Author: Charley Nash

Organised by Eskenzi PR in media partnership with the IT Security Guru, the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards aim to shed light on the remarkable women in our industry. The following is a feature on this year’s winner of the Paula Brici Cyber Marketeer of the Year Award, which was presented to Laura Reilly for her exceptional work in cybersecurity marketing. It is the first time this award has been given out at the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber.

Nominees for the award were:

  • Susie Evershed – Corporate Communications Consultant at Secureworks
  • Korina Kennedy – VP of Communications and Brand at Centripetal
  • Anne Cutler – Director of Global Communications at Keeper Security
  • Laura Reilly – Head of Digital Marketing at LT Harper
  • Charlie Rhodes – VP of Marketing at Searchlight Security
  • Lottie MacCallum – Head of Marketing at Trident Search
  • Angela Whiteford – Chief Marketing Officer of Corvus Insurance
  • Bruna Rodrigues – Senior Events Marketing Executive, Nineteen Group – International Cyber Expo
  • Antoinette Varley – Senior Regional Marketing Manager at Dragos Inc.
  • Maria Graham – Director of Sales at Nuspire
  • Becca Harper – Head of Content at ISMS.Online

Presented in a Q&A format, the nominee’s answers are written in their own words with minor edits made by the editor for readability and where relevant, supplemented with additional commentary by their nominator.

In 2024, the awards were sponsored by BT, Think Cybersecurity Ltd. and Plexal, with Eskenzi PR, Assured and Women in Cybersecurity UK & Ireland Affiliate as partners.

What does your job role entail?

I’m super excited to have just started my new role in heading up Cyro Cyber’s Marketing department! The purpose of my role is to enhance brand awareness and affinity, and enable the insanely talented cyber professionals in Cyro to safeguard businesses and individuals across the U.K.

I love my role because no day is ever the same, and I get to work on such a broad range of projects. Anything from developing the marketing strategy, crafting the brand story, creating educational content, planning webinars, hosting events, attending/exhibiting at cyber expos, collaborating with industry partnerships… the list is truly endless!

My two biggest motivators are being creative and being collaborative (especially with the wider cyber community!), so getting to do a role that allows me to do both of these things on a daily basis truly makes my heart sing. It allows me to actually believe in the work I do, and it gives my life so much meaning.

How did you get into the cybersecurity industry?

Quite by accident! As a Humanities focused student (one who didn’t enjoy IT/sciencey subjects), cyber was never a consideration of where I might end up. I had many ideas over the years: an author, actress, teacher, journalist, and eventually, marketing – but even then, I was hoping to market within the film/TV/literature space!

I studied English Literature and Creative Writing at university and undertook a Professional Training Year, where I searched for marketing roles. However, COVID hit, hiring freezes happened, and I was an English student with no experience, in competition with thousands of business students…

After 10 months of applications and 50+ rejections, LT Harper, a cyber security recruitment agency, took a chance on me. I’ll be honest – although I was so grateful to have a job, I was, at first, a little disheartened that the inception of my career wasn’t what I expected. Cyber wasn’t part of my plan. What did I know about it? How would I ever do this job? I decided to give it a go, and planned to try again with the industries I thought I wanted after graduation. But it wasn’t meant to be! I worked in cyber at LT Harper for almost 4 years, and somewhere around the 3 year mark, I realised that this was truly where I belonged, for two reasons:

  • The first, your work truly matters in cyber. Professionals are literally saving the world and it’s humbling to be working alongside them, and to feel that your work is adding genuine value.
  • The second, and most importantly, were the people. I had the pleasure of working with some of the most inspiring, talented, kind, hardworking people I could ever hope to meet. There was no way I was leaving an industry full of such role models!
What is one of the biggest challenges you have faced as a woman in the tech/cyber industry and how did you overcome it?

Like many women in the industry, I’ve struggled with imposter syndrome. I constantly feel like I don’t deserve the praise and success I’ve had and I’m very much waiting for the day that I’m exposed as a fraud! When I saw my name on the screen for this award, I didn’t move for a good few seconds. “There’s no way”, I thought – “there’s absolutely no way.”

There was a specific point in time that my work on the InClusive inCyber events started picking up traction, and the praise and positive feedback suddenly picked up too. It was 100% the best scenario I could’ve asked for, but it was also overwhelming because I found it very difficult to see the truth in what people were saying. “They’re just being polite” or “they don’t really understand what I do” were two reasons I often used (and still do!) use to explain praise away, which is so detrimental for self confidence, assurance and decision making.

How I mitigate this though, is by leaning on trusted friends and allies in the industry, who are able to see an objective view of my skills and capabilities. People I’ve worked with, alongside, or in collaboration with – people qualified to make a judgement. If the feedback is all consistent (which it usually is), why should I not believe it? They believe in me, so I should believe in me too.

The other thing is to document these things – the praise people give you, positive feedback, metrics, stats, etc. Have them ready for the days that you’re lacking confidence; ready to refer back to. Sometimes, all you need is a reminder!

What are you doing to support other women, and/or to increase diversity, in the tech/cyber industry?

I’m one of the leaders of the InClusive inCyber initiative, hosted by LT Harper. Throughout my time with them, myself and Kunjal Tanna were constantly looking for ways to add value to DEI initiatives in cyber. We first tried a mentorship platform which didn’t quite take off. I then had the idea to relaunch and repurpose the initiative into a physical community.

InClusive inCyber is a community of 300+ women in cyber. Every quarter, we host networking breakfasts in London and Manchester. They’re designed to provide a safe, supportive space for women to share their stories, successes and challenges, and for them to meet allies and lifelong friends. The events help to bolster attendee’s confidence, helping them realise that there’s no limit to what they can achieve in cyber and lessen the talent gap.

I’m passionate about fostering an actual community. Networking events are great, but sometimes they can feel impersonal. I’ve been dedicated to making sure that’s not the case with ICIC. Whenever someone new is referred to me, I’ll do my best to hop on a call to introduce myself, or try to introduce them to others in the community, so they know someone there and don’t feel that they’re entering an event alone.

The events are inclusive spaces to hear other women’s journeys and get inspired. They can take their advice and learnings, and apply it to their own goals and careers. There’s a strong sense of community, so networking is generally easygoing. I know that people have found jobs through the relationships they’ve built at the events, and the same with mentors/mentees that we’ve connected together.

Being part of ICIC has been not only the highlight of my career, but of my life. I’m so excited to continue being involved and keep making a difference!

What is one piece of advice you would give to girls/women looking to enter the cybersecurity industry?

Get networking! The cyber industry is actually quite small, and it’s extremely tight knit… everyone knows everyone! The best part is, everyone is genuinely so lovely. They’re always willing to help, offer advice, and are so happy for one another when someone succeeds. It’s the most uplifting experience and is great for confidence building, as well as exposure to opportunities you may not otherwise have access to.

It can be terrifying to network, but I promise, most people are more than happy to chat if you reach out to them on LinkedIn. Don’t message them with an impersonal and corporate sounding message, it’s hard to build rapport and a relationship with anyone this way. Introduce yourself, maybe see if you’ve got anything in common with them from their LinkedIn profiles, and just be yourself – there’s no one better!

The post #MIWIC24 Cyber Marketeer of the Year: Laura Reilly first appeared on IT Security Guru.

The post #MIWIC24 Cyber Marketeer of the Year: Laura Reilly appeared first on IT Security Guru.

Popular wellbeing and productivity platform The Zensory have partnered with renowned speaker Holly Foxcroft, Head of Neurodiversity in Cyber Research and Consulting at Stott and May, and NeuroCyber, the organisation dedicated to growing neurodiversity in the cyber sector through inclusive practices, to form the inaugural Inclusive Cyber Space at this year’s UK Cyber Week, held at Olympia London on April 17th-18th. 

The cybersecurity industry faces a double threat: a vast skills gap and a looming burnout crisis. Inclusion and diversity are not just buzzwords – they’re critical solutions. Building a talent pool with varied experiences and backgrounds is a superpower against ever-evolving cyber threats. Furthermore, fostering a truly inclusive environment requires a strong community, not isolated efforts. By working together, we can create a sustainable industry that attracts and retains top talent, driving innovation and ultimately a more secure world.

The Inclusive Cyber Space will bring the cybersecurity community together through a programme of talks and panels centred around wellbeing, diversity and the future of work. Informed by some of the industry’s leading diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) experts, including Anna Collard, SVP of Content Strategy and Evangelist, Africa, at KnowBe4, Tony Richards, Edward Tucker, Glory Okwata from Cyblack, and Mike Spain, Founder and CEO of NeuroCyber. 

These industry titans have curated an impressive programme of sessions where visitors can learn ways to put inclusivity in action at work and beyond, going far further than just words. 

Steph Aldridge, Director at NeuroCyber, said: “Awareness campaigns is where you start and acceptance means you have built a network internally that staff feel comfortable enough to be part of; but if you don’t want that network to fade, being fully engaged means inclusion is built into your company strategy, and that takes leadership buy in. If you want to see leadership delivering awareness, sharing acceptance, and showcasing what it takes “to do more” then attend The Inclusive Cyber Space,next week. We hope that you know, we built this dedicated space for all of you.”

Holly Foxcroft, Head of Neurodiversity in Cyber Research and Consulting at Stott and May, said: “Sometimes diversity and inclusion topics can become echo chamber discussions, we wanted to create this space to give people clear guidance and action points. There is a topic for EVERYONE, and I beg you to attend a talk that you are unfamiliar with. Cyber security is diverse by nature, therefore we need a diverse workforce – but learn how to support them.” 

Jasmine Eskenzi, CEO and Co-Founder of The Zensory, said: “We’re excited to bring this space to life with such esteemed, established, and inspirational industry figures. Inclusion in cybersecurity is more important than ever, but we have to go beyond words. The Inclusive Cyber Space aims to make DE&I efforts accessible – and actionable – for all organisations in the industry.”

Members of The Zensory’s senior team, alongside representatives from NeuroCyber, Stott and May and Telefonica Tech, will be on hand throughout the two-day event to discuss DE&I and wellbeing in cyber in more detail. 

The post The Zensory Partners with UK Cyber Week to Showcase Importance of Inclusivity With ‘The Inclusive Cyber Space’ first appeared on IT Security Guru.

The post The Zensory Partners with UK Cyber Week to Showcase Importance of Inclusivity With ‘The Inclusive Cyber Space’ appeared first on IT Security Guru.

Organised by Eskenzi PR in media partnership with the IT Security Guru, the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards aim to shed light on the remarkable women in our industry. The following is a feature on one of 2024’s Top 20 women selected by an esteemed panel of judges. Presented in a Q&A format, the nominee’s answers are written in their own words with minor edits made by the editor for readability and where relevant, supplemented with additional commentary by their nominator.

In 2024, the awards were sponsored by BT, Think Cybersecurity Ltd. and Plexal, with Eskenzi PR, Assured and Women in Cybersecurity UK & Ireland Affiliate as partners.

What does your job role entail?

Overall I consider myself a community specialist when it comes to cyber security. I have quite a few additional roles on top of being the founder of WiTCH, but they all have the theme of bringing cybersecurity professionals together to make the industry a better place, especially from a cultural point of view.

I founded WiTCH not only to create a safe space for women who were looking to join industry but also to help the women who were currently working in industry. Our focus is about support and working together to make actionable changes to inclusivity in and around tech.

As a founder of a small company, especially as a not-for-profit, I do it all, from Project Manager to fundraising and partner management. My favourite part of my job though is the events and community engagement. Being able to bring people together and get them talking is magical for me, and the amount of variety that I get from event to event means no two events are exactly the same. I really wouldn’t have it any other way.

How did you get into the cybersecurity industry?

I have always been a hobbyist when it comes to cyber security, and I actually met my partner of 10 years at DEFCON. However, I never really thought I would work in the industry. I have always had a passion for the social aspect—such as social engineering—but personally never thought I would work in cybersecurity as I often deem myself non-technical.

After working in finance and pensions, mostly in administrative roles, I decided to become an independent financial advisor during lockdown. Turns out that was definitely not a good fit and after going through most of the exams started looking for something else.

My partner was actually the one who suggest I apply for a job at a cyber security innovation space and I started working with them to give business guidance to small businesses. During that time I loved talking to people and companies who used the space from the challenges start-ups were facing to the challenges of the people working in industry especially other women. This led me first to re-create BSides Cheltenham, a conference on its third year and has grown from 200 people to 500 and then creating WiTCH or the Women in Tech and Cyber Hub.

I still won’t say I am technical, however I do say I am just technical enough to break things. I have found myspace owning my entrepreneurial and operational side to help change cyber security for the better.

What is one of the biggest challenges you have faced as a woman in the tech/cyber industry and how did you overcome it?

Owning my space, especially as I do not have a degree or qualification and joining the sector later, I am often my own worst enemy. I don’t think I will ever overcome my imposter syndrome, however there are three things that have definitely helped me work through it –

1. Understanding that if I don’t take the space someone else will. I used to get really upset about being invited to speak just because I was a woman, however I realised that it is an opportunity for me to own that space, make sure I am heard.

2. Realising a lot of what creates imposter syndrome is systematic and I can work on changing that. Whether is creating hyper-completive work environments for women because there is a perceived notion that historically there has only ever been 1 out of 6 c level positions filled by a woman, or internalising that happens when girls can’t code or aren’t good at math because that is what we heard during our formative years is a systematic problem not a personal problem.

3. Finally, is a conversation I will never forget. I was talking to someone who I am now really close with, who was saying how much they looked up to me and what great work I was doing (paraphrased obviously) and me down playing it and saying it wasn’t anything and that I wasn’t doing anything special. She looked at me and said, I know that’s not how you see yourself, but when you diminish what you are doing how do you think that makes those who are looking at you as an example feel. You are calling them a liar, which has really stuck with me.

What are you doing to support other women, and/or to increase diversity, in the tech/cyber industry?

I have obviously created WiTCH with the sole purpose of supporting women, we have monthly meetups, mentorship programs and really working hard to expand knowledge sharing.

The one thing that I try to do is put diversity at the forefront of my other jobs as well. As community manager for Bristol and Bath Cyber, I was lucky enough to run my first trial of program called Confidently Cyber which was a free two day workshop to help women feel more comfortable with public speaking and increase the number of role models what are out speaking in cyber security. I also work closely with Cyber First as part of this role and looking how I can promote opportunities for girls at a younger age to engage with the ecosystem.

I am also a neurodiversity champion, working to raise awareness of neurodiversity, and more importantly how to support those who are neurodiverse in cyber security. Whether that is through public speaking or a partnership with Inclusive Change to provide Neurodiversity Workshops to cyber security companies.

What is one piece of advice you would give to girls/women looking to enter the cybersecurity industry?

Embrace your curiosity! I always say that I could teach any one the technical aspects of cyber security, but I can’t teach is the innate curiosity that creates passion for cyber security. Whether it keeps you continuously learning about new exploits orthe motivation to finding that vulnerablility after running into metaphorical wall 50 times curiousity is fundemental for cyber security. Not just for the technical either, from a non-technical aspect being curious can find new and innovative ways to get engagement for cyber security training or more effective ways for client management.

The post #MIWIC2024: Illyana Mullins, Founder of WiTCH (Women in Tech and Cyber Hub CIC) first appeared on IT Security Guru.

The post #MIWIC2024: Illyana Mullins, Founder of WiTCH (Women in Tech and Cyber Hub CIC) appeared first on IT Security Guru.

Today, Keeper Security have announced the introduction of Time-Limited Access and Self-Destructing Records, boosting secure access management for businesses. These features address the growing need for robust data protection in today’s fast-paced environment.

Enhanced Security and Compliance

Time-limited access and self-destructing records automatically remove permissions after a set timeframe, minimizing the risk of privilege escalation and unauthorized access. This stricter control simplifies compliance with regulations like SOX, PCI DSS, and HIPAA.

Streamlined Credential Sharing:

Time-Limited Access allows for people to share any record in your vault, including passwords, files, or payment details, for a predefined duration. Access is automatically revoked upon expiry, eliminating manual intervention.

Self-Destructing Records means that shared records are automatically deleted after the recipient views them or after a set time, whichever comes first. This ensures sensitive information like onboarding credentials are only accessible for a brief period.

Benefits for Businesses

For businesses, these tools aim to reduce risk and mitigate the risk of compromised credentials and data breaches by granting temporary access. They also aim to improve efficiency and automate access control and record deletion for a more streamlined workflow.

These new features also aim to aid and maintain compliance with industry regulations by ensuring granular control over access permissions.

These innovative features solidify Keeper Security’s position at the forefront of data security solutions. By offering encrypted record sharing and stricter access controls, Keeper empowers businesses to significantly reduce their attack surface and safeguard sensitive information.

The post Keeper Security Tightens Access Control with New Features first appeared on IT Security Guru.

The post Keeper Security Tightens Access Control with New Features appeared first on IT Security Guru.

Organised by Eskenzi PR in media partnership with the IT Security Guru, the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards aim to shed light on the remarkable women in our industry. The following is a feature on one of 2024’s Top 20 women selected by an esteemed panel of judges. Presented in a Q&A format, the nominee’s answers are written in their own words with minor edits made by the editor for readability and where relevant, supplemented with additional commentary by their nominator.

In 2024, the awards were sponsored by BT, Think Cybersecurity Ltd. and Plexal, with Eskenzi PR, Assured and Women in Cybersecurity UK & Ireland Affiliate as partners.

What does your job role entail?

Currently, I am a Senior Staff Security Engineer at Google. As the tech lead for cryptography in our Trusted Infrastructure Services group at Google Cloud, I work on things like identifying strategic security choices we can make to improve systems at scale, proposing new engineering designs for new or existing products, designing or optimizing secure implementations of cryptography on planet-scale distributed systems, driving technical consensus on critical engineering decisions, mentoring the tech leads of specific subfields, or serving as the technical expert on security and cryptography within my team, so that the other amazing engineers that I work with can seek out my advice to help strengthen their own work. I also get to do things like advise customer CISOs on how to defend against advanced adversaries, work on global technology standards, and lead large, cross-organizational projects like the GCP migration to post-quantum cryptography. I like that as a relatively senior engineer, I get to influence the technical direction of broad areas of Google, but that my work can still have considerable technical depth. I managed large teams for several years before joining Google which was very fulfilling, but stepping into a purely technical individual contributor role has been an exciting change of pace where I can deeply focus on technical excellence and interesting problems.

How did you get into the cybersecurity industry?

I originally wanted to study neuroscience and piano performance. During my first-year Intro to Computer Science class, I was introduced to computational complexity theory by one of my professors. I was so captivated by the profound questions in theoretical computer science that it changed my entire career trajectory. I ended up receiving a bachelor’s degree in artificial intelligence, followed by a master’s degree in engineering. After that I pursued a PhD in mathematics/computer science (unfinished), where I focussed on quantum computing and cryptography, bringing me right back to those deep questions about what is efficiently computable, applying this now to how this differs in a quantum setting, and how it affects the privacy and security of information. While attending my first major industry conference, I met the CISO of a large bank and we had an amazing conversation about the unique technical challenges in cryptography and security in the financial sector. He created an interesting role for me an I made the leap to full-time private sector work in cybersecurity and have never looked back.

What is one of the biggest challenges you have faced as a woman in the tech/cyber industry and how did you overcome it?

I think that one of the biggest challenges women face in this industry is sometimes not being as respected or taken as seriously as our male peers, and not being truly seen for who we are and what we have achieved. Internally, overcoming it means remembering that if when I meet someone new, they initially assume that I am nontechnical or junior in my field, it generally isn’t a reflection of my abilities – rather, it is a reflection of their biases, or the fact that they simply haven’t gotten to know me yet. Externally, overcoming it involves establishing credibility early and choosing to only invest my time and energy in meritocratic spaces where my contributions are valued and I have the opportunity to use my skills to do something truly amazing. After all, we are all here on Earth for just a brief flicker of time… why waste it?

What are you doing to support other women, and/or to increase diversity, in the tech/cyber industry?

I am the quiet champion who advocates for people in the rooms that they aren’t in, eagerly gives credit where due, enjoys bringing along junior folks to be a part of interesting opportunities they’d otherwise not have access to, broadens hiring decisions to seriously consider non-traditional, underrepresented, or otherwise underestimated candidates, and pays careful attention to those who might be getting overlooked or may otherwise need support. I have also mentored dozens of high-potential researchers and engineers over the last several years, many of whom are women or are otherwise underrepresented and have gone on to make incredible contributions to our industry. As a leader, I strive to build organizations where mutual respect is table stakes, beginners are welcome to contribute and learn, diverse backgrounds and ideas are well understood to be an asset, and growth, intellectual risk-taking, and excellence are regularly celebrated, while rockstar-ism and toxic elitism are not. I also like doing things like hosting technical workshops to help underrepresented people begin to do security research, participating in outreach events to people of all ages and skill levels, and volunteering my time to work with scholarship students, and with non-profit groups doing privacy/security in the public interest. Ultimately, it’s about building a culture of respect for one another so that everyone can thrive and do their best work, and about giving people the opportunities and encouragement they need. One of the most powerful things we can do is believe in others when they can’t quite yet believe in themselves.

What is one piece of advice you would give to girls/women looking to enter the cybersecurity industry?

Choose to get excited about what you don’t know, rather than letting it intimidate you. Read books, technical advisories, research papers, codebases, and blog posts about topics you don’t understand but find interesting. Write down what you need to learn more about, and keep digging until you understand it. You can take this at your own pace. It’s totally okay to sit at Black Hat and not fully understand what the researcher is saying – after all, it’s their area of expertise, not yours! Just try to learn something from every experience, and over time this knowledge will grow and you’ll start to see how the pieces all fit together. Computer science and information security have profound philosophical questions, fascinating real-world attacks and defenses, and critical societal implications. Let passion and curiosity be your guide. This field is massive and there is a space for you in it. That and: ignore the gatekeepers.

The post #MIWIC2024: Jennifer Fernick, Senior Staff Security Engineer, Encryption Lead, Google first appeared on IT Security Guru.

The post #MIWIC2024: Jennifer Fernick, Senior Staff Security Engineer, Encryption Lead, Google appeared first on IT Security Guru.

Organised by Eskenzi PR in media partnership with the IT Security Guru, the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards aim to shed light on the remarkable women in our industry. The following is a feature on one of 2024’s Top 20 women selected by an esteemed panel of judges. Presented in a Q&A format, the nominee’s answers are written in their own words with minor edits made by the editor for readability and where relevant, supplemented with additional commentary by their nominator.

In 2024, the awards were sponsored by BT, Think Cybersecurity Ltd. and Plexal, with Eskenzi PR, Assured and Women in Cybersecurity UK & Ireland Affiliate as partners.

What does your job role entail?

In my role as a Global Channel Sales Manager at Custodian360, I am deeply passionate about not just meeting sales targets but truly finding the right solutions for our partners and customers. My commitment goes beyond the conventional sales approach; I am dedicated to understanding the intricate needs of our business landscape and building a managed service that aligns with those needs. This role allows me to provide channel sales support across a region or a portfolio of assigned partners or customers, supporting the company’s ongoing sales and growth opportunities.

My responsibilities include bringing new partners on board and nurturing relationships with existing ones, with a keen focus on understanding customer and business needs to effectively cross-sell and up-sell Custodian360’s products. I pride myself on coordinating with other company personnel, including the support and management teams, to ensure delivery and fulfilment of customer and partner expectations.

Acting as a vital bridge for communication, I facilitate seamless interactions between customers, partners, and our engineering team, especially when there is a need for customised products or services. My approach is centred on assessing, clarifying, and validating partner needs and performances at regular intervals, aiming to maintain a high partner satisfaction rate.

Collaboration is key in my role, as I work alongside other sales channels to avoid potential conflicts and partner sales personnel to maximize sales outcomes. My role also involves managing funnels, forecasting, and seizing sales opportunities with a strategic mindset.

Driving and managing sales and marketing campaigns is a crucial part of my role at Custodian360. However, my passion lies in finding the best solutions and building a managed service around them, rather than just selling for the sake of hitting targets. This dedication to understanding and meeting the real needs of our partners and customers is what sets me apart and drives the success of our engagements.

How did you get into the cybersecurity industry?

I genuinely fell into it, I came to help someone out with their new venture and I am still here that was 8 years ago. I feel head over heels for the industry and I could not see myself being anywhere else.

What is one of the biggest challenges you have faced as a woman in the tech/cyber industry and how did you overcome it?

One of the biggest challenges I have faced as a woman in the tech/cyber industry is navigating the landscape of gender biases and underrepresentation. Despite the strides towards equality, the tech and cybersecurity fields remain predominantly male-dominated, which can sometimes lead to a sense of isolation and the need to prove one’s competence more than male counterparts.

To overcome this challenge, I focused on building a strong professional network of mentors, allies, and peers, both male and female, who support diversity and inclusion. Networking has been instrumental in providing me with guidance, opportunities for professional development, and a platform to share experiences and strategies for success. I also dedicated myself to community projects and mentoring. This really helped me in building my confidence and resilience.

Additionally, I have actively participated in and contributed to women-focused groups and forums within the tech and cybersecurity community. These groups offer a supportive space to discuss challenges, celebrate achievements, and encourage one another. Through these actions, I have not only been able to navigate the challenges posed by gender biases but also to advocate for greater inclusion and diversity within the industry. By sharing my experiences and supporting other women in tech, I hope to inspire change and contribute to a more inclusive and equitable industry environment.

What are you doing to support other women, and/or to increase diversity, in the tech/cyber industry?

In my ongoing journey of mentorship and advocacy, I remain deeply committed to guiding women through the transformative CAPSLOCK program, a pivotal initiative that empowers individuals seeking to enter the cyber industry. My dedication extends beyond mentorship as I leverage my platform to inspire and encourage women to venture into this dynamic field. The essence of my mission is not just about opening doors but ensuring a sustainable and supportive environment for women at every stage of their careers.

This year, I am particularly focused on a subject close to my heart and life stage: menopause. Recognising its profound impact on women professionals, I am determined to bring this issue to the forefront of industry conversations. My concern is not unfounded; as women navigate the complexities of menopause, the lack of support, understanding, and compassion in the workplace is a glaring issue. Without proper acknowledgment and accommodations, we risk losing invaluable talent and experience.

Therefore, I am making it my mission to advocate for change. By raising awareness and fostering a culture of empathy and support, I aim to ensure that women do not feel compelled to step back from their careers during menopause. It is essential that workplaces evolve to become more inclusive, recognising the unique challenges faced by women at this stage and implementing policies that address their needs.

The cyber industry, like many others, stands to benefit immensely from the diverse perspectives and expertise of women. By retaining and supporting women through all phases of their lives, including menopause, we enrich the industry’s fabric and drive innovation forward. This year, I am dedicating my efforts to ensure that women facing menopause receive the support they need to thrive, not just survive, in their professional environments.

What is one piece of advice you would give to girls/women looking to enter the cybersecurity industry?

One piece of advice that I was given many years ago was “Find your Tribe” . This field, with its vast complexities and ever-evolving challenges, thrives on community and collaboration. Establishing a network of mentors, peers, and allies early on is not just beneficial—it’s essential. Your tribe will be your guiding light, offering you insights from their experiences, encouragement during challenging times, and celebration in your successes. These connections are more than just professional contacts; they are your support system, your sounding board, and often, your cheerleaders. Engaging with a community of like-minded individuals who share your passion for cybersecurity can significantly enrich your career.

The post #MIWIC2024: Nikki Webb, Global Channel Manager at Custodian360 first appeared on IT Security Guru.

The post #MIWIC2024: Nikki Webb, Global Channel Manager at Custodian360 appeared first on IT Security Guru.

It’s no secret that the gender gap in cybersecurity is a worldwide issue, with women currently representing only 24% of the global cybersecurity workforce. This gender disparity can be coined as a ‘glass firewall’ – cybersecurity’s version of the glass ceiling – with barriers ranging from cultural biases to limited advancement opportunities that several women face while climbing the cyber ladder.

This reality is disappointing considering cybersecurity is an incredibly rewarding career for all, and with the global skills shortage within the industry, women can play a vital part in plugging the gap.

The power of mentorship

Being a woman or a minority group in cyber can be isolating and discouraging. That’s why it is so important to have mentors and role models; people who have already paved their way in the industry can offer support for those entering and guidance along the way.

Setting up mentoring programs on a formal basis within your organisation is a good place to start. This applies to all employees, not just women. Cybersecurity is a complex and dynamic field that requires constant learning and adaptation. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned professional, having a mentor who can guide you is invaluable.

However, for women, it’s particularly important to have someone in your corner to provide confidence, encouragement, a sounding board for ideas, and more.

These mentors don’t necessarily have to be women; your counterparts also have a crucial role to play in supporting gender diversity. By offering support, opening doors to opportunities, and actively advocating for their female colleagues, they can be great mentors and facilitators for a more inclusive industry.

Mentorship can extend beyond formal arrangements to include informal guidance and support networks within professional communities. For example, mentorship can be sourced through social channels by finding fellow women in the field or role models. Connecting on platforms like LinkedIn, Discord servers, local events (I.e. BSides), and scrolling through ‘following’ lists can grow your community by uncovering like-minded professionals.

Having mentors will also attract more women into the industry, as the absence of female representation or male counterparts showing support often dissuades women from entering the industry.

Clear progression and guidance

Women also need to feel that a career in cybersecurity will enable them to progress to senior levels. So, alongside a greater representation of mentors and women as managers and executives, organisations need to offer support for career development.

This includes asking women already within the workforce about their experiences and taking accountability for mapping career progression for women. It also involves offering leadership training and development programs specifically tailored to women in cybersecurity.

Cross-training opportunities, networking events, and workshops can all play a role in ensuring women feel valued in their careers and can see investment in their futures.

Creating a generation of cyber women

While there are things that can be done in the workplace to encourage more women and create a more inclusive environment, there’s a bigger issue here – cybersecurity needs to be made more accessible in schools and at an earlier age.

Often, girls aren’t aware of their options in cybersecurity because they aren’t exposed to the opportunities from a young age.

Businesses and governments can play an active role here in increasing this visibility. For example, the UK Government launched The CyberFirst Girls Competition, aiming to inspire girls aged 12-14 interested in technology to pursue a career in cybersecurity. This is just a small step and a great initiative, but others should follow suit.

It’s also key to highlight the diverse nature of cybersecurity careers and debunk stereotypes. Cybersecurity is not just about sitting behind a laptop and coding; it’s an incredibly rewarding career protecting some of the world’s biggest institutions. There are also so many different elements to cybersecurity, from policy to risk management and communication.

This broader perspective can attract a wider range of talents and interests among young women. We should be instilling a sense of excitement and curiosity about cybersecurity from a young age to cultivate a generation of children who are not just tech-savvy consumers but also budding cyber professionals.

Enterprises, the education sector, and governments need to act now. Getting more women into cyber will benefit the entire sector, not only because of the 4 million skills gap but also because diverse teams are more successful.

Having more diverse voices in the room is crucial to ensuring everyone is equally protected against cyber threats. Our readiness depends on the teams working behind the scenes, and without a diverse team, we will miss opportunities.

The time is now to build a generation of cyber women.

The post Expert Insight: Breaking the glass firewall: Building a cybersecurity sisterhood first appeared on IT Security Guru.

The post Expert Insight: Breaking the glass firewall: Building a cybersecurity sisterhood appeared first on IT Security Guru.

Organised by Eskenzi PR in media partnership with the IT Security Guru, the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards aim to shed light on the remarkable women in our industry. The following is a feature on one of 2024’s Top 20 women selected by an esteemed panel of judges. Presented in a Q&A format, the nominee’s answers are written in their own words with minor edits made by the editor for readability and where relevant, supplemented with additional commentary by their nominator.

In 2024, the awards were sponsored by BT, Think Cybersecurity Ltd. and Plexal, with Eskenzi PR, Assured and Women in Cybersecurity UK & Ireland Affiliate as partners.

What does your job role entail?

Establishing an inclusive community for women, non-binary individuals, and diverse genders is my passion. As the host and creator of WomenWhoSecure podcast, I am dedicated to fostering a space where everyone feels valued and represented. Beyond that, I serve as a mentor in the field, offering guidance and support.

My approach involves meticulous planning and content creation aimed at not only engaging more women in the industry but also ensuring relatability. Through these efforts, I strive to break barriers, empower individuals, and contribute to a more diverse and inclusive landscape within the field of security.

How did you get into the cybersecurity industry?

I developed a keen interest in cybersecurity during the early days of Myspace as a young child, driven by my inherent curiosity for technology. However, it wasn’t until my college years that I formalized my journey into the cybersecurity industry. In 2015, at Purdue University Indianapolis, I made a decisive choice to pursue a major in cybersecurity, a decision that would shape my career trajectory. Graduating in 2018, I found my passion solidified during those college years, and since then, I have been actively creating and navigating my path in the cybersecurity field, driven by a genuine love for the work and a commitment to continuous growth in this dynamic and ever-evolving industry.

What is one of the biggest challenges you have faced as a woman in the tech/cyber industry and how did you overcome it?

One of the most significant challenges I faced as a woman in the tech/cyber industry was dealing with burnout due to a lack of boundaries and the tendency to say yes to every opportunity that came my way. Starting my career at a young age was an exciting journey, but I quickly learned that the demanding nature of the field could lead to burnout if not managed properly.

Overcoming this challenge required a conscious effort to set clear boundaries and prioritize self-care. I recognized the importance of speaking up and asserting myself in terms of workload and expectations. By learning to say no when necessary and establishing a balance between work and personal life, I was able to mitigate burnout and sustain a healthier, more sustainable career trajectory.

Additionally, building strong relationships with colleagues and mentors played a crucial role. Seeking support and guidance when needed allowed me to navigate challenges more effectively. I realized that it’s okay to ask for help and that building a supportive network is essential in overcoming the unique challenges faced by women in the tech and cybersecurity industry.

What are you doing to support other women, and/or to increase diversity, in the tech/cyber industry?

To support other women and increase diversity in the tech/cyber industry, I’ve taken proactive steps through my initiative, WomenWhoSecure. This diverse community goes beyond traditional boundaries, offering a platform where anyone interested in cybersecurity, regardless of their level or background, can engage and participate.

The WomenWhoSecure podcast, a cornerstone of this community, is designed to be inclusive. It doesn’t exclusively target executives but is open to everyone in or intrigued by the cybersecurity field. The podcast serves as a medium to showcase unique stories, allowing individuals to share their journeys and experiences. By highlighting the challenges and triumphs of people in the industry, especially women, we aim to shed light on the diverse adversaries they may have faced and the strategies employed to overcome them.

Through these efforts, I strive to create a supportive environment that not only amplifies underrepresented voices but also inspires a new generation of individuals to pursue and thrive in the tech and cybersecurity sector. The ultimate goal is to foster a more inclusive and diverse landscape within the industry.

What is one piece of advice you would give to girls/women looking to enter the cybersecurity industry?

For girls and women aspiring to enter the cybersecurity industry, my advice would be to explore the various options within cybersecurity to find the niche that aligns with their interests and strengths. It’s a diverse field with roles ranging from technical to non-technical, so taking the time to discover what resonates most with them is crucial.

Additionally, seeking a mentor can be immensely valuable. A mentor can provide guidance, share insights from their own experiences, and help navigate the challenges of the industry. Building a network of support can be instrumental in both personal and professional growth.

Lastly, it’s important to remember that while work is a significant aspect of life, it shouldn’t be the sole source of fulfillment. Business is business, but maintaining a balance and not letting work consume your entire identity is essential. Cultivate a synergy in life that includes personal interests, relationships, and self-care. Finding this balance can contribute to a more fulfilling and sustainable career in cybersecurity.

The post #MIWIC2024: Stephanie Luangraj, CEO and Founder of WomenWhoSecure first appeared on IT Security Guru.

The post #MIWIC2024: Stephanie Luangraj, CEO and Founder of WomenWhoSecure appeared first on IT Security Guru.

Organised by Eskenzi PR in media partnership with the IT Security Guru, the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards aim to shed light on the remarkable women in our industry. The following is a feature on one of 2024’s Top 20 women selected by an esteemed panel of judges. Presented in a Q&A format, the nominee’s answers are written in their own words with minor edits made by the editor for readability and where relevant, supplemented with additional commentary by their nominator.

In 2024, the awards were sponsored by BT, Think Cybersecurity Ltd. and Plexal, with Eskenzi PR, Assured and Women in Cybersecurity UK & Ireland Affiliate as partners.

What does your job role entail?

Management of the Cyber Security, Security Operations, GRC, and IT Risk Management teams for the UK entity of a global financial services organisation.

How did you get into the cybersecurity industry?

Have been in IT for over 20 years but moved exclusively into cybersecurity in 2017 after being selected to trial a course from ISC2 looking at how the NHS could bring more security skills into UK healthcare. Shortly after that I completed a Masters degree in cybersecurity and started my current role part way through that.

What is one of the biggest challenges you have faced as a woman in the tech/cyber industry and how did you overcome it?

One of the biggest challenges I have faced is getting the same level of respect that my male colleagues are given, without being repeatedly questioned. The way I handle this is by spending more time preparing and backing up my work with data and evidence. I don’t think there is any overcoming this at the moment sadly.

What are you doing to support other women, and/or to increase diversity, in the tech/cyber industry?

I’m currently mentoring a cohort of women looking to move into cybersecurity through an organisation called ‘Women in Tech and Cyber Hub’ – I am also taking all opportunities to raise awareness through podcasts, events, and conferences. As part of the BSides Bristol board, I am also actively encouraging more women to be visible and take part.

What is one piece of advice you would give to girls/women looking to enter the cybersecurity industry?

Find a mentor!

The post #MIWIC2024: Hazel McPherson, CISO at ALD Automotive first appeared on IT Security Guru.

The post #MIWIC2024: Hazel McPherson, CISO at ALD Automotive appeared first on IT Security Guru.

Organised by Eskenzi PR in media partnership with the IT Security Guru, the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards aim to shed light on the remarkable women in our industry. The following is a feature on one of 2024’s Top 20 women selected by an esteemed panel of judges. Presented in a Q&A format, the nominee’s answers are written in their own words with minor edits made by the editor for readability and where relevant, supplemented with additional commentary by their nominator.

In 2024, the awards were sponsored by BT, Think Cybersecurity Ltd. and Plexal, with Eskenzi PR, Assured and Women in Cybersecurity UK & Ireland Affiliate as partners.

What does your job role entail?

My job entails providing oversight for the day-to day running of activities within the Cyblack community. In addition, I offer career coaching and guidance to the Cybersecurity community at large.

How did you get into the cybersecurity industry?

I studied Management Information Systems in my first degree. After failing a certification exam twice in the space of two years, I decided to start my career afresh by doing a Masters in Information Security and Computer Forensics. I graduated with a distinction. Two months after my graduation, I resumed in my first role as a Senior Analyst. That was the turning point for me to start my journey in Cybersecurity.

What is one of the biggest challenges you have faced as a woman in the tech/cyber industry and how did you overcome it?

One of the biggest challenges I faced in the tech/cyber industry was navigating gender biases and stereotypes. At times (especially in meetings), I noticed assumptions about my capabilities based on gender rather than my skills and qualifications. To overcome this, I focused on consistently delivering high-quality work. Every organisation I worked with, noticed me because of the quality of my work. In no time, the biases reduced as I grew in my career. By establishing myself as a competent and knowledgeable team member, I was able to break down stereotypes and gain the respect of my peers and the organisations I worked with.

What are you doing to support other women, and/or to increase diversity, in the tech/cyber industry?

I offer a cohort based mentorship program annually. To increase diversity, I always encourage women to apply for my mentorship program. I ensure that at least 50% of the selected applicants are women. Additionally, I am a mentor at Cybersafe Foundation. I have been honoured to mentor young women who are learning Cybersecurity.

Cyblack has successfully graduated several young women to the Cybersecurity industry. We have recorded job successes with some of the women, who are currently working in reputable organisations.

What is one piece of advice you would give to girls/women looking to enter the cybersecurity industry?

Your dreams are valid. Don’t give up.

The post #MIWIC2024: Dr. Iretioluwa Akerele, Co-Founder of Cyblack first appeared on IT Security Guru.

The post #MIWIC2024: Dr. Iretioluwa Akerele, Co-Founder of Cyblack appeared first on IT Security Guru.