Women in cybersecurity reflect on a decade of change

Women in Cybersecurity Reflecting on a Decade of Change

As we mark International Women's Day 2026, it's essential to acknowledge the significant progress made in cybersecurity over the past decade. The industry has undergone tremendous transformations, from ransomware becoming a major concern to security now being a top priority for CEOs. However, one area that still requires attention is the underrepresentation of women in this field.

The Early Days A Narrow Perspective

Ten years ago, cybersecurity was not a topic that commanded attention in boardrooms. It was viewed as an IT matter, handled by technical professionals who didn't need to venture beyond their specialized teams. Women were even less visible in these spaces, contributing to the industry's narrow perspective.

The Shift From Prevention to Preparedness

In 2016, ransomware started to pose a significant threat, and companies were still grappling with cloud adoption. Security was largely seen as an IT matter that didn't require executive-level involvement. Fast-forward to today, and security now sits squarely on the CEO's desk. While this shift is welcome, it's crucial to recognize that the industry's greatest opportunity for growth lies in addressing its lingering gender gap.

Philippines A Decade of Progress

Bernadette Nacario, country director at Palo Alto Networks, reflects on the past decade as progress but unfinished progress. She emphasizes the importance of treating diversity deliberately, not passively allowing it to develop over time. This approach is rooted in bayanihan, the Filipino concept of people carrying the load together.

Singapore Scaling Technology

Claribel Chai, country director for Singapore and CLMB, notes that security has moved beyond its niche status in specialist teams with limited reach into the broader business. However, scaling technology does not automatically scale opportunity. She stresses the importance of operationalizing inclusion and championing diverse talent in tech to create a legacy of leadership.

Japan A New Era

Sharmin Jassal, director of corporate communications for Japac (Japan and Asia-Pacific), highlights how the industry's framing of risk has evolved. Gone are the days of focusing solely on prevention; preparedness now takes center stage. Effective communication is crucial in turning complex technical concepts into actionable decisions.

Male Allies A Call to Action

Riccardo Galbiati, regional chief security officer for Japac, emphasizes the role male leaders play in pushing for greater representation and amplifying diverse voices. He believes that different perspectives challenge assumptions, surface blind spots earlier, and lead to better decision-making in high-stakes environments.

Australia Lessons Learned

Nicole Quinn, vice president for Policy and Government Affairs for Japac, shares her insights on Australia's government re-framing cybersecurity around 2016. While progress was made, momentum stalled, and real coordination took longer than expected. She stresses the importance of public-private partnerships and innovative solutions emerging from diverse voices.

Conclusion

As we look back on the past decade, it's clear that cybersecurity has undergone significant changes. However, one area that still requires attention is the underrepresentation of women in this field. By recognizing the importance of diversity, operationalizing inclusion, and championing diverse talent, we can create a more inclusive and innovative industry for the future.

Recommendations

1. Treat diversity deliberately Make a conscious effort to prioritize diversity and inclusion.
2. Amplify diverse voices Use your platform to amplify diverse perspectives and experiences.
3. Operationalize inclusion Implement policies and practices that promote inclusivity and equity.
4. Champion diverse talent Recognize and celebrate the achievements of women in cybersecurity.

Key Statistics

In 2016, only 20% of cybersecurity professionals were women (Source Cybersecurity Ventures)
Today, women make up around 25% of the industry (Source CompTIA)
AI-driven fraud is no longer a future threat; it's a present reality (Source Palo Alto Networks)

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By acknowledging the progress made in cybersecurity over the past decade and recognizing the importance of diversity and inclusion, we can work towards creating a more inclusive and innovative industry for the future.

Edward Lance Arellano Lorilla

CEO / Co-Founder

Enjoy the little things in life. For one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things. Many of life's failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.