The power of representation in cybersecurity
The power of representation in cybersecurity
https://securitybrief.asia/story/the-power-of-representation-in-cybersecurity
Publish Date: 2026-03-04 05:05:00
Source Domain: securitybrief.asia
When I first began studying Mathematics and Philosophy, I did not imagine I would end up working in penetration testing. At the time, I was drawn to problem solving, logic and questioning assumptions. It was during my master’s in Cybersecurity Management that I discovered how those interests translate directly into cybersecurity, particularly consultancy and ethical hacking. Today, as a Pentest People Academy graduate, I have gained experience across multiple testing disciplines and strengthened my consultancy skills.
My path into cybersecurity is not unusual. Many women enter the profession from different academic or professional backgrounds. Some come through traditional routes such as IT or computer science. Others transition from unrelated fields, bringing valuable transferable skills. Analytical thinking, communication, curiosity and resilience are just as important as technical knowledge.
Despite the industry’s rapid growth, women accounted for only 25 per cent of cybersecurity roles globally in 2022. Projections suggested that this could rise to 30 per cent by 2025. Now that we are in 2026, representation has improved, but leadership positions remain significantly underrepresented, particularly in the UK. That tells us something important. Progress is being made, but there is still work to do.
Education plays a critical role in this shift. Schools and universities are increasingly promoting cybersecurity courses to female students and addressing misconceptions about what a career in technology looks like. That early encouragement matters. If young women do not see cybersecurity as an option, they are unlikely to pursue it. Initiatives aimed at bridging the skills gap are helping to open doors that may not have seemed accessible before.
Within organisations, women are contributing across a wide range of roles. We see women working as threat analysts, cybersecurity consultants, network security specialists and security architects. Some…
