“Empowering Women in Cybersecurity: Career Tips from Industry Experts”

Leading women in cybersecurity share mentorship, sponsorship, and advice during a webinar to encourage more women to join the industry. Learn from their experiences and insights for a successful career in cybersecurity.

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In a recent online event held to commemorate International Women’s Month, notable women in the cybersecurity field shared their stories, perspectives, and guidance for inspiring more women to pursue careers in the industry.

The webinar, led by Bugcrowd’s Chief Marketing Officer Emily Ferdinando, featured insights from Einat Shimoni, the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Lusha; Katie Paxton-Fear, an ethical hacker; and Liz Steininger, the CEO of Least Authority.

Shimoni, reflecting on her professional journey, emphasized her commitment to empowering women in cybersecurity by recruiting and mentoring young female computer science graduates to become cybersecurity analysts. She believes in not only filling entry-level positions but also cultivating a pathway for future female cybersecurity leaders through mentorship and guidance.

Paxton-Fear highlighted the crucial role of sponsorship in advancing women’s leadership opportunities. She stressed that allies within organizations, especially men, play a vital role in advocating for talented women and creating inclusive environments that promote diversity.

Steininger, sharing her experiences as a cybersecurity leader, emphasized the significance of allies in opening doors for women in the industry. She encouraged allies to provide opportunities that showcase the exceptional talent women bring to the cybersecurity field.

The panelists also shared light-hearted moments from their careers, underscoring the importance of learning from mistakes and challenging situations. Shimoni recounted fixing security vulnerabilities she had unknowingly created in a previous role, while Paxton-Fear shared a tense yet enlightening encounter with ransomware early in her career.

Offering advice to aspiring women in cybersecurity, the panelists emphasized the importance of courage, support from mentors and allies, and taking proactive steps to learn and grow in the field. They encouraged young women to embrace opportunities, seek guidance, and not hesitate to dive into the cybersecurity domain.

Despite concerns about resistance to diversity initiatives in certain regions, the panelists remained optimistic about the future of women in cybersecurity. They highlighted the value of diversity in fostering innovative thinking and enhancing organizational performance for better security outcomes.

In concluding remarks, the panelists urged young women to explore cybersecurity careers, connect with mentors and sponsors, and seize the opportunities that come their way to thrive in the dynamic and evolving field.

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