By Kathryn McKenna
Victoria Hogg, Head of Business Development for Northern Ireland at Integrity360, is thriving in her new role which officially commenced in December.
The move follows an expansive career working within the technology sector for 20 years, which has seen Victoria gain in-depth experience working with global clients. Now, Victoria is particularly excited to be back in her own patch at a local level working with Northern Ireland organisations.
Speaking to Sync NI during Integrity360’s successful Security First conference which took place recently in the ICC, Belfast, Victoria explains how the newly appointed role marks a serious commitment to expanding and making a mark in Northern Ireland for the global cyber security firm.
“We have a very successful business in Ireland with over 20 years of growth, giving us a large client portfolio covering many industries. I am delighted to join the sales team which has over 14 people, and grown the business in Northern Ireland” Victoria reveals.
“Northern Ireland is the best kept secret – it might be a small area with just 2.2million citizens, but there is a huge appetite here for cyber security. Northern Ireland is fast becoming the top growth area for companies in Europe.”
As the largest cyber security provider in Ireland and the fastest growing across Europe, this is a pivotal time for Integrity360. When it comes to the company’s plans to expand the their presence here locally, Victoria reveals the growth plans are particularly exciting.”
Integrity360’s vision for Northern Ireland is rooted in a long-term commitment to both regional investment and the elevation of local cyber security capabilities. Our strategic focus goes beyond brand recognition - we are cultivating a centre of excellence that reflects our scale, experience, and ambition in the cyber security landscape.
“Our next milestone is expanding the team on the ground,” says Victoria. “We’re enhancing our presence with the appointment of a dedicated Business Development Manager, who’ll join me locally to further embed Integrity360 in the region. This marks the beginning of a broader strategy to build a fully integrated local team.”
Backed by a robust support network of 13 office locations across Europe & Africa, and with headquarters in Dublin, Integrity360 is uniquely positioned to scale. However, our ambition in Northern Ireland is distinct.
“We see Northern Ireland not as an extension, but as a region with its own identity,” Victoria explains. “We’re building a locally led team that can engage directly with customers – people who understand the market intimately and can deliver high-value, face-to-face support.”
This local-first approach reinforces Integrity360’s belief that proximity, trust, and contextual understanding are key differentiators in effective cyber security delivery – especially in a threat landscape that’s increasingly complex and fast-moving.
Human behaviour
Human behaviour can play a key role in cyber attacks, particularly with the high volume of emails employees working in fast-paced, high pressure roles can receive.
This is something Victoria understands: “Even though I am somebody who works in cyber security, I recognise there might be times when it's all too easy to make an error and inadvertently click on something in a high pressure environment with a high volume of emails.
“When you are working so quickly, there can be a tendency to just click on something, perhaps when you receive a request from a customer or colleague. It doesn't matter what the size of the organisation is or what sector they are working in, companies across the board are encountering issues with information getting compromised, potential threats, malware and incidents of staff opening things they shouldn't have.”
The best way to prevent such attacks from occurring is to educate organisations, helping staff to understand and put an incident response plan in place. “We don't want to be in the situation where something happens and the executive team comes to us asking for help after it has occurred. We would much rather be sitting around the table with the executive team to proactively plan what they would do if this was to happen in the future,” Victoria explains.
You can’t be what you don’t see
As a woman in tech in a leadership position, Victoria is passionate about encouraging young girls and women into following a careers pathway into the sector.
Having “stumbled into tech completely by accident” Victoria pursued a degree in Business Studies and Marketing upon completing school.
But after “falling” into a tech role in all-male environment, Victoria thrived. “I really stood out as the only female in my first role working in tech,. Looking back on it, I thrived in that environment, but I think a lot of people would have been put off. Therefore, one of the biggest pieces of advice I would say to young girls coming through the system is, don't be afraid.
“Secondly, I would strongly encourage all young girls and women interested in pursuing a career in tech to give it a go. You won't know if you like something until you try it out.”
Addressing the stigma which sees tech portrayed as very much still a male dominated environment and exclusively for ‘techy’ people, Victoria is keen to address such antiquated stereotypes.
“I really enjoy the opportunity to connect with others, to present and collaborate as a team. Some people view working in the tech sector as being ideal for individuals who do not enjoy talking to other people. But actually, working in tech is a completely different environment to what people might imagine.
“Tech roles can involve working with coding, or you can work within the sales team, marketing, HR and finance. Finally, the tech sector has a wealth of opportunities and is growing hugely. If we take Integrity360 as an example, since I've joined the business in December I've witnessed two acquisitions, and we’ve seen our staff numbers grow by a further 120 people.”
Victoria urges young people in general to consider a career in tech, particularly thanks to the longevity offered by a career in the sector: “The tech environment is growing and scaling at a rapid pace and that is vital for young people now seeking a career with longevity. I feel strongly that it is important to be a part of the tech world which is moving so quickly.
“I would advise all young people and girls in particular not to be scared of entering into the world of tech, there are so many different areas that you are sure to find the one which is the right fit for you. The opportunities are endless for young girls and I would strongly encourage anyone with an interest in tech to get involved.”
Find out more about Integrity360 by visiting Sync NI and navigating to the Integrity360 Company Hub for Interviews, Views and more.
Go to: syncni.com/company/Integrity360
Read the latest edition, Spring 2025, of Sync NI here completely free of charge.
Subscribe to the Sync NI newsletter for all the latest technology news, jobs and upcoming events in Northern Ireland.
Visit Sync NI online for the latest technology news in Northern Ireland.
