International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. And what better way to celebrate by recognizing the progress women have made in cybersecurity.
There has been an increase of women in the global cybersecurity industry from 11% to approximately 24% over the past years.
It is inspiring to see a more women in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) professions and encourage future generations to continue to learn and connect with women in the industry.
Women contribute to the computing and cybersecurity industry by providing not only the technical expertise, but also another analytical perspective in process and teamwork. And let us recognize those brilliant women who have helped build the foundation of our computing world and cyber industry.
ADA LOVELACE
Ada Lovelace She is has been called “the first computer programmer” for writing an algorithm for a computing machine in the mid-1800s. She was also the daughter of poet Lord Byron.
AGNES MEYER DRISCOLL
Agnes Meyer Driscoll American cryptologist who served as a code breaker before and during World War II who was known as “the first lady of naval cryptology.”
ELIZABETH SMITH FRIENDMAN
Elizabeth Smith Friendman A “cryptanalyst,” or codebreaker, and a pioneer in United States cryptology. Known as “America’s first female cryptanalyst.”
GRACE HOPPER
Grace Hopper American computer scientist and United States Navy rear admiral “Grandma COBOL.” She was at Harvard when a moth was found to have shorted out the Mark II, and is sometimes given credit for the invention of the term “computer bug.”
ELIZABETH “JAKE” FENLER
Elizabeth “Jake” Fenler An American information scientist, Elizabeth was at forefront of the development of the Internet and is credited with having coined the phrase and context of “dot com.”
And a special thank you for Cyber Security Works for also promoting women in the profession!
FOR FURTHER RESOURCES
Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) A non-profit organization dedicated to the recruitment, retention and advancement of women in the cybersecurity field.
The SANS CyberTalent Immersion Academy for Women aims to increase the number of women in the cybersecurity industry and offers a fast track to top jobs in cybersecurity. Women participate in SANS’s world-class training program and earn GIAC certifications at no cost.
Women in Security and Privacy (WISP) Advances women to lead the future of privacy and security.
Women in Technology Aims in advancing women in technology — from the classroom to the boardroom. WIT meets its vision through a variety of leadership development, technology education, networking and mentoring opportunities for women at all levels of their careers.
IAPP Women Leading Privacy Women Leading Privacy is where many of today’s top privacy professionals come to give and get career support, to help advance women in the field and to expand their personal and professional networks with a slew of opportunities created just for them.
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