Industry leaders call for greater support of women in cybersecurity

As International Women in Cyber Day approaches, senior industry figures are calling for more to be done to support and promote women's participation across cybersecurity, highlighting both the need for culture change and the opportunities available to aspiring professionals of all backgrounds.

Barsha Karki, Solutions Engineering Manager for Australia and New Zealand at CyberArk, offers reassurance and encouragement to women who may be considering a career in the field. "My top recommendation to women considering a career in cybersecurity is simple: just start. You don't need to have a traditional tech background or to be an expert to belong – what matters most is your curiosity, your willingness to learn, and your unique perspective," Karki said.

Karki emphasises that cybersecurity relies on a broad skills base, extending well beyond technical expertise. "Cybersecurity is a diverse field that thrives on a wide range of skills, from engineering and data analysis to risk management, communications, legal and policy. You won't have all the answers on day one (none of us did), but asking good questions and building a strong support network will make all the difference," she explained.

For Karki, the issue is not simply about recruitment, but also about retention and progression. She calls on the sector to do more to remove barriers and to present a fuller range of career pathways. "From an industry perspective, we need to do more to showcase the full spectrum of roles available and highlight the many pathways into the industry, not just traditional technical routes. Just as importantly, we also need to keep creating inclusive spaces where women feel supported, seen, and empowered to grow into leadership."

Karki believes that mentorship, sponsorship, and role models are especially important. She argues that women bring a suite of valuable qualities essential to cybersecurity, citing analytical thinking, empathy, communication, and resilience. She adds, "Most importantly, women bring diverse perspectives, and that diversity is crucial to challenge assumptions and design better, more secure systems for everyone."

April Lenhard, Principal Product Manager for Cyber Threat Intelligence at Qualys, also stresses the value of diversity and the importance of making development and mentorship central to company culture. "Encouraging more women to join cybersecurity starts with fostering a culture where mentorship, growth, and professional development are all clearly prioritised. A rising tide raises all ships. When women see an environment that will invest in their success and provide opportunities to advance, they can more easily envision themselves in this field," Lenhard remarked.

Lenhard urges prospective cybersecurity professionals to be proactive in seeking guidance and surrounding themselves with supportive mentors who share their values. She notes, "For those considering a career in cybersecurity, my advice is to actively seek out mentors who not only have expertise, but who also reflect your own values and mission. Surrounding yourself with people who embody integrity and high performance creates a support system that pushes you to grow – never settle for anything less than your own standard of excellence."

She describes curiosity as a vital asset in the profession: "Curiosity is also a learned success strategy – some of my most exciting discoveries have happened by stepping out of my own comfort zone and exploring areas far from my own expertise." Lenhard encourages individuals to find what excites them about the work and turn that into a signature skill within their teams.

Both Karki and Lenhard believe that diversity is not only an ethical imperative but also provides a critical business advantage. Lenhard notes, "Ultimately, diversity of thought makes us stronger. It leads to stronger risk assessments, more practical solutions, and defences that better reflect how people and organisations actually operate. In a field where adversaries thrive on innovation, embracing the widest range of unique perspectives is a competitive advantage – and one we need to capitalise on for continued success."

As the demand for cybersecurity talent continues to rise, industry leaders are making the case that women's inclusion and advancement are not just about fairness, but also about improving outcomes for businesses, governments, and the wider community. The message from leading women in the industry is clear: if you are interested in cybersecurity, take the step – the sector needs your perspective.