Inspiring women in cybersecurity through creativity and inclusivity

Given cyber-security has become such a high stakes affair for governments and businesses globally, how can the sector expand its workforce and attract the best and brightest women?

It starts with inspiring the next generation. Forget old school classroom talks – we need to leverage immersive experiences that capture the imagination of young women and girls. I'm talking interactive cybersecurity games that allow students to defend targets from simulated cyberattacks and girls-only hackathon events that provide a genuine hands-on experience that shows them just how exciting a career in cyber can be. We could also develop virtual reality experiences that enable young women to shadow female cybersecurity professionals, to get a glimpse of what their workdays look like. It's time to get creative and mix it up!

It's also past time for us to redesign the hiring process so it's more inclusive. We need to highlight the fact that a career in cyber-security can come via multiple pathways, including arts and social sciences. Having an annual' cyber women' summit, where women working in the sector could come together to share their stories, would be a great way to challenge the stereotype that a technical background is necessary for success.

What are some of the emerging roles for women in the cybersecurity space?

So many! The cyber landscape is evolving rapidly, and new roles that play to a wide range of skills and interests continue to emerge. Beyond the traditional threat analysis and incident response piece, we're seeing growth in areas like cybersecurity strategy, privacy management, threat intelligence and ethical hacking. AI-driven security, security automation and cloud security are becoming increasingly important, too. Many of the positions on offer call for both technical expertise and strategic thinking. That makes them attractive options for STEM-focused women who are looking for the chance to make their mark. 

Why do you consider it to be interesting and essential work?

Cybersecurity is at the forefront of protecting our digital lives and economies, and maintaining our national security. We're in a constantly evolving battle against increasingly sophisticated threats from bad actors of all stripes. Every day presents new challenges and opportunities to innovate. It's essential work because the stakes couldn't be higher; we're defending not just data but the trust and safety of individuals and organisations worldwide. For women who thrive on solving complex problems and making a tangible impact, cybersecurity offers the opportunity to forge a deeply rewarding career.

Are there enough women involved in security governance and policy creation?

While we have seen some progress, there's still a significant gap when it comes to female representation in the security governance and policy creation space. However, Australia is setting a powerful example – we currently have several women leaders shaping the nation's cybersecurity landscape.
 
One of the most prominent was the former Clare O'Neil, Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security. She's prosecuted a long term strategy that calls for collaboration between government, industry and academia to safeguard our country and society from existential cyber-threats. Then there's Rachel Noble, Director-General of the Australian Signals Directorate and Abigail Bradshaw, head of the Australian Cyber Security Centre. Formidable women like these bring unique perspectives and problem-solving approaches. Having them at the table helps ensure our policies and frameworks are balanced and reflective of the diverse challenges we face today. They tend to focus not just on the technical elements but on collaboration, communication and the human elements of security too. These things will become increasingly important as we deal with complex threats that require coordinated, multifaceted responses. 

I believe we need to continue pushing for greater female participation in the decision-making process, by encouraging more women into the field and creating pathways for them to ascend. 

What role have you played personally in 'defending our tomorrow'?

Throughout my career in the cyber sector, I've focused on building high calibre teams that reflect the diversity of our world. One of the key initiatives I sponsor is the ExaGals: Changing the Game program, which aims to create a more inclusive environment within our teams at Exabeam,. The ExaGals community also reaches out to women in the technology world at large, to offer career development, education and personal growth opportunities. 

As a pioneering member of the company's Global Diversity Council, I spearheaded the establishment of our mentorship programs for underrepresented groups. Initiatives like these, that expose women to the possibilities of a career in tech and support their progression into more senior roles, can help make the sector more diverse and address the national cyber skills shortage too.

What advice would you give to other women looking to forge careers at the pointy end of cybersecurity?

Be bold, curious and persistent. Don't be afraid to take on challenges that push you out of your comfort zone – these are the experiences that will set you apart and super-charge your career. Seek out mentors and allies who can support your growth, and don't hesitate to advocate for yourself and your ideas. Diversity of thought and experience is what drives innovation in this field, and your perspective is invaluable. And be prepared to keep on learning – cyber is ultra-dynamic and staying ahead of the curve will be key to your success.