- Education and Mentorship
- Ongoing Challenges
- Women in cybersecurity
- Scholarships
- Future of women in cyber
- Frequently asked questions
The story of women in cybersecurity begins long before the term “cybersecurity” was coined. During World War II, thousands of women served as cryptanalysts, breaking enemy codes and safeguarding classified information.
One of the most prominent figures from this era is Joan Clarke, a gifted mathematician who played a critical role at Bletchley Park alongside Alan Turing. Women like Clarke paved the way, though their contributions often went unrecognized at the time.
Fast forward to the late 20th century, when cybersecurity became a distinct field. Though largely male-dominated, a few trailblazing women like Dorothy Denning, known for her innovations in intrusion detection systems, emerged as pioneers, proving that brilliance knows no gender.
Despite a growing recognition of the need for diversity, women held only 25 percent of cybersecurity jobs globally in 2022. While this figure is projected to increase to 30 percent by 2025 and 35 percent by 2031, the report underscores the persistent shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals.
Addressing this skills gap necessitates actively promoting the industry to women and dismantling existing barriers to entry.
Furthermore, the report highlights a significant leadership gap, with women underrepresented in CISO roles. Ultimately, encouraging greater female participation in cybersecurity is essential not only for tackling the ongoing skills shortage but also for fostering a more diverse and effective workforce within the field.
Related resources
Breaking Barriers Through Education and Mentorship
Initiatives like Girls Who Hack, WiCyS, and Black Girls Hack have expanded their reach dramatically. These programs now collaborate directly with universities, tech giants, and local governments to provide scholarships, internships, and mentorship opportunities.
In 2025, more women than ever are entering cybersecurity through unconventional paths — from law and psychology to art and communications — bringing fresh perspectives to human-centered security challenges like social engineering, behavioral analytics, and digital forensics.
Online platforms have also played a significant role. Free or low-cost cybersecurity courses, certification prep, and coding bootcamps now offer flexible learning environments that accommodate working mothers, career switchers, and those previously unable to access traditional education.
The Ongoing Challenges for Women in Cybersecurity
Despite the increasing opportunities within the cybersecurity field, women continue to navigate a complex landscape of challenges.
These include persistent gender bias and stereotypes that can impede hiring and promotion, often requiring them to overcompensate to demonstrate their abilities.
The limited presence of women in senior positions also creates a scarcity of relatable role models and mentors.
Furthermore, the demanding nature of cybersecurity work can strain work-life balance, particularly for those with caregiving responsibilities.
Internal factors like imposter syndrome, coupled with external issues such as the gender pay gap and, in some cases, experiences of workplace harassment or hostility, further complicate their professional journeys.
Finally, unequal access to skill development resources can create additional hurdles for career advancement.
Why Women are Essential to Cybersecurity
Women play a vital role in cybersecurity for several reasons. They bring diverse perspectives and innovative problem-solving skills, leading to better security strategies. Recruiting and retaining women helps address the global cybersecurity talent shortage.
Women often excel in communication and teamwork, which are essential for incident response and stakeholder management. Their experiences with specific cybercrimes, like online harassment, offer valuable insights for inclusive solutions.
Additionally, women are known for strong risk assessment and management skills, which are critical in cybersecurity roles.
From CISOs at Fortune 500 companies to founders of cutting-edge cybersecurity startups, women are leading the charge. Notable figures in 2025 include:
- Dr. Lila Ahmed, who pioneered an AI-driven intrusion detection system now adopted by multiple government agencies.
- Maria Zhang, CTO of a cybersecurity firm protecting smart cities and autonomous vehicles.
- Sophia Rivera, a globally recognized advocate for ethical hacking and responsible AI use in cybersecurity.
- Kirsten Davies: Founder and CEO of the Institute for Cyber Civics, Kirsten is known for her work in ethical cybersecurity leadership.
- Jadee Hanson: As the CISO at Vanta, Jadee oversees security and compliance functions, contributing significantly to the industry.
- Sarah Armstrong-Smith: Chief Security Advisor for Microsoft EMEA, Sarah is recognized for her expertise in cybersecurity strategy and risk management.
- Abir Ghattas: Director of Information Security at Human Rights Watch, Abir blends technical expertise with a commitment to human rights
Scholarships and other assistance available to women
Assistance programs, financial and otherwise, are on the rise for women wishing to enter the cybersecurity field or other STEM professions.
These opportunities are related to college and professional training and certification. InfoSec, Inc. and CompTIA have combined to offer substantial financial assistance to women pursuing careers in cybersecurity through scholarship grants providing free enrollment in cybersecurity boot camps.
The US Navy offers a scholarship-for-service opportunity called the Information Assurance Scholarship Program for men and women.
Along with (ISC)² the Center for Cyber Safety and Education offers a $40,000 scholarship for women studying for either a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree in a cybersecurity field.
Scholarships for Women Studying Information Security (SWSIS), a partnership between Applied Computer Security Associates (ACSA) and CRA-WP, is a scholarship program for women studying for their bachelor’s or master’s degree in a cybersecurity discipline.
Raytheon also provides an $8,000 scholarship for women studying cybersecurity.
The National Security Agency (NSA) sponsors the Stokes Educational Scholarship Program for high school seniors who have demonstrated skills in the critical areas of computer science and electrical engineering and are planning to major in one, including cybersecurity.
The CIA offers several internships that provide tuition assistance to successful candidates, in addition to summer employment. The focus is on intelligence fields, including cybersecurity.
The future of women in cybersecurity
As the cyber threat landscape grows more complex — with quantum computing, AI-driven attacks, and global cyber warfare on the horizon — the industry needs all hands on deck. The rise of women in cybersecurity is not just a social achievement; it’s a strategic imperative.
Empowering women in this field isn’t about checking a diversity box. It’s about building a more resilient, innovative, and equitable cyber defense for the future.
In 2025 and beyond, the message is clear: cybersecurity is everyone’s business — and women are leading the way.
Frequently asked questions
The inclusion of women in cybersecurity is crucial for bringing diverse perspectives, fostering innovation, and filling the talent gap in the industry. Diversity in teams leads to more robust problem-solving and enhances the capability to address varied cyber threats effectively.
Yes, numerous organizations such as Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS), Cyberjutsu Girls Academy, and Women’s Society of Cyberjutsu focus on advancing careers for women in cybersecurity through mentorship, workshops, and networking events.
Women can play various roles in cybersecurity, including ethical hacking, cybersecurity analysis, security software development, and cybersecurity consulting. They can also hold leadership positions, driving strategic decisions to safeguard organizations against cyber threats.
Women can prepare for a career in cybersecurity by gaining relevant educational qualifications, earning cybersecurity certifications, and gaining practical experience through internships or projects. Engaging in online forums, attending conferences, and participating in webinars are also beneficial for staying updated with industry trends.
Essential skills for a career in cybersecurity include technical proficiency, problem-solving abilities, knowledge of cybersecurity frameworks and protocols, and understanding of cyber threats and defense mechanisms. Soft skills like communication, teamwork, and ethical decision-making are also vital.
Sources
- 50 Women In Cybersecurity Assoc. and Groups | From Cybercrime Magazine in Apr 2025
- The Case for More Women in Cybersecurity | From Cybercrime Magazine in Apr 2025
- Advancing Women in Cybersecurity | From WiCyS in April 2025
- Empowering Women & Girls in Cybersecurity Careers | From WSC in April 2025
- Scholarships for Women Studying Information Security | From SWSIS in April 2025