Written by: Libby on June 13, 2024
Internationally, the cyber security industry is just 24% women, this is an increase from how it once was. However, the underrepresentation is still incredibly strong. Not only is representation vital so the sector becomes more equal but also so you can see cyber security as a potential career path.
Did you know that a whopping 78% of students can’t name a famous female working in technology?
We want to change that!
So, we wanted to spotlight some of the trailblazing women working in cyber security.
Check them out below!
Chani Simms
Image Source: www.infosecurity-magazine.com
1. Chani Simms is a leader in the sector. She has over 20 years of experience and has received lots of acclaim.
Simms is an expert in implementing and managing information security. She co-founded Meta Defence Labs in 2015, an information security service provider. She expanded the company to provide expertise to South Asian communities. Simms also founded SHe CISO Exec. A platform that aims to close gaps in the cyber security industry. In order to empower younger generations into the cyber industry. A true inspiration!
Sarah Armstrong-Smith
Image Source: https://champions-speakers.co.uk/
2. Sarah Armstrong-Smith is a key figure in the industry. She is currently Microsoft’s Chief Security Advisor for Europe. In her role, she has a key role in Microsoft’s digital transformation. She has also been recognised as one of the UK’s most influential tech leaders.
Armstrong-Smith has worked on multiple major cyber incidents. On top of that is the author of 2 books: ‘Understand the Cyber Attack Mindset’ and ‘Effective Crisis Management’.
She has received over 30 awards and has recently been named one of the top 25 leaders in cyber security. An inspiring role model!
Tammie Tham
Image Source: www.mediacorp.sg
3. Tammie Tham, the CEO at Ensign InfoSecurity. Asia’s largest cyber security services organisation. Tham worked her way up to CEO, from Head of Enterprise Portfolio Management.
She has over 20 years of experience in the sector. She has been in leadership positions at companies such as IBM (International Business Machines). Tham is also the Co-chair of the Cyber Security Agency’s, Cyber Security Awareness Alliance. An agency that aims to enhance awareness and promote essential practices. Making a difference throughout her career!
Jane Frankland
Image Source: https://jane-frankland.com/
4. Jane Frankland is an entrepreneur and author. She has also founded KnewStart, an organisation that exists to help women in cyber security. After reading a report on the low number of women in the sector, she carried out research and released a book on the topic ’IN Security: Why a Failure to Attract and Retain Women in Cybersecurity is Making Us All Less Safe’.
After the book’s release, she founded IN Security Movement, a movement to improve gender diversity within the industry. Since launching, Frankland has provided 100+ scholarships providing women the opportunity to pursue cyber security. A true change-maker!
Kirsten Davies
Image Source: https://engineering.nyu.edu/
5. Kirsten Davies is a cyber security transformation thought leader. She is known for her expertise in refining ways of working and optimising security processes. She is currently the Chief Information Security Officer at Unilever. This means she oversees the organisation’s information, cyber, and technology security.
Davies also has experience working at companies such as Estee Lauder, Barclays, and many more. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about diversity and inclusion. For example, at Estee Lauder, she created an initiative that beat cyber security sector averages regarding the inclusion of individuals across genders and ethnicities. An EDI champion of the sector!
If you want to learn about cyber security, then please sign up for our free online course here on InnovateHer Online. In which you can learn at your own pace in your own time.
If you have any questions, please contact study@innovateher.co.uk.
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