Royal Holloway alumnus Rajinder Singh Tumber MBE (MSc Information Security 2007) has been recognised as the first recipient from the United Kingdom to receive the Information Systems Security Association's (ISSA) Distinguished Fellow designation, one of the organisation's highest honours.

Limited to approximately the top one percent of ISSA's global membership, the designation recognises sustained leadership, influence and contribution to the cyber security profession.

For Raj, the recognition represents far more than professional achievement.

"Being the first recipient from the United Kingdom since the association was founded in 1984 feels like both an honour and a responsibility."

Today, Raj is recognised internationally for his contributions to cyber security, mentoring and public service. However, his path into the profession was far from straightforward.

Although originally considering a career in accountancy, Raj discovered his passion for information security while studying Computer Science. Fascinated by the ways technology could unintentionally reveal sensitive information, he applied to Royal Holloway's MSc Information Security programme.

Raj's route into cyber security was not always straightforward. Early in his career he faced setbacks and periods of uncertainty, experiences that helped shape the resilience and perspective he brings to his work today. A serious bout of meningitis in 2010 also prompted him to re-evaluate his priorities and strengthened his commitment to contributing not only to individual organisations but to the wider profession and future generations.

Reflecting on his journey, Raj said:

"The decision to treat setbacks and unusual experiences, including surviving meningitis and later raising funds and awareness for the charity, as fuel rather than obstacles has shaped both my professional path and my sense of purpose."

Reflecting on his career, Raj points to resilience, continuous learning and a willingness to contribute beyond his day-to-day role as some of the most important factors in his success. Alongside his professional work, he has dedicated significant time to mentoring, university governance, public speaking, judging industry awards and supporting future generations entering the profession.

Receiving the Distinguished Fellow designation has reinforced his belief that meaningful impact is built over time.

"The work that does not always make headlines - mentoring a student, writing an article, volunteering, showing up consistently - compounds over time."

For current students and recent graduates considering careers in technology and cyber security, his advice is simple:

"Do not wait for permission to contribute. Maintain a strong mindset, remember your worth, and treat setbacks as information rather than a verdict. Your past does not dictate your future trajectory."

Congratulations to Rajinder Singh Tumber MBE on becoming the first recipient from the United Kingdom to be named an ISSA Distinguished Fellow and on his continued contributions to the cyber security profession.