The Industry Speaks: International Women in Cyber Day

But I’ve also seen the difference when women are trusted to lead. They deliver results and bring new perspectives that strengthen how teams approach problems. Progress is happening as more women step into leadership roles and mentor others, but we need to go further.

Organisations must take real action such as creating fair promotion paths, sponsoring women into decision-making roles, and ensuring their voices are visible at conferences, in research, and within leadership seats. Cyber security is about resilience. Resilience comes from diversity. Empowering women isn’t just inclusion – it’s a strategy for a stronger, more secure industry.”

Isabel Castillo
Lead Information Security Engineer at Lastwall

A study performed by the University of Illinois, NYU, and Princeton University showed that by age six, girls are more likely to think boys can be ‘“brilliant” and are “really, really smart” – a stereotype that continues to be fueled by media, compliments, and marketing. You don’t have to look further than animation geared toward children: the predominant message emphasises girls' looks and boys' capabilities. What this means in terms of cyber security is that unless we change that message from a young age, we will continue to see a gender discrepancy in talent pipelines, during meetings, in leadership positions, and at the board level.

To see meaningful change, we must begin sending the message to girls that they are incredibly intelligent, smart, and equally capable of performing complex tasks. And this must start early – the education system can benefit from highlighting women’s accomplishments in all fields and introducing kid-friendly engineering toys from a young age. Cyber security could be gamified in an inclusive way for both girls and boys, with compliments to girls reframed as, “You are incredibly talented; your intellect is growing with more practice.” Animation can portray geeky, techy heroines who are celebrated for their determination, resilience, diligence, and tech-savviness. I firmly believe that once the message for kids is broadened to include all possibilities – and we consistently give girls these types of encouraging affirmations – we will see more women rise to board positions.

Christine Low
Head of Observability, APAC, at Splunk

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As someone who didn’t start out in cybersecurity but found my way into it, my biggest piece of advice for women aspiring to enter the field is: don’t wait until you feel 100 per cent ready. Cyber security is constantly evolving, and no one ever feels like they know it all. What matters is curiosity, persistence, and the willingness to keep learning.

The good news is the industry is opening in new ways. Our latest research highlights how emerging roles like detection engineering, DevSecOps and compliance management are redefining what the future of security looks like. This means there are now many different pathways into the field and not all require a traditional technical background to get started.
For anyone starting out, the key is to focus on the fundamentals, whether that’s through formal study, certifications, or free online resources. Pair that with hands-on practice: contribute to open-source projects or volunteer your skills in community settings. Practical experience is just as valuable as theory.

It’s also important to build a network. Seek out mentors, join women-in-cyber communities, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. The industry can seem intimidating, but you’ll find people are very willing to help if you show genuine interest.

Finally, bring your whole self to the role. Cyber security benefits from diversity of thought, and your perspective is an asset. Whether you have a background in IT, law, psychology, or something entirely different, those skills can give you an edge in understanding threats and solving problems in new ways.

Sonia Eland
Executive Vice President and Country Manager, Australia and New Zealand, at HCLTech

International Women in Cyber Day is both a celebration and a reminder of the work still ahead. Women remain underrepresented in cyber security and technology, yet their perspectives are critical to building resilient, ethical, and inclusive digital systems.

As cyber threats become ever more sophisticated and artificial intelligence is woven into every facet of technology, the inclusion of diverse voices at the decision-making table is vital.
At HCLTech, we are supporting clients across various industries to deliver AI-powered, security-first solutions: from regulatory compliance platforms in pharmaceuticals, to intelligent trade surveillance in financial services, to vision-AI safety systems within manufacturing and ports.

AI models require training, and by prioritising diversity, we enhance these models’ capacity to understand and address the needs of everyone, helping to avoid harmful biases and resulting in technology that is more trustworthy and socially responsible.

However, technology alone isn’t sufficient. Clear principles must guide the use of AI and data. This is why we have established our Office of Responsible AI and Governance – a dedicated team focused on ensuring our solutions remain safe, ethical, and respectful of privacy.

As a woman in tech, I’m passionate about mentoring the next generation of cyber leaders. When more women have the opportunity to shape the future of technology, we strengthen our industries and create a safer, smarter digital world for everyone.

Cynthia Tee
CTO at Smartsheet 

International Women in Cyber Day is more than just a celebration. It’s a call to action to keep promoting diversity and inclusion in a vital sector that shapes our future. Cyber security and technology departments flourish when they reflect the diversity of the people they serve. Throughout my career, I’ve intentionally set the foundation for inclusive environments where women and other underrepresented groups can overcome any barriers and put them on a path to success.

At Smartsheet, I’m proud to lead a team that values openness and healthy debate. We believe that diversity boosts creativity and resilience, which are key qualities needed to navigate the complex world of modern technology and make a positive business and community impact. By encouraging a culture of learning, collaboration, and empowerment, we can help our teams and customers succeed in an increasingly digital and connected world.

We must keep opening doors, mentoring future leaders, and challenging the status quo to build a technology workforce that is truly representative, fair, and ready to face tomorrow’s challenges with confidence and creativity.

Mandy Andress
Chief Information Security Officer at Elastic

Australia’s cyber security threat landscape is becoming increasingly complex due to evolving threats and AI-driven malware, leading to rising data breaches and mounting pressure on critical infrastructure. Despite these challenges, cyber security teams continue to face skills and talent shortages.

Contrary to popular belief, practitioners need not have a technical background. To bridge this talent gap, organisations should seek candidates from diverse backgrounds who can bring a range of skills, including creativity and problem-solving, to their cyber security teams.

Despite the growing need for diversity, women remain underrepresented in cybersecurity roles. This isn’t just a representation issue; it’s a strategic gap.

To change that, it is essential to redefine what qualifies someone for these roles, focusing on attributes such as curiosity, adaptability and critical thinking, rather than past experience or certain qualifications.

At Elastic, we’re actively building more inclusive pathways by partnering with local universities and community colleges, welcoming career changers, and working with recruiters who prioritise diverse candidates.

International Women in Cyber Day serves as a reminder of the value that diversity brings to teams, leading to stronger and more resilient cybersecurity efforts. Having a diverse team with more women practitioners leverages different experiences and viewpoints to ensure that organisations are better equipped to deal with the shifting cyber security landscape.

Praniti Lakhwara
Chief Information Officer at Zscaler

I often describe myself as an ‘accidental CIO’. I originally set out to become a pilot, but along the way discovered my passion for engineering and problem-solving. That journey introduced me to coding and eventually led me into technology leadership, where I found the same adrenaline and purpose in solving complex business challenges.

Today, as CIO at Zscaler and as a woman in tech – specifically in cyber security, I lead global IT with a focus on secure, scalable innovation. We sit at the intersection of strategy, systems and user experience, with a unique opportunity to drive measurable outcomes around productivity, security, and growth.

Representation matters. That’s why I’m committed to mentoring and building inclusive teams that reflect the diversity of our global workforce. The future of cyber security depends on diverse thinking, and women bring critical perspectives to the table, especially in areas like risk assessment, policy, and user-centric design.

My own leadership values are rooted in curiosity, integrity, and purpose. I believe in creating a culture where women can lead authentically, balance ambition with flexibility, and have clear pathways to grow. On International Women in Cyber Day, I hope we continue to spotlight those stories and invest in the next generation of women who will lead the future of cyber security.

Monica Landen
CISO at Diligent

As a woman and a Chief Information Security Officer, I’ve seen firsthand the power of diversity in defending against today’s most complex threats. Cyber security isn’t just about firewalls and encryption: it’s about people, perspective, and problem solving. The more diverse our teams, the stronger our defences.

Women bring fresh viewpoints, collaborative approaches and resilience to the table. Yet, despite making up nearly half of the global workforce, we still account for a much smaller fraction of cyber security professionals. This imbalance is more than a missed opportunity; it’s a vulnerability.

Diverse teams don’t just generate better ideas; they challenge assumptions and uncover blind spots. In a field where attackers constantly innovate, we can’t afford a one-dimensional perspective. Inclusion isn’t a nice-to-have; it is mission-critical.

On International Women in Cyber Day, I call on leaders across the industry to do more than celebrate. Mentor, sponsor, and create pathways for women to thrive in cyber security. Let’s break the stereotypes, open doors, and build a future where talent (not gender) defines success.

Cyber security is for everyone. And our world will be safer when everyone is at the table.

Barsha Karki
Manager, Solutions Engineering – ANZ, at CyberArk

My top recommendation to women considering a career in cyber security is simple: just start. You don’t need to have a traditional tech background or to be an expert to belong – what matters most is your curiosity, your willingness to learn, and your unique perspective. Cybersecurity is a diverse field that thrives on a wide range of skills, from engineering and data analysis to risk management, communications, legal and policy. You won’t have all the answers on day one (none of us did), but asking good questions and building a strong support network will make all the difference. Your skills and experiences – whether technical or not – will add value and help you approach problems in ways others might not see.

From an industry perspective, we need to do more to showcase the full spectrum of roles available and highlight the many pathways into the industry, not just traditional technical routes. Just as importantly, we also need to keep creating inclusive spaces where women feel supported, seen, and empowered to grow into leadership. Mentorship, sponsorship, and representation make a huge difference. Women bring powerful strengths to cyber security – from analytical thinking to empathy, communication, and resilience – all of which are essential in a field where human behaviour, trust, and collaboration are just as important as technical precision. Most importantly, women bring diverse perspectives, and that diversity is crucial to challenge assumptions and design better, more secure systems for everyone.

April Lenhard
Principal Product Manager, Cyber Threat Intelligence, at Qualys

Encouraging more women to join cyber security starts with fostering a culture where mentorship, growth, and professional development are all clearly prioritised. A rising tide raises all ships. When women see an environment that will invest in their success and provide opportunities to advance, they can more easily envision themselves in this field.

For those considering a career in cyber security, my advice is to actively seek out mentors who not only have expertise, but who also reflect your own values and mission. Surrounding yourself with people who embody integrity and high performance creates a support system that pushes you to grow – never settle for anything less than your own standard of excellence. Curiosity is also a learned success strategy – some of my most exciting discoveries have happened by stepping out of my own comfort zone and exploring areas far from my own expertise. If there’s an aspect of a job that you love or that excites you, find a way to incorporate that into your daily operations and become known for excelling at it.

Ultimately, diversity of thought makes us stronger. It leads to stronger risk assessments, more practical solutions and defences that better reflect how people and organisations actually operate. In a field where adversaries thrive on innovation, embracing the widest range of unique perspectives is a competitive advantage – and one we need to capitalise on for continued success.

Caroline Soo
Vice President Customer Success, APJm at KnowBe4

Women are making an impact. Research continues to show that women in leadership roles deliver real business value and play a critical role in driving progress, even as systemic barriers persist. That insight reinforces what many of us already know instinctively. Representation matters, and the contributions women bring to the table are driving real results.

For me, cyber security has always carried a sense of purpose. As a child, I read Nancy Drew and The Famous Five, stories that fed my curiosity about problem-solving and protecting others. I joined the National Police Cadet Corps for four years and always envisioned myself working toward something bigger than myself. I started my career in marketing and transitioned to customer success in 2012, where I developed a strong foundation in understanding people. When the opportunity came to shift into cyber security, it felt like a return to that childhood vision.

One of the moments that has stayed with me was hearing a team member say she hoped we could continue working together for as long as possible. Leading a team where people feel safe, supported, and motivated through change has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career.

To any woman thinking about cyber security, my advice is simple. Know your strengths. Focus on what keeps you engaged. Define what success looks like for you. For me, it meant aligning my work with a long-held passion. It has not always been easy with biases existing, but with persistence and self-awareness, it is absolutely possible to build a fulfilling career in this space.

Chatrine Åkerström
Commercial Product Manager at ITRS

While there are many barriers – bias in hiring, underrepresentation in leadership, and workplace culture, these all contribute to a system where women often face slower career advancement and fewer opportunities to progress. Women frequently take on both visible and invisible workloads at work and at home. Beyond caregiving responsibilities, women often carry the ‘mental load’ of organising, planning, and ensuring things run smoothly, both in their personal lives and professional environments.

In the workplace, this often translates into women disproportionately handling administrative tasks, team coordination, and what is sometimes referred to as ‘glue work’. These responsibilities, while essential to a company’s success, are not always recognised or rewarded in ways that lead to promotions or career progression. As a result, many women find themselves contributing significantly without the same opportunities for advancement as their male peers. The real challenge is not just about balancing workloads – it’s about shifting the underlying structures and mindsets that assume women should naturally take on these roles.

In many countries, affordable and accessible childcare remains a significant barrier to women advancing in their careers. I’m fortunate to be in a country where returning to work after having children is the norm, but that’s not the case everywhere. This kind of structural support is key to ensuring equal opportunities for women in the workforce.

Brooke Motta
CEO & co-founder of RAD Security

The cyber security industry can be a tough place for women, and it's full of noise, egos, and shiny distractions. I believe in passing on knowledge to the next generation of female leadership.

That means you start by finding people you respect, and learn from how they operate as well as what they say. Then you turn around to be that person for someone else. It's the only way to drive ourselves forward in a field that is too often male-dominated.