Janne - Lead Security Specialist

The Story

A hacker mindset from the start

Already in junior high school, Janne was curious about how systems work beneath the surface. He spent countless hours experimenting in his home lab with whatever hardware and software he could get his hands on.

Today, cybersecurity remains both his profession and his passion.

One challenge that opened the door

Janne first heard about Nixu (now DNV Cyber) back in 2004 during his information technology studies. What ultimately opened the door, however, was the very first Nixu Challenge – today known as The Rabbit Hole.

“A friend tipped me off about it. In 2010 I solved one of the challenges, and that solution earned me a job interview. That’s how my journey with the company began,” he recalls.

Janne joined in 2010 as a Security Consultant, working with web applications and platform audits before moving deeper into penetration testing.

Growing through different roles and perspectives

In his early years, Janne worked with technical security assessments, helping customers test and strengthen their systems through both offensive and defensive cybersecurity work. He later joined the Digital Forensics and Incident Response team, where he built a deeper understanding of how operating systems work and how cyber incidents can be investigated.

As cybersecurity tools and technologies evolved, Janne found himself drawn back to hands-on technical work. Today, he works as a Lead Security Specialist, combining Red Team and Blue Team expertise to help customers understand, test, and improve their security.

Throughout these changes, Janne felt trusted to explore new areas and develop skills beyond his original role. Moving between teams gave him broader perspectives and showed him that there was room to shape his own career path.

When your expertise is recognised

Janne’s role brings together several areas of deep technical work across cybersecurity, from penetration testing, red teaming, and purple teaming to forensic analysis and reverse engineering. Alongside this hands-on technical work, he also contributes through customer training, advisory work, and internal development.

What motivates him most is the chance to work on complex targets, solve difficult problems, and keep learning. He feels especially proud when his work, tools, or insights are recognised or referenced by others. For him, that kind of acknowledgement is more meaningful than any formal award because it shows that colleagues and customers trust his expertise and value his contribution.

Challenges that shape growth

Looking back, Janne sees challenges as the biggest driver of his growth.

"I've been pushed into situations where I had to learn fast, adapt, and figure things out. Somehow, those challenges have always moved me forward. I've grown here from being green behind the ears to becoming a professional. In many ways, this company feels like home. Cybersecurity has never been just a job for me. It's been a passion for as long as I can remember."

Recognition that truly matters

Recognition doesn't need to be flashy to be meaningful. Hearing that he has helped someone succeed in a project means a lot to Janne. One particularly proud moment was receiving the Viestiristi medal in 2022, awarded in recognition of his contributions to Finland's defence and cybersecurity efforts.

After more than a decade with the company, Janne continues to value the trust, respect, and support he experiences from colleagues across the business. Whether solving complex technical challenges, helping others succeed, or sharing knowledge with customers and teammates, he knows his contribution is valued.

"At DNV Cyber, I can be myself. I don't have to pretend to be anything I'm not, even if that means being a bit quirky."

For Janne, having the freedom to be authentic while working alongside people who respect his expertise is what makes the journey worthwhile.