is focused on secure-by-design solutions, supporting industries with comprehensive, integrated services," he said.

His passion for mentoring shines through. "It's rewarding to see someone you mentored years ago now leading major organisations," he said. "That's what drives me—helping others succeed."

As the interview concluded, Salazar reflected on the industry's potential. "Technology is growing, and cyber security caters to everyone," he said. "It's an exciting field with endless opportunities."