Women in cybersecurity: Breaking barriers and building careers Par :Katherina Uribe April 29, 2025 Estimated reading time: 7 minutes. Picture a world where digital threats appear everywhere, from phishing emails and malware to large-scale ransomware attacks. Cybersecurity professionals are our digital protectors, shielding personal data, corporate networks, and even national infrastructures. Yet, despite the urgency of this work, women have long been underrepresented in the field. If you’re a woman considering a future in cybersecurity or want to learn why the sector needs more female professionals, this blog is for you. We’ll explore common hurdles, celebrate success stories, and show how mentorship, inclusive policies, and targeted education can break down entrenched barriers. You’ll also discover how Lighthouse Labs and other organizations help women gain practical skills to thrive in this fast-growing discipline. The growing need for women in cybersecurity The increasing demand for cybersecurity professionals Organizations of every size—startups, corporations, and government agencies—rely on cybersecurity experts to defend crucial data. As threats like ransomware and phishing become more sophisticated, the supply of skilled defenders struggles to meet demand. Bringing more women into the profession not only helps fill this gap but also boosts the diversity of problem-solving techniques in security teams. Cybersecurity roles are expanding into areas such as threat intelligence, incident response, and cloud security. Each specialty presents unique challenges that benefit from varied perspectives. In an environment where ingenuity is essential, recruiting more women fosters a broader range of strategies to outmaneuver evolving cyberattacks. Hire job-ready women in cybersecurity Hire our grads The current gender gap Despite a surge in cybersecurity roles, women remain a minority. The Global Cybersecurity Forum’s 2024 Cybersecurity Workforce Report indicates that women constitute only 24% of cybersecurity professionals. Limited early exposure to tech, cultural biases, and a lack of visible female role models contribute to this disparity. Many women simply never realize cybersecurity offers opportunities to apply critical thinking, creativity, and a desire to protect the public interest. Why diversity matters Cyber threats evolve rapidly, and a narrow range of viewpoints can leave vulnerabilities unaddressed. Inclusive teams bring fresh perspectives and more resilient strategies, confirming that cybersecurity belongs to everyone. For more on why diverse teams outperform, see our post on what diversity, equity, and inclusion mean in tech. Challenges women face in cybersecurity Underrepresentation and gender biases Though conversations about gender equity in tech have increased, change remains slow. Persistent stereotypes and unconscious biases continue to discourage girls from exploring STEM fields early on. Women who enter cybersecurity may find workplaces unprepared to support them, with outdated policies and few established female mentors. Workplace challenges Wage gaps, limited mentorship, and fewer networking opportunities can hinder women’s career progress. Without strong role models or peer support, navigating promotion paths can feel daunting. The scarcity of female leaders in cybersecurity also contributes to a sense of isolation, which sometimes leads talented professionals to exit the field prematurely. The impact of impostor syndrome Seeing only a few women in leadership can intensify self-doubt, especially for newcomers. Our blog closing the confidence gap, explores how women often internalize these doubts and ways to overcome them. Solid mentorship, peer communities, and success stories can all help women recognize their potential in the security domain. Breaking barriers: Success stories of women in cybersecurity Personal narratives illuminate the possibilities open to women in cybersecurity. Real-life examples highlight how determination, supportive networks, and continued learning enable women to excel. Profiles of influential women leading in cybersecurity A prime illustration is Penny Longman and Michaela Clouston, whose journeys you can read more about in our “Hiring the Future” blog post. Both women have taken on pivotal cybersecurity responsibilities, influencing everything from large-scale security policies to strategic risk management approaches. Their achievements underscore that expertise, determination, and strong networks can propel women to the front lines of cybersecurity leadership. How they overcame challenges Both encountered skepticism, unconscious bias, and minimal female representation. Mentors—formal or informal—helped guide their paths. They seized opportunities to voice their ambitions, request key assignments, and promote inclusive policies. Their journeys encourage aspiring security professionals to persist and carve out leadership roles. Lessons for aspiring women in cybersecurity Foster connections: Link up with mentors, join security forums, and exchange knowledge with peers who’ve faced similar challenges. Embrace continuous learning: Cyber threats evolve daily, so staying updated through bootcamps, courses, webinars, or conferences is essential. Be your own advocate: Highlight your achievements, push for promotions, and speak up about your career goals. Lighthouse Labs grads forging new paths Alumni from Lighthouse Labs demonstrate how an immersive Cybersecurity Bootcamp can fuel transformative career shifts: Bernadette: Despite a “non-traditional” trajectory, Bernadette uncovered a passion for securing digital assets. She credits Lighthouse Labs’ hands-on style and nurturing community for helping her successfully pivot. Tracy: Tracy’s fascination with understanding “why” cyber threats happen spurred her to enter the field. She excelled in cybersecurity by combining problem-solving abilities, ingenuity, and persistence, emphasizing that any background can be a springboard for a career in cybersecurity. Meenu: Coming from finance, Meenu found that her analytic mindset and attention to detail translated well into detecting risks and defending systems. Her story showcases how past professional skills can integrate smoothly into cybersecurity. Serene: Serene exemplifies cybersecurity’s mix of creativity and rigour. She illustrates how varied talents can thrive in this domain by synthesizing innovative thinking with methodical strategies. Start your cybersecurity career! Classes start soon and there's room for you. Learn more Initiatives and programs supporting women in cybersecurity Various groups and campaigns aim to expand women’s participation in cybersecurity. Lighthouse Labs actively collaborates on several such endeavours. Industry organizations promoting diversity Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS): A worldwide network offering conferences, mentorship, and job leads to security professionals at every level. Girls Who Code: In addition to coding basics, they introduce cybersecurity concepts, encouraging young women to view digital defence as exciting and accessible. Cybersafe Foundation: Targets underserved communities, broadening cybersecurity awareness and skill-building for women and youth. Scholarships, mentorship, and networking Lighthouse Labs proudly supports our partners with multiple programs that boost women in tech, including cybersecurity: Leveling It Up! Women Entrepreneurship Strategy (CEED, since May 2023): Incorporates cybersecurity best practices into women-led ventures. Women in Tech Alberta (IDRF, since October 2022): Hosts workshops guiding women toward tech, including security roles. Women Learning to Code & Take Leadership (IDRF & United Way Greater Toronto, ongoing since 2018): Combines coding foundations with leadership skills relevant to cybersecurity paths. Virtual Career Accelerator Lab (Accelerate Her Future, June 2022–March 2023): Provides advanced digital training, including specialized security instruction. Path to Customer Success (Path2CS) (The Career Foundation, April 2021–March 2023): Highlights digital literacy’s importance for cyber-adjacent careers. Digital Literacy Scholarships (SCWIST, 2022): Enables women to grow core STEM competencies, including cybersecurity basics. OWN Tech Initiative (OCCSC, April 2020–March 2021): Introduces diverse women to cybersecurity and broader tech fields. Corporate efforts for a more inclusive environment Forward-thinking companies use Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) committees, flexible work models, and transparent promotion structures to reduce bias. Such initiatives help cultivate environments where women can advance in cybersecurity without undue barriers. Over time, these corporate commitments can fuel significant cultural shifts, normalizing women’s leadership in security teams. How to start and succeed in a cybersecurity career as a woman Essential skills and certifications Cybersecurity combines technical and soft skills—system architecture, threat analysis, communication, and critical thinking. Industry-recognized certifications like CompTIA Security+, CISSP, or CEH validate expertise. A university degree isn’t essential; Bootcamps and short courses can provide hands-on, focused learning. Lighthouse Labs’ Cybersecurity Bootcamp exemplifies an immersive approach, blending real-world projects with mentorship. Whether transitioning from a different field or building on prior tech knowledge, such training helps accelerate your entry into cybersecurity roles. Explore the Cybersecurity Bootcamp Flexible education matters Balancing family, work, or other priorities can be challenging. Institutions like Lighthouse Labs offer remote full-time or part-time formats so you can learn without sacrificing other responsibilities. Our blog post on flexible tech education to empower women explores how shorter, flexible programs fit busy schedules while delivering in-demand skills. Mentorship and networking Although cybersecurity focuses on preventing digital attacks, human connections remain vital for career growth. Mentors, peers, and industry contacts can offer moral support, fresh insights, and job leads. Check out our blog on moving beyond mentorship for advice on cultivating sponsor-like relationships. Overcoming barriers Women often need to champion their achievements more directly than they might expect. Documenting successes, articulating goals, and pushing for leadership roles can open doors. If workplace barriers persist, connect with DEI initiatives or professional networks committed to promoting women in tech. By advocating for inclusive environments, you make cybersecurity better for everyone. The future of women in cybersecurity Trends and opportunities As technology evolves, fields like AI-driven threat detection, zero-trust frameworks, and quantum-safe encryption emerge. Each specialty demands a range of aptitudes, from coding to high-level policy strategy. Such diversity creates new roles for women eager to shape the future of digital security. Cybersecurity also overlaps with consulting, executive leadership, and product development, allowing professionals to broaden their impact. This adaptability ensures that career options continue to expand, especially for those who bring fresh ideas and a commitment to securing critical systems. Education and outreach in closing the gender gap Long-term change starts early. Coding clubs, hackathons, and bootcamps can demystify cybersecurity while emphasizing its real-world importance. By protecting systems from social media to healthcare, cybersecurity proves its relevance to everyday life. Highlighting female leaders in these settings normalizes women’s participation and sparks curiosity in the next generation. Inspiring the next generation By spotlighting women who already excel—whether as Ethical Hackers, CISOs, or Security Analysts—we paint a vivid picture of what’s possible. Community workshops and mentorship initiatives encourage youth to confidently enter the security field, ensuring that the future workforce is skilled and diverse. Empowering women to lead in cybersecurity Cybersecurity is at the core of our hyperconnected era, yet women remain underrepresented. We’ve identified key obstacles—from wage inequalities to limited mentorship—and presented concrete solutions, including bootcamps, sponsorship initiatives, and corporate DEI measures. These efforts transform an industry that urgently needs new ideas and perspectives. If you’re curious about how to start a career in cybersecurity, remember that your viewpoint is invaluable. If uncertainty is holding you back, check out our post on closing the confidence gap. And when you’re ready to build job-ready skills, consider our Cybersecurity Bootcamp. Whether you’re new to the field or already experienced, remember that your voice matters. Get involved with local user groups, join a mentorship network, or become a mentor yourself. By taking these steps, you’ll help shift cybersecurity from a male-dominated arena to one where women’s contributions are standard, necessary, and celebrated. In doing so, you’ll help create a digital world that benefits from the creativity and expertise of every possible defender.