Industry leaders mark International Women in Cyber Day with optimism

Prominent voices from across the security sector have taken International Women in Cyber Day as a chance to reflect on both progress and persistent challenges for women forging careers in a field long typified by gender disparity.

Across the globe, more women are stepping into vital roles in cybersecurity, contributing fresh approaches to enduring issues while advocating for greater diversity and inclusion.

Caitlin Condon, Vice President of Security Research at VulnCheck, notes the remarkable transformation she has witnessed within the industry over the last decade and a half.

"I've watched participation in the security industry shift over the past 15 years, incorporating a growing number of folks with different backgrounds, skill sets, and perspectives," Condon said. "As a woman with an unconventional background in this space, I'm optimistic about the range of experiences new folks are bringing to the table and how their points of view can help us solve old problems in new ways."

Condon highlighted the fact that many longstanding challenges remain stubbornly entrenched, with issues such as vulnerability prioritisation continuing to weigh heavily on security professionals. "There are so many foundational problems we haven't yet solved - problems like vulnerability prioritisation, for instance, which has somehow managed to weigh down multiple generations of the security workforce as a pain point."

Despite these challenges, she expresses optimism in the current era of "technological innovation" and is encouraged by the increasing recognition of cybersecurity's role in daily life. "The people and technologies on the front lines of cyber threat defence today need smart, scalable solutions more urgently than ever, and while cyber still has a relatively high barrier to entry, I'm encouraged by broadening awareness of cybersecurity as a core component of everyday life at virtually every level."

Olivia Brännlund, newly appointed Chief Information Security Officer at Outpost24, describes cybersecurity as one of today's most dynamic and rewarding industries.

"It is constantly evolving, shaped by new technologies, emerging threats, and shifting regulations," Brännlund said. She acknowledged the relentless pace of change but also sees ample opportunity. "There is always something new to learn and an opportunity to make a tangible impact."

Brännlund also welcomes the positive trend of more women entering cybersecurity leadership roles, whilst noting that work remains to be done. "As a female CISO, I am also encouraged to see more women entering leadership positions across the industry, although there is still work to be done to improve representation and diversity."

Anna Collard, Senior Vice President of Content Strategy and Evangelist at KnowBe4, credits her success to a multidisciplinary and creative approach. "As someone who never quite fit into a single mould, I've found strength in being a multi-disciplined 'amateur', dabbling across art, mental health, yoga, podcasts, cartoons and - of course - cybersecurity. It's the fusion of varied interests that fuels creativity in this exciting field."

Collard shared how her unconventional journey, from sketching cartoons on the beach to developing cybersecurity training products, taught her the importance of understanding users and building authentic connections.

She says, "Diversity, from hiring across backgrounds, and ruthlessly avoiding distractions like vanity metrics, helps build stronger, more meaningful connections. When you get this balance right, you'll see a natural and progressive improvement in cyber and organisational resiliency, as people are ultimately the best line of defence against cyberthreats."

She believes that celebrating diversity, non-linear career paths, and creativity is key to building safer, more effective systems. "On International Women in Cyber Day, I celebrate the non-linear paths, the multi-passion journeys, diversity and the power of bringing heart, creativity and mindfulness into cybersecurity. Because when we do, we build safer systems that are richer, more inclusive and ultimately, far more effective."

Brooke Motta, Chief Executive and co-founder of RAD Security, describes the cybersecurity industry as an environment that can be "a tough place for women" and often "full of noise, egos, and shiny distractions".

Motta believes that passing on knowledge to support future female leaders is essential to changing the landscape. "It 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."

Collectively, these industry leaders are united in their recognition of the strides made by women in cybersecurity and the further progress still needed. Their perspectives underscore the importance of celebrating diverse talents, championing inclusion, and supporting the next generation, marking International Women in Cyber Day as not only a recognition of women's achievements but also a call to action for the continued transformation of the sector.