Industry leaders celebrate International Women in Cyber Day with a hopeful outlook for the future.
Prominent voices from across the security sector have used International Women in Cyber Day to reflect on both the progress made and the persistent challenges faced by women in a field historically marked by gender disparity. Globally, an increasing number of women are stepping into crucial roles in cybersecurity, bringing fresh perspectives to longstanding issues while advocating for greater diversity and inclusion. Caitlin Condon, Vice President of Security Research at VulnCheck, has observed a remarkable transformation in the industry over the past 15 years. She noted that participation in the security sector has shifted to include a growing number of individuals with diverse backgrounds, skill sets, and perspectives. Condon expressed optimism about the range of experiences new entrants bring and how these viewpoints can help address old problems in innovative ways.
Despite the progress, Condon highlighted that many entrenched challenges remain, particularly issues like vulnerability prioritisation, which continue to burden security professionals. She pointed out that foundational problems have yet to be resolved, with vulnerability prioritisation weighing down multiple generations of the workforce. Nevertheless, Condon remains optimistic about the current era of technological innovation and the increasing recognition of cybersecurity’s significance in daily life. She believes that the demand for smart, scalable solutions in cyber threat defence is more urgent than ever, and she is encouraged by the growing awareness of cybersecurity as a core component of everyday life at virtually every level.
Olivia Brännlund, the newly appointed Chief Information Security Officer at Outpost24, described cybersecurity as one of today’s most dynamic and rewarding industries. She acknowledged that the field is constantly evolving, influenced by new technologies, emerging threats, and shifting regulations. Brännlund sees ample opportunity in this relentless pace of change, stating that there is always something new to learn and a chance to make a tangible impact. She welcomed the positive trend of more women entering leadership roles in cybersecurity but noted that further work is needed to improve representation and diversity. As a female CISO, she is encouraged by the increasing number of women stepping into leadership positions across the industry.
Anna Collard, Senior Vice President of Content Strategy and Evangelist at KnowBe4, attributes her success to a multidisciplinary and creative approach. She believes that her strength lies in being a multi-disciplined ‘amateur’, exploring various fields such as art, mental health, and yoga. Collard’s diverse background has allowed her to navigate the complexities of the cybersecurity landscape effectively. She emphasised the importance of embracing different perspectives and experiences in the industry, which can lead to innovative solutions and a more inclusive environment. As the cybersecurity sector continues to evolve, voices like those of Condon, Brännlund, and Collard highlight the critical role women play in shaping its future.
Categories: Gender Diversity in Cybersecurity, Challenges in Cybersecurity, Opportunities for Growth in Cybersecurity
Tags: Cybersecurity, Gender Disparity, Diversity, Inclusion, Vulnerability Prioritisation, Technological Innovation, Leadership, Representation, Emerging Threats, Dynamic Industry