Westminster alumnus becomes first UK recipient of Distinguished Fellow in cyber security industry

Rajinder Singh Tumber MBE, cyber security philanthropist, alumnus and member of the Employability Advisory Board for the School of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Westminster, has been named a Distinguished Fellow in the cyber security industry by the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA). He has become the first UK recipient of this designation since the association was founded in 1984.

Reserved for only the top one per cent of the ISSA membership, this designation recognises extraordinary leadership, influence, innovation and lifetime contributions to the cyber security profession and the global ISSA community.

Rajinder has built a career spanning more than a decade, leading cyber security teams and initiatives across major organisations including Sky and EY-Parthenon, where he worked on governance, risk, mergers and acquisitions and security strategy across large-scale digital environments. He also holds a degree in Information Security MSc and a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) certification - one of the most respected credentials in the cyber security field.

Alongside his industry work, he is committed to philanthropic work within cyber security. Through House of Tumber, he focuses on mentoring, speaking and supporting the development of future cyber professionals. He also serves at the Worshipful Company of International Bankers, reflecting his engagement with the wider financial and professional services community, and is a judge for multiple industry awarding bodies, including The National Cyber Awards.

He has worked on projects for a variety of places, including the Cabinet Office, the Home Office, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Heathrow Airport, TalkTalk, E.ON, Eversheds, Prudential Group and British Telecom, has written extensively on cyber security, with articles published in outlets including Forbes, and also founded the Women's History Month series The Voice.

In 2021, Rajinder was named a finalist for the Westminster Alumni Awards in the Outstanding Achievement category and was awarded an MBE for his services to cyber security, recognising his philanthropic contributions to the sector and his commitment to advancing cyber resilience.

His continued involvement with Westminster as a member of the Employability Advisory Board strengthens the University's industry connections and supports students who are preparing for careers in cyber security and technology.

About this recognition, Rajinder Singh Tumber MBE said: "After graduating, I struggled to break into cyber security and faced almost a year of job rejections. My career has been a roller coaster, including nearly dying from meningitis, an experience that completely shifted my perception of reality. I began focusing on strategic thinking and making an impact across the industry rather than within any single organisation.

"That mindset eventually led to my work being published, invitations to meet international government ministers, speaking in the House of Lords, breaking a world record for writing the world's longest poem - Divine Verse - and later being awarded an MBE by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. With continued effort, I've had the opportunity to meet my idols - Al Pacino and Mike Tyson.

"Now, I'm honoured to become the first ISSA Distinguished Fellow from the UK. My journey is far from over. I hope more students from the University of Westminster will go on to make great strides in their careers and further elevate our University's reputation."

Rajinder's achievements directly contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 4: Quality Education and 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.

Learn more about Computer Science and Engineering courses at the University of Westminster.

• Share on Facebook
• Share on LinkedIn