Female cyber leaders call for visibility & inclusion at all levels

As International Women in Cyber Day approaches, prominent female leaders in cybersecurity are using the occasion to spotlight both the progress that has been made and the challenges that remain for women striving to build careers in the sector. The day presents an opportunity to reflect on not just increased visibility, but on the tangible ways to foster more equitable and supportive environments for women at all levels of the security field.

Stephanie Aceves, Senior Director of Product Management at Tanium and a self-described proud Latina and former ethical hacker, has dedicated her career to empowering minorities in technology. For almost a decade, she has awarded an annual scholarship to support Latinas pursuing education in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM), underscoring her commitment to breaking down barriers within the industry.

"International Women in Cyber Day is a chance to celebrate progress, but also to recognise the gaps that remain," Aceves says. Pointing to recent research, she notes a marked disparity: "Globally, women now make up almost 30% of entry-level STEM roles, but only 12% of C-suite positions, according to AllianzCare. That gap is real – but it's also an opportunity."

Aceves believes the cybersecurity sector is especially ripe for addressing these imbalances due to the unique strengths diversity brings. "In cybersecurity especially, where diverse perspectives strengthen our ability to innovate and defend against threats, increasing representation isn't just the right thing to do, it's essential for progress."

Offering advice to women at the start or mid-way through their cybersecurity careers, Aceves emphasises the critical role of visibility. "My advice to women in cyber is simple: be visible. Visibility isn't self-promotion – it's leadership. By stepping onto panels, mentoring early-career talent, or sharing your story, you create a ripple effect that inspires others and makes the path clearer for those who follow."

She also points to the importance of support from leaders, not just in the form of mentorship, but through active sponsorship for high-impact assignments and leadership paths. "Leaders also play a crucial role. Mentorship matters, but true change comes when women are actively sponsored for stretch assignments, high-impact projects, and leadership opportunities. And just as cybersecurity is powered by data, so too should our approach to diversity: by studying women's real experiences, we can build environments where they thrive."

Aceves adds, "Cybersecurity thrives on curiosity, grit, and resilience. Women bring all of that and more. Our task now is to ensure they have every opportunity to lead the future of this industry."

Caroline Soo, Vice President of Customer Success for APJ at KnowBe4, echoes this commitment to fostering inclusive leadership. Soo's entry into the cyber field was motivated by a childhood desire to tackle problems and protect others - interests first sparked by reading detective stories and participating in the National Police Cadet Corps. Later, her career transition from marketing into customer success, and eventually cybersecurity, was guided by a desire for challenge and meaningful work.

"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," Soo says.

Soo's personal experience leading teams across the Asia-Pacific and Japan region highlights the positive effect that supportive working environments can have. She recalls a moment when a team member expressed a desire to continue working with her, a testament to the culture of trust and motivation Soo fosters. "Leading a team where people feel safe, supported, and motivated through change has been one of the most rewarding parts of my career."

For women considering a career in cybersecurity, Soo advises introspection and persistence. "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."

The experiences and insights shared by Aceves and Soo highlight the vital role women play in advancing the cybersecurity industry. Their stories underline the necessity of proactive visibility, strong support systems, and leadership that values gender diversity as essential for both innovation and resilience within the sector. As the global community celebrates International Women in Cyber Day, their perspectives serve as a rallying call for continued progress and meaningful change.