margaret dibor, etutekilab, web summit vancouver, helen siwak, vancouver, bc, bc business

Margaret Dibor: From Global Expertise to Transforming Cybersecurity with Etutekilab

August 16, 2025

2 Views

Margaret Dibor is a seasoned cybersecurity leader and enterprise security specialist with over 15 years of experience in information security strategy, risk management, and data privacy. She has developed and implemented defense-in-depth security strategies for organizations across multiple industries, with a focus on governance, regulatory compliance, and enabling businesses to navigate complex cyber challenges with...

Margaret Dibor is a seasoned cybersecurity leader and enterprise security specialist with over 15 years of experience in information security strategy, risk management, and data privacy. She has developed and implemented defense-in-depth security strategies for organizations across multiple industries, with a focus on governance, regulatory compliance, and enabling businesses to navigate complex cyber challenges with confidence. Her expertise extends to building robust security frameworks, guiding organizations through intricate compliance landscapes, and empowering teams to proactively manage risk.

margaret dibor, etutekilab, web summit vancouver, helen siwak, vancouver, bc, bc business

As a founder of Etutekilab and an independent consultant, Margaret provides strategic security guidance to small and medium-sized businesses, helping them scale securely in a rapidly evolving digital world. She serves as a board director for ISACA and is a member of WNorth, an organization that supports women’s leadership. Recognized among the Top 50 Mentors in cybersecurity, Margaret is celebrated for her dedication to professional development and her commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the industry.

With a professional philosophy that blends technical depth with a people-first approach, Margaret emphasizes governance, continuous learning, and cultivating a culture of risk awareness at every organizational level. Her ability to bridge technical insight with executive leadership makes her a trusted advisor to organizations across North America and Europe.

margaret dibor, etutekilab, web summit vancouver, helen siwak, vancouver, bc, bc business

BUILDING THE FUTURE

Etutekilab is a trusted cybersecurity partner specializing in solutions for small and medium businesses, offering a rare combination of technical expertise and strategic insight to help organizations scale securely and confidently in an evolving digital landscape. Founded by professionals with backgrounds in engineering, technology, and cybersecurity, the company was built on the belief that effective information security is as much about fostering trust and accountability as it is about safeguarding digital infrastructures.

Through their experiences, the founders learned that strong cybersecurity begins with leadership engagement and a deep understanding of each organization’s risk profile. To address these challenges, they developed Chatawork, a risk management platform designed to simplify complex data-related decisions, which earned recognition from the Web Summit Committee and led to their participation in the Alpha program.

Angelo Malini, one of the founders, brings more than nine years of hands-on cybersecurity experience rooted in engineering, while Margaret contributes two decades of enterprise-level information security leadership across industries, including telecom, education, and highly regulated global sectors. Together, they lead Etutekilab with a mission to deliver innovative, personalized solutions that protect digital assets, strengthen resilience, and build lasting trust through reliable cybersecurity practices.

margaret dibor, etutekilab, web summit vancouver, helen siwak, vancouver, bc, bc business

IN HER WORDS.

“I recognized my entrepreneurial spirit quite late, when I moved from Poland to the United Kingdom. However, I had always been curious, driven, and deeply involved in a number of projects. In Poland, I spent my time teaching in college and leading an IT department, but in England, I took my first steps into entrepreneurship by offering IT services. My portfolio quickly grew, and I expanded my work to include awareness sessions and training. As a service provider, I noticed a growing demand for cybersecurity expertise. This realization inspired me to pursue further education, and in 2017, I completed a master’s degree in Computer Networking and Cybersecurity. Studying opened an entirely new perspective for me and gave me the ability to participate in projects related to GDPR, which required a fresh, more comprehensive approach. That experience made me realize how much I enjoyed building solutions from the ground up and inspired me to continue pursuing entrepreneurial ventures. Since then, I have consistently sought opportunities to innovate and make a meaningful difference, whether by launching new projects, supporting others in their initiatives, or finding creative ways to solve complex problems. That initial spark continues to fuel my passion for entrepreneurship today.

Since 2017, I have worked extensively with international companies, helping clients define and implement data protection strategies and cybersecurity tools. Specializing in data privacy and risk management frameworks, I learned over time that a holistic approach is key to effective and lasting security solutions. My years of experience gave me the confidence and insight to develop unique concepts and methodologies that I applied to my projects. In 2025, I created a draft proposal for the Web Summit Alpha program, which was accepted, marking a major milestone in my entrepreneurial journey. This led Etutekilab to begin developing Chatawork, a risk management platform designed to help organizations address complex challenges in a clear, accessible, and actionable way.

My journey also brought me to Canada, where I discovered that the approach to data protection differs significantly from that of Europe. In Canada, security practices are often more control-driven and ad hoc, rather than grounded in strategic planning and risk-based frameworks. This realization inspired me to launch my own consulting firm, which soon evolved into a joint venture, allowing me to expand my vision and build meaningful partnerships. Running businesses in both the United Kingdom and Canada gave me a deeper understanding of how different environments shape entrepreneurial paths. In the United Kingdom, expertise often opened doors—my certifications, frameworks, and NHS portfolio helped me quickly build credibility. In Canada, I discovered that relationships come first. Building trust required time, patience, and persistence, and I focused on growing my network by forming partnerships and engaging in collaborative initiatives.

My first major venture, MK IT Services, was born in London. What started as a small IT consultancy quickly evolved into a full-service information security and compliance firm, serving clients such as London Metropolitan University and the NHS. The inspiration for the business came from recognizing a critical gap in how healthcare organizations, particularly GP practices, approached cybersecurity. Over time, MK IT Services became part of a nationwide NHS governance, risk, and compliance initiative, helping unify security practices across dozens of clinics. After nearly a decade of growth and impact, I stepped away—not because the business failed, but because I was ready to embrace a new challenge in a new country.

That next challenge came in the form of an ambitious fintech startup, Token. The company was navigating the intense regulatory landscape in the United Kingdom and Europe, and I joined to lead its ISO 27001 certification effort under demanding deadlines. I built Token’s internal cybersecurity function from the ground up and helped secure key partnerships with major banks. Unfortunately, geopolitical changes, particularly Brexit, significantly impacted the company’s expansion plans and forced it to pivot its strategy. For me, this became a moment to pause, reflect, and begin planning my next entrepreneurial chapter.

That chapter became Etutekilab—the culmination of everything I had learned across countries, sectors, and teams. The idea for Etutekilab grew from the realization that Canadian small and mid-sized businesses are often underserved when it comes to cybersecurity and data protection. Many of these organizations are overwhelmed, under-resourced, and unsure where to begin. My business partner and I shared a vision to change that by offering pragmatic, tailored, and accessible solutions that meet clients where they are. Etutekilab continues to grow, and our Chata platform—a tool designed to simplify risk management for small businesses—has become a central part of our mission. It combines my experience, my passion for building solutions, and my commitment to making cybersecurity approachable for all businesses.

To elevate my business, I focused on transforming years of consulting experience into structured, repeatable frameworks, which ultimately led to the creation of Chatawork. This compliance and maturity platform empowers clients to manage their risk with greater autonomy and clarity. I also shifted from operating as a “do-it-all” consultant to building a strong support system through business partnerships, team development, and involvement in peer networks like ISACA and female founder circles. Increasing visibility became a priority, so I began hosting webinars, creating educational content, and offering free consultations—not to sell, but to build trust and credibility in the Canadian market, where relationships and referrals are essential. I also aligned Etutekilab with highly regulated sectors and formed strategic partnerships with accelerators, public programs, and local business hubs. These efforts helped strengthen our foundation and positioned us for long-term growth.

My entrepreneurial journey has not been without risks or setbacks. I gave up the security of full-time roles and predictable income to build something from the ground up—twice. In both the United Kingdom and Canada, I rebuilt my network, reputation, and client base from scratch. This meant long nights, uncertain months, and wearing every hat in the business, from sales and compliance to technical delivery, with the support of a very small team. Relocating from Poland to the United Kingdom, and then again to Canada, meant letting go of stability and continually reinventing myself. Each move presented challenges, but it also allowed me to grow, adapt, and gain a deeper understanding of global perspectives on business and trust. While I know success is an evolving journey, there have been defining moments—like an unexpected opportunity to deliver cybersecurity awareness training in the United Kingdom and forming strategic partnerships in Canada—that have shaped Etutekilab’s development and my path as an entrepreneur. Now, with the launch of Chatawork and our upcoming participation in Web Summit Lisbon, I see these risks as the foundation for Etutekilab’s growth and the impact I hope to achieve.

While I have not had a single formal mentor, I have been fortunate to work with management teams who were deeply invested in my growth. Their encouragement to take on challenges, provide constructive feedback, and give me autonomy helped me build confidence, develop my skills, and shape my entrepreneurial mindset. Leading projects, making decisions, and learning from mistakes were invaluable experiences. Along the way, individuals such as Kimberly NNabue of Data for Good Vancouver and Natasha Olga Gulati of Essential Impact have also played important roles in my journey, offering guidance and inspiration when it mattered most. Today, I am surrounded by a team that shares my goals and vision, creating a strong foundation of support that drives Etutekilab forward.

margaret dibor, etutekilab, web summit vancouver, helen siwak, vancouver, bc, bc business

As my business grew, particularly during my time in the United Kingdom, my leadership style evolved significantly. In the early stages, I wore many hats, managing everything from daily operations to strategic planning. While this hands-on approach was essential at the start, I soon realized the importance of delegating and building strong, capable teams. Empowering others to take ownership of projects and creating clear structures for collaboration allowed me to focus on the bigger picture and drive our vision forward. Growth also brought challenges that required me to pause and realign with my core values, ensuring that our mission remained at the centre of every decision. Now, as I continue my entrepreneurial journey in Canada, I am drawing on these lessons—adapting to the demands of a new market while introducing a holistic approach to information security. This balance of adaptability, clear purpose, and strategic leadership continues to guide our development and impact.

My advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is to build for purpose, not just momentum. Early on, it is easy to chase every opportunity, but clarity and alignment matter more than speed. In the beginning, success was about proving I could do it—build something credible, deliver results, and be taken seriously. Today, success looks more like creating value sustainably. It is about impact—empowering small businesses to protect themselves, helping teams grow, and solving complex problems in a human way. My move from the United Kingdom to Canada taught me that relationships and reputation often outweigh credentials; success comes from consistency, curiosity, and collaboration. You also do not have to do everything yourself—ask for help, seek mentors, build systems early, and protect your well-being. Ultimately, success is not just about what I build—it is about who I serve, how I lead, and what I leave behind.

At Etutekilab, we believe that data security and compliance should be accessible, understandable, and actionable for every small and mid-sized business. For too long, these organizations have been left behind, struggling to navigate complex regulations with limited resources and little guidance. We are changing that. Through tailored consulting services for highly regulated sectors and our AI-powered platform, Chata, we give businesses the tools to self-assess, strengthen, and maintain their security and compliance. Chata is like having a virtual CISO and privacy officer in your pocket—practical, intuitive, and grounded in real-world expertise. But this is about more than services or software. It is about building a culture where security becomes a natural part of how businesses operate, enabling them to thrive without fear of digital threats. By fostering trusted partnerships, raising the standard for information security, and inspiring others to embrace resilience and innovation, we are creating lasting change. Moving into 2026, we are seeking partners, clients, and collaborators who share our commitment to empowering small and mid-sized businesses. If you believe in this mission, I invite you to join us in shaping a future where every organization has the tools, confidence, and knowledge to protect what matters most.”

Author Profile

Helen Siwak: Helen Siwak is the founder of EcoLuxLuv Marketing & Communications Inc and publisher of Folio.YVR Luxury Lifestyle Magazine and PORTFOLIOY.YVR Business & Entrepreneurs Magazine. She is a prolific content creator, consultant, and marketing and media strategist within the ecoluxury lifestyle niche. Post-pandemic, she has worked with many small to mid-sized plant-based/vegan brands to build their digital foundations and strategize content creation and business development. Helen is the west coast correspondent to Canada’s top-read industry magazine Retail-Insider, holds a vast freelance portfolio, and consults with many of the world’s luxury heritage brands. Always seeking new opportunities and challenges, you can email her at helen@ecoluxluv.com.