Cybersecurity has always needed to be a forward-thinking industry, given the fast-paced nature of the job and rapidly evolving threats. So why has the industry struggled for so long to shake off its reputation of being an impenetrable boy’s club? Misconceptions (such as the lingering caricatured image of men coding in hoodies) have alienated a huge segment of the population from even considering a career move into the field – notably women.

In 2022, a KnowBe4-sponsored report found that women only make up 25% of the cybersecurity workforce, up a staggering 15% on 2013. Clearly work is being done to break down the barriers of entry into cybersecurity but more needs to be done. Now is the time to pick up momentum.

One of the crucial elements of making cybersecurity appeal to women is to show them the possibilities, by highlighting role models for them to aspire to. Specifically, role models who have had demonstrable success in the sector or are driving the changes necessary to redress the current imbalance. This is why we’ve created the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards.

We can’t be what we can’t see.

We ask the public to nominate candidates from around the globe, with the final Top 20 Women selected by an esteemed panel of judges. A profile on each of these Top 20 Women is then published with our media partner, the IT Security Guru, which receives over 45,000 views every month.

Now in its 4 year, the awards are set to take place on the 27 th of February at the spectacular BT Tower, thanks to BT’s continued support of the event.