The industry of cybersecurity has been dominated by men for a long time. One has a predefined perception that when we refer to a CISO, CSO, CIO, or equivalent, we would be referring to a man. The cybersecurity industry branched off from law enforcement, which might be the reason why most of the high-ranking security officials have usually been men.
However, with the onset of modernization, this perception is fading away with each passing day. Making their inroads into the security industry through human resource and digital marketing backgrounds, women in the 21st Century are solidifying their roles in the industry by taking over the higher ranks in the security sector.
A 2020 survey conducted by researchers worldwide has led to the conclusion that gender disparity in the workplace can hamper the growth of a company.
In the past 20 years, due to changes in the mindset of people within the industry and governmental support, gender bias in corporate firms has subsequently diminished. Recent developments made in the cybersecurity industry have highlighted the fact that women are emerging at the forefront and noticeably thriving.
Women on the Forefront in the Security Industry
In the information security and cybersecurity industry which was predominately taken over by men in the past, women have emerged as indispensable leaders in more recent times. Women in the security industry have gone from managing resources to coming up with new inventions while tackling threats in global security.
Here is a list of women, who through their dedication and qualification have managed to make a name for themselves in the global security sector:
(Director and Professor at the University of West Florida, Centre for Cybersecurity)
Dr. Eman discovered that she was best suited as a leading figure in the field of cybersecurity while she was working at the center for cybersecurity at West Florida University. The zeal to find solutions for overcoming global cyber threats led Dr. Eman to become a pioneer in this field. She is currently leading the NSA/DHS National Centers of Academic Excellence in the regional hub for cybersecurity in the Southeast US.
Dr. Eman has helped recruit more women in the field of cybersecurity, as a Co-founder of the Florida Women in Cybersecurity Affiliate in 2019. This foundation was an attempt to recruit more women in the security industry, provide them with adequate training, and cultivate their expertise to make them emerge as pioneers in the field.
“Sometimes women will wait until they have the perfect ideas or solutions to contribute. We need to encourage women to step up and take leadership roles, and strive for continuous improvement along the way”, says Dr. Eman, in an interview regarding her work and the aim of her organization.
(Vice President at Global Security and Crisis Management, CBRE)
Starting her career in Australia, in the field of risk management and business continuity, Haylea Pakes became the leading professional at Global Security and Crisis Management in CBRE. She is an indispensable part of the structural mentorship program at CBRE, working on herself every day to become a better mentor.
Due to an increase in the rate of cyber threats during the pandemic, Parkes has emerged at the forefront to tackle them efficiently and effectively, with her team of security professionals.
“It’s been great to see that evolution. More women are being given opportunities to excel in leadership positions, even if they are not from traditional security backgrounds, like myself”, said Haylea Parkes, in an interview about the growth of women leaders in the security industry.
(Vice President of Security Management, Corporate Security Overwatch)
Formerly working as the Regional Security Manager at William Wrigley, Mary Hough is the Director of security at the University of Chicago and Global Security Director at Navistar Incorporations. Recently, Hough has been promoted to the position of Vice President of Security Management at Corporate Security Overwatch.
Leading a large team of security professionals, Hough has proved her worth in the arena of risk management and corporate security. Furthermore, she has been coming up with innovative solutions to establish a robust workplace security policy at her organization.
Hough’s advice to women starting off in the security industry is :
“We are often outnumbered in a room of people who are all subject-matter experts. My advice? Join female leadership groups, keep up with security trends, stay in touch with colleagues, and don’t isolate yourself within the industry.”
(Chief Information Security and Technology Officer, Tiro Security)
Driven by her leadership skills, and grateful towards her mentors, Jenai Marinkovic is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Tiro Security.
Her dedication and skills opened up ways to work as a global leader in the arena of cybersecurity. Marinkovic has made her mark in the field of cybersecurity by spending 20 years in this profession, working as a CISO and CTO, and coming up with innovative technological solutions in the industry.
Implementing leading-edge information security programs, making improvements in her organization’s security infrastructure, reinventing engineering programs, and working together with global cybersecurity teams are a part of her daily regime. Furthermore, Marinkovic is also responsible for handling digital security, business continuity, and crisis management in her company.
Marinkovic believes that like her there are many women out there who have the required skill-set, expertise, and qualities to emerge as leaders in the cybersecurity and information security industry. However, they are not provided with adequate opportunities or the right platform to hone their skills. She has taken the initiative to recruit more women in the leading security profiles in her company to encourage other global companies to do the same.
“All leaders in the industry must commit to mentoring and supporting apprenticeships now. We need to provide women new to or recently entering the industry more hands-on client-facing experience, enabling them to get hired and ultimately become the CISOs of tomorrow”, said Marinkovic in an interview regarding steps to be implemented to increase the growth of women in the security industry.
(Director of Security & Technology at BRM Advisory, Chief Security Officer, Silver Chain Group)
Jo Stewart-Rattray has emerged as a leading figure in the arena of cybersecurity as the CSO of Silver Chain Group and Director of Security at BRM Advisory. She has been providing cybersecurity solutions from the forefront to the tourism and electricity sectors that are existentially functioning in Australia.
As Director of Security at BMR Advisory, Stewart-Rattray disseminates knowledge on cybersecurity and information security to companies worldwide. She provides necessary guidance to international organizations and MNCs regarding network compliance, cybersecurity awareness and training, and risks in information security.
She has been dealing with challenges head-on while working with her team in Silver Chain Group which is a non-profit organization that promotes community health around Australia, especially during this pandemic. Initiating a remote working program for employees at her firm, Stewart-Rattray has come up with solutions for ensuring that nurses can communicate sensitive information while traveling, without the risk of hacking or leakage.
She is currently mentoring two women who are working directly under her, showing incredible expertise in the field of cybersecurity. About them, she says, “To see them grow is not only a great journey for them but for me as well. It really is a two-way street. I learn as much from my protégés, as I hope they learn from me.”
Hence, women are bringing in a new pace in the arena of cybersecurity, proving their irreplaceable expertise and worth in the field. A CISO and CIO is no longer a male-dominated work profile as women are also coming to the forefront and handling the cybersecurity sector as efficiently as their male counterparts.
