Empowering Women to Defend Our Tomorrow

When I think about the subject of cybersecurity and women defending our tomorrow, I can’t help but liken them to superheroes. Wonder Woman, played by Gal Gadot, is my favorite icon of strength and justice. Even though critics weren't too fond of Ms. Marvel, I admired her uniqueness and resilience, qualities that are essential in the field of cybersecurity. Just like Wonder Woman & Ms. Marvel, women in cybersecurity wield immense power, intelligence, and resilience to protect our digital worlds.

Reflecting on powerful women leads me to think of influential female leaders throughout history who have shaped the world. Women like Corazon Aquino from the Philippines, my country of birth, hold a special place in my heart. She is revered for her role in the peaceful People Power Revolution which restored democracy after years of authoritarian rule. Her calm yet determined leadership during a critical period of political upheaval has made her a beloved figure in Philippine history.

Golda Meir of Israel, a country I hold dear as a Jew, left a profound legacy as a formidable leader. Known as the "Iron Lady" of Israeli politics before the term became associated with Margaret Thatcher, Meir was known for her straightforward, no-nonsense leadership style and her ability to make tough decisions during perilous times. Her leadership helped solidify Israel's standing as a nation, reinforcing its resilience in the face of adversity.

Current Challenges and Opportunities

In stark contrast to these historical figures, here I am in the United States, a nation that prides itself on its progressive values, yet it has not seen a woman take the highest office as President. This juxtaposition is especially poignant given that women constitute only about 24% of the workforce in cybersecurity, a field as vital to national security as the presidency is to governance, according to a report by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium, known as (ISC)². This statistic highlights the broader issue of gender inequality in both political and technological arenas. Despite significant progress, women are still underrepresented in leading roles that shape the future of societies and industries alike.

Exemplary Women Leaders

The journeys of women like Lisa Jiggetts and Parisa Tabriz are not just personal triumphs but beacon calls for the potential and critical need for female leadership in cybersecurity. Lisa Jiggetts, who founded the Women's Society of Cyberjutsu, started her career in a technical role, where she quickly recognized the significant gender gap in her field. Determined to make a difference, Lisa's vision for the Women's Society of Cyberjutsu was born out of her passion to empower and support women through training, mentorship, and community. Her organization is now a pivotal force in fostering female talent in cybersecurity, offering resources that help women start and advance in security careers.

On the other side of the spectrum, Parisa Tabriz, known affectionately as Google's "Security Princess," began her career as a security engineer. Her unique title reflects her role's uniqueness and her approach to "hacking" traditional perceptions of tech roles. Leading the security team for Chrome, she has been instrumental in developing initiatives that protect billions of users from cyber threats. Her work has not only made the internet a safer place but has also served as a powerful example of how women can influence and lead in high-tech environments.

Both women exemplify how starting in technical roles does not confine one to the back office; instead, these roles can be springboards into influential positions that shape the industry. Their stories highlight the strides women are making in cybersecurity, transforming their fields from the inside out and setting a stage for future generations of women to follow. These inspiring examples showcase what women can achieve in this field, demonstrating leadership, innovation, and a commitment to enhancing security in our increasingly digital world.

Overcoming Barriers and Building a Future

The road to increasing female participation in cybersecurity is filled with barriers, from stereotypical gender roles to a lack of visible role models. But thanks to organizations like Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS), these barriers are slowly being dismantled. These platforms are crucial for spotlighting the achievements of women and providing the necessary networks and resources for those aspiring to enter this field. As we look to the future, the narrative of cybersecurity must be one of inclusivity and diversity.

If you are a woman seeking to make a substantial impact and protect our digital future, the field of cybersecurity offers a vibrant and crucial path. Your unique skills and perspectives are precisely what we need to foster a safer world. Embrace the opportunity to lead and innovate within this dynamic arena.

For those ready to embark on this exciting journey, my friend Andre Edmond's new book, "The Cyber Blueprint: Building Your Foundation for a Lucrative Career," available on Amazon, is an indispensable resource. This book has already hit best-seller status in three categories. It provides a clear roadmap to becoming a high-paid cybersecurity specialist, filled with essential knowledge and practical advice to thrive in this fast-paced industry.

I did a podcast interview with him recently, and we discussed one of his offerings that I believe is an excellent tool for empowering women to help defend our tomorrow in the field of cybersecurity. To further your education and practical skills, consider joining his Cyber Mastery Academy. Here, you can learn from experts through hands-on labs, group coaching, and even achieve guaranteed certifications. The academy also offers the RightTrak Cyber Aptitude Assessment, which helps determine the cybersecurity area that best fits your capabilities and career aspirations.

Whether you're at a career crossroads or eager to step into a role filled with both challenges and rewards, the field of cybersecurity needs your unique voice and capabilities. Take control of your future and help safeguard our digital tomorrow. Engage with communities, seek out education, and find mentors who can support your journey. Join us in strengthening the cybersecurity landscape. Let's collectively push forward the evolving narrative of women in cybersecurity and make a significant impact together.