Experts Share: What International Women In Cyber Day Means For The Tech And Cybersecurity Industry

Every year, on 1 September, International Women in Cyber Day is celebrated and this year makes this the 7th official year. International Women in Cyber Day began in Vancouver in 2019 and has since grown into a fixture on the calendar for people working in digital security. The day was created to celebrate the work of women in a sector where they are still underrepresented and to give them more visibility.

Organisers say women account for only 12% of the global cybersecurity workforce, with the figure in Canada closer to 10%. To bring attention to this, events now take place worldwide, from workshops in schools to panel sessions run by major employers. The idea is to show young people what a career in cybersecurity looks like and to give those already working in the field a chance to connect and be recognised.
 

How Are People Celebrating This Year?

 
This year, companies and community groups are using the day to run training, award scholarships, and link women with mentors. Organisers say these activities are central to building confidence and helping people move into careers that have often seemed closed off.

Businesses have also begun using the day as a way to demonstrate support for diversity. Some sponsor events or provide funding for programmes. Others showcase women already in their security teams to underline that representation is possible. Schools and universities are hosting sessions to encourage students to think of cybersecurity as a career path.

Elyse Gunn, CISO at Nasuni said, “Cybersecurity has always been about challenging assumptions – and that’s something women in tech know a lot about. The most successful security programs today aren’t just protecting systems, they’re enabling innovation.

“They’re moving from ‘Why would we do this?’ to ‘Why wouldn’t we?’ That mindset shift is exactly what the industry needs right now, especially as we face new risks from AI and increasingly complex compliance demands. The future of cybersecurity will be shaped by bold, collaborative thinking – and diverse voices are essential to getting it right.”
 

Women Experts Share The Meaning Of This Day

 
We’ve asked a few women what they think this day means to the industry at large…
 

Our Experts:

 
Grainne McKeever, Application Security Expert, Thales

Susanne Hasse, Principal Solutions Architect, One Identity

Nicole Reineke, Senior Distinguished AI Product Leader, N-able

Stephanie Aceves, Senior Director of Product Management, Tanium
 

Grainne McKeever, Application Security Expert, Thales

 

 

“Cybersecurity protects everyone, which is exactly why the sector needs a diverse talent pool. At Thales, we know diversity of thought and experience is not a ‘nice to have’ , it’s a strategic necessity. It makes our defences stronger, our innovation sharper and our solutions more resilient.

“The days of cyber being a completely male-dominated career may be over, but we still have a lot to do.

“Great ideas come from any source – and we need the best talent to help stay ahead of the cyber threats of the future. Building this future means starting early. We need to inspire girls and young women to see themselves in cyber before they’ve even entered the workplace. That means shining a light on female role models, supporting STEM education, and making sure opportunities are visible and accessible from the very beginning.
 

 
“Mentorship is equally critical. None of us succeed alone, and the women who are breaking barriers in cyber today are doing so because someone, at some point, opened a door for them. At Thales, we are committed to being that door for the next generation, whether through inclusive recruitment, flexible pathways into the profession, or amplifying women’s voices at the levels where decisions are made.

International Women in Cyber Day is not just about celebrating achievements; it’s about recognising our responsibility to keep driving change. The women of today are shaping the future of cybersecurity, and the actions we take now will determine whether the next generation inherits an industry that truly reflects and protects the society it serves.”

 

Susanne Hasse, Principal Solutions Architect, One Identity

 

 

“When I first saw Lieutenant Uhura on Star Trek, I didn’t consider just how radical it was to see a female character in such a technical role. I just saw a team where everyone mattered. That same idea has guided me through my 25 year career in cybersecurity.

“I’ve had to prove myself in rooms where people assumed the expertise lay with my male colleagues, but every time that happened it just reinforced the idea that presence and persistence can shift perceptions. For me, International Women in Cyber Day is about exactly that: encouraging women to own their strengths, to speak up, and to help build environments where collaboration and diversity aren’t just checkboxes, but everyday practices.”

 

Nicole Reineke, Senior Distinguished AI Product Leader, N-able

 

 

“The cybersecurity industry has long faced a talent shortage. As we enter the AI era, this shortage is compounding not only do we lack enough professionals overall, but half of technology leaders also report a shortage of AI skills. In other words, even when talent exists, it often lacks the expertise needed to thrive in an AI-driven future.
Mitigating this problem demands bold leadership and innovative solutions. Artificial intelligence can help by reducing analyst burnout, automating routine tasks, and allowing teams to focus on higher-level strategy and collaboration. But technology alone won’t solve the skills gap. It requires leaders who understand the power of AI and recognise where and how it can be deployed to yield the best results.

I’m already starting to see these types of leaders emerge. Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed how women in cybersecurity are not only shaping how AI is utilised —but also going beyond to create more inclusive, resilient teams. By mentoring the next generation and highlighting the success of women already in the industry, expertise can be both visible and transferable.

“Automation doesn’t replace this work–it amplifies it. When machines take on repetitive tasks, professionals can devote their time to mentorship, strategy, and innovation areas such as the N-able Mentor Circles. Hosted through its Community of Interest, WONDER, this circle of women is a safe space to share experiences, gain new perspectives, and lift each other up in both our personal and professional journeys. It’s all about walking away with meaningful actions to help unlock potential, drive business success, and most importantly, form genuine connections.

“Under this type of leadership mindset, AI becomes an enabler of sustainable and rewarding careers. This framing is also key to attracting more women into cyber. If we can demonstrate that this field isn’t just about long hours and constant firefighting, but about solving complex challenges, mentoring future leaders and shaping ethical innovation, we’ll inspire more women to join us. By tackling both the talent and skills shortages at once, women leaders are helping build the inclusive, resilient teams that the cybersecurity sector needs.

“I’ve had the privilege of speaking to and helping educate young girls about AI and engineering, and I’ve seen how a spark of possibility can change their trajectory. At the Women in STEM conferences I speak at, in my teaching at Georgetown, and during a recent AI Innovation session with 200 middle school girls, I’ve seen curiosity change into confidence. As these young women begin to imagine themselves as future AI engineers and cybersecurity leaders, the transformation is truly powerful.

“One girl raised her hand and asked why AI hasn’t yet solved hearing challenges. In that moment, her personal experience sparked a vision for technological possibility. Now, she is inspired to explore how AI could improve the lives of people with hearing issues.

“That is the magic: when people tie personal passion to technology, we unlock entirely new avenues for innovation and problem-solving. This is also why I wrote and released a young adult novel about AI: to give girls a mirror in which they can see themselves as engineers, innovators, and leaders. Cybersecurity, and the broader world of AI, needs that spark. And it needs women to lead the charge.”

 

Stephanie Aceves, Senior Director of Product Management, Tanium

 

 

“International Women in Cyber Day is a chance to celebrate progress, but also to recognise the gaps that remain. Globally, women now make up almost 30% of entry-level STEM roles, but only 12% of C-suite positions, according to AllianzCare.

That gap is real – but it’s also an opportunity. In cybersecurity especially, where diverse perspectives strengthen our ability to innovate and defend against threats, increasing representation isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s essential for progress.

“My advice to women in cyber is simple: be visible. Visibility isn’t self-promotion – it’s leadership. By stepping onto panels, mentoring early-career talent, or sharing your story, you create a ripple effect that inspires others and makes the path clearer for those who follow.

“Leaders also play a crucial role. Mentorship matters, but true change comes when women are actively sponsored for stretch assignments, high-impact projects, and leadership opportunities. And just as cybersecurity is powered by data, so too should our approach to diversity: by studying women’s real experiences, we can build environments where they thrive.

“Cybersecurity thrives on curiosity, grit, and resilience. Women bring all of that and more. Our task now is to ensure they have every opportunity to lead the future of this industry.”