Women leading the charge in cybersecurity: Voices from the front lines
Written by Ken Showers for Security Systems News
YARMOUTH, Maine – International Women in Cyber Day (IWCD) on Sept. 1 shined a light on the achievements and challenges of women in the cybersecurity industry. It served as a warm-up to National Cybersecurity Awareness Month in October, a month dedicated to educating the greater public about online risks and cyber threats.
International Women in Cyber Day: A call for inclusion
Founded in 2018 by Lisa Kerney, IWCD promotes gender inclusivity and celebrates the contributions of female professionals in cybersecurity. The day serves as a reminder of the need for greater representation and support for women in tech.
“In my career leading teams through tough security and compliance programs, I’ve seen how often women are underestimated or overlooked,” said Ruth Okofu, infosec operations engineer at Lastwall. “Early on, there were very few women in the room when critical risk decisions were made. That lack of visibility can hold us back—even when the expertise is there.”
Ruth Okofu on visibility and leadership
Okofu emphasized the importance of sponsorship and advancement opportunities, urging organizations to actively support women in leadership roles.
“Cybersecurity is about resilience,” she added. “Resilience comes from diversity. Empowering women isn’t just inclusion – it’s a strategy for a stronger, more secure industry.”
Mary Gates on skills, mindset and mentorship
Mary Gates, CEO of GMR Security Consulting Group, highlighted both the technical skills and mindset needed to thrive in cybersecurity.
“Equally important is cultivating a mindset for rapid decision-making, analytical thinking, and calm problem-solving under pressure,” Gates said. “Networking and mentorship are key. Engaging with professional organizations and leadership initiatives helps women gain visibility, support, and career guidance.”
Gates also pointed to internships, volunteer projects and SOC analyst roles as effective entry points for women pursuing careers in incident response and security operations.
Women shaping the future of cyber defense
“Women are increasingly shaping the security response landscape,” Gates said. “By combining technical acumen with resilience, leveraging mentorship and seeking organizations committed to diversity, women can establish strong footholds in cybersecurity and rise into leadership roles that influence the future of cyber defense.”