Cyber Security
What is Cyber-security?
Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting networks, devices, applications, and data from unauthorised access, misuse, disruption, or destruction. It combines people, processes, and technology to reduce risk from threats that range from individual identity theft to large‑scale attacks on critical infrastructure.
Common objectives of attacks
● Steal or manipulate sensitive information
● Extort money through ransomware, fraud, or coercion
● Disrupt essential services, operations, or supply chains
Our homes, businesses, and public services now depend on secure digital systems. When those systems fail or are compromised, the consequences are practical and personal: financial loss, reputational damage, disruption to healthcare and transport, and threats to personal safety. Skilled cybersecurity professionals stop attacks before they spread, help organisations recover faster, and design systems that reduce future risk.
● The cyber security industry was reportedly worth $243.15 billion USD in 2024, and is projected to expand to $434.76 billion in 2029; with an annual growth rate of 12.9%. (Source: https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/market-insights/cybersecurity-market-insights-2025)
● Cybercrime is predicted to cost the world $10.5 trillion USD in 2025, and projected to expand to $12.2 trillion by 2031 (source: https://cybersecurityventures.com/official-cybercrime-report-2025/)
● If cyber crime was a country, it would have the third largest GDP in 2025 (Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/artificial-intelligence/if-cyber-crime-was-a-country-it-would-be-the-third-largest-gdp/articleshow/121676218.cms?from=mdr)
“Increasingly we are relying on the internet for our day to day lives, things like our cars are becoming connected, and even fridges are becoming connected, so we are connecting together and connecting to the internet all the time. However, we need to protect all the information we put on there and how we operate online,” Helen L, National Cyber-security Centre, GCHQ
Why Women Matter in Cyber Security
1. Stronger security through diverse thinking — Diverse teams are more innovative and effective. Different backgrounds mean different approaches to problem-solving. Women bring unique perspectives that can lead to more comprehensive cybersecurity measures. In a field where anticipating and mitigating a wide range of threats is crucial, diverse insights are invaluable.
2. Close the skills gap and boost resilience — Cybersecurity demand far outstrips supply; recruiting and retaining more women is not just fairness, it’s essential to meet national and industry staffing needs and strengthen resilience against the ever increasing threats the world is being exposed to in our modern society.
3. Economic and social impact — Increasing women’s share in cyber expands access to high-growth, well-paid careers, narrows pay and opportunity gaps, and builds a more equitable talent market that benefits the whole sector.
Getting Into Cyber Security
There are many entry pathways into cybersecurity, making it accessible to people from a wide range of backgrounds. Some begin with formal education, such as degrees in computer science, information security, or digital forensics, while others transition from related fields like IT support, law enforcement, or risk management.
For those without a technical background, roles in governance, training, or compliance provide valuable entry points, often requiring strong communication and analytical skills rather than technical expertise. With curiosity, commitment, and the right support, anyone can start building a career in cybersecurity.
Job roles in cyber-security:
Cybersecurity offers a diverse range of career opportunities, from deeply technical roles to strategic and people-focused positions. Whether you're drawn to coding, policy, education, or leadership, there's a place for you in this fast-growing field.
Programs:
Please find curated programmes and opportunities to help you enter and grow in cybersecurity. If you run a programme or want us to feature an initiative, reach out via: info@securitywomen.org
NCSC CyberFirst Bursary
What it is: Paid bursaries and industry placements for students pursuing cybersecurity degrees and summer placements.
Who it’s for: A‑level leavers and undergraduates in the UK.
Learn more: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/cyberfirst/bursary
SANS Institute Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) Partnership and Scholarships
What it is: Scholarships, mentoring, and access to SANS practical courses delivered in partnership with WiCyS.
Who it’s for: Career starters and career changers seeking industry‑recognised training and mentor support.
Learn more: https://www.sans.edu/women-in-cybersecurity/
SANS Cyber Academy
What it is: Intensive, practical training and certification pathways for defensive and offensive security roles.
Who it’s for: Early‑career professionals and those upskilling for technical cyber roles.
Learn more: https://www.sans.org/cyber-academy
ESET Women in Cyber Studentship UK
What it is: Industry‑funded studentship providing grants and hardware support to female undergraduates.
Who it’s for: Students enrolled in UK degrees in cybersecurity, digital forensics or related fields.
Learn more: https://www.eset.com/uk/women-in-cybersecurity-scholarship/
ISC2 Women’s Scholarship
What it is: Financial scholarships awarded to support women pursuing cybersecurity degrees, with opportunities for mentorship and professional development.
Who it’s for: Women studying cybersecurity or information security at undergraduate or graduate level globally.
Learn more: https://www.iamcybersafe.org/s/womens-scholarships
Women and Cyber Security
Staying Safe Online -
Online threats have real consequences: personal safety, career disruption, and mental health impacts. Practical privacy habits and responsive, reduce risk, protect careers, and make digital spaces safer for everyone.
Essential practices
● Use strong, unique passwords and store them in a password manager.
● Enable two‑factor authentication on email, social media, and financial accounts.
● Keep devices and apps updated; install security patches promptly.
● Avoid public Wi‑Fi for sensitive tasks or use a trusted VPN for encryption.
● Separate accounts for work, social, and financial use to limit cross‑account exposure.
● Reduce metadata in shared photos (strip EXIF) and limit geotagging and location sharing.
Quick privacy checklist
● Review and tighten privacy settings on social media platforms.
● Audit third‑party app permissions and remove unnecessary access.
● Make profiles private where possible and limit who can see posts and stories.
● Remove or restrict followers you don’t recognise.
● Enable device encryption and set a screen lock PIN or biometric authentication.
If you’re being harassed or doxxed
1. Preserve evidence: screenshot messages, save URLs, log times, and usernames.
2. Block and mute the abusers on platform(s) where abuse appears.
3. Report the content to the platform using in‑app reporting tools and follow up if removal is delayed.
4. Send takedown requests if personal data is published; use platform privacy/report
5. If you feel threatened or stalked, contact local law enforcement and share the evidence you collected.
6. Seek emotional support from trusted friends, colleagues, or support organisations rather than dealing with abuse alone
Further reading and help
Practical guide: Sarah Frazier’s comprehensive cyber safety guide for women https://www.wizcase.com/blog/comprehensive-online-security-guide-for-women/
Want us to list your support programme or resource? Contact us via info@securitywomen.org
Industry Statistics
Women currently make up around 25% of the global cybersecurity workforce, with projections rising to ~33% by 2031. (Source: https://programs.com/resources/women-in-cybersecurity-stats/)
Hiring trends
Fewer organisations now report difficulty finding qualified female candidates: recent survey results show a drop from 41% → 22% reporting this challenge.
High levels of job satisfaction
Around 76% of women working in cybersecurity report being satisfied with their jobs, compared with 70% of men. Women have consistently rated their overall job satisfaction higher than men for several consecutive years, with the gender gap widening in recent surveys (9% in 2022 and 6% in 2023).
Source: https://www.isc2.org/insights/2024/04/women-in-cybersecurity-report-career-considerations?queryID=559551ef384216db46272e6ca86df2e5
These trends show that outreach, scholarships, apprenticeships, and inclusive hiring practices are having a measurable impact.
Women for a safer digital future!
Women are shaping the future of cybersecurity. Progress is clear, representation is rising, hiring barriers are falling, and women in the field report high job satisfaction. However, we can always improve and progress. Your next step can make a difference: whether you’re starting a career,
switching into cyber, mentoring, or hiring, every action helps build a stronger, more resilient digital future.
Want us to feature your programme, work, or success story? Please contact us:
info@securitywomen.org
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