At PRPR we’re lucky to work with some incredible clients and peers in the cybersecurity industry, particularly women. 1st September is International Women in Cyber Day, and this year’s theme of ‘Cybersecurity in the Digital Age: The Role of Women in Shaping Tomorrow’s Security’ couldn’t be more fitting.
While women should be celebrated every day, the day is a moment to pause and recognise the women who are not only part of the cyber security landscape but are actively shaping it.
From CISOs to pen testers, women are making waves in an industry that has historically been male-dominated. We’ve had the pleasure of working with some outstanding women in cybersecurity who push boundaries and inspire us to do the same. Their perspectives are not just valuable, they’re essential. We often talk about the importance of diversity, and in an industry where threats are constantly evolving, having diverse voices is a must.
We’ve seen firsthand the difference that women can make in this industry. It’s not just about the technical skills (although they aren’t short of those), it’s about the way they lead teams and drive change. Their work isn’t just shaping the industry, it’s shaping the future of security for everyone. Cybersecurity is a tough field that demands constant learning, adaptability, and resilience. These women are not only rising to the challenge but thriving.
It’s clear that the role of women in cybersecurity will only continue to grow over the coming years. The threats we face are evolving, and so must our approach to security. This is why it’s important to continue supporting and empowering women in the field, whether this be through education, mentorship, or simply by celebrating their achievements.
Initiatives like CyberFirst by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) are vital in encouraging more girls to join the industry in the first place. CyberFirst is a programme of opportunities to help young people explore their passion for tech by introducing them to the fast-paced world of cyber security.
The CyberFirst Bursary offers undergraduates £4,000 per year financial assistance and paid cyber security training each summer to help kick start their career in cyber. If you identify as a woman and you’re aged 17+, you can now register your interest in the bursary and apply to attend one of the upskilling events. Registration closes soon, on 9th September at 17:00!
The CyberFirst Girls Competition aims to inspire girls interested in technology to pursue a career in cyber. The competition is a team event. Each team – consisting of up to four girls in Year 8 (England and Wales), S2 (Scotland) or Year 9 (Northern Ireland) – tackle challenges from a cryptography and logic to AI and networking for the chance to be crowned cyber security champions. Registration for the 2024/25 competition opens on 16th September.
A few other organisations and resources we recommend are:
- WiCyS (Women in Cyber Security)
- She Talks Tech Podcast by WeAreTechWomen
- CREST’s Inclusion and Diversity Good Practice Guide, written by our CEO Allie Andrews! We spoke to Allie about her experience writing the guide.
As we look to the future of cybersecurity, one thing is clear: women will continue to play a critical role in shaping the security landscape. The industry faces many challenges and changes, but with more women leading the charge, we’re confident the future is in good hands.
