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.”

WOMEN OF HALOCK

We are fortunate to have a special team of women at HALOCK who bring expertise, wisdom, and excellence across the entire organization.

I am so grateful to all the women in my life who have inspired and supported me over the years, professionally and personally. Happy International Women’s day to you all.

Viviana Wesley, PCI QSA, ISO 27001 Auditor, CISM

Viviana was recently featured as an “Inspiring Women of Payments” with the PCI SSC.

PROFESSIONAL GROUPS

Executive Women’s Forum (EWF) on Information Security, Risk Management & Privacy. The EWF provides education, mentorship and leadership development programs for women at every level of their career as well as a National Conference attended by over 500 emerging and accomplished leaders.

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.

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 CyberSecurity (WiCyS)  A non-profit organization dedicated to the recruitment, retention and advancement of women in the cybersecurity field.

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. 

Women in Technology of Tennessee A community committed to promoting women in technology through scholarships, education, community outreach, and networking.

 

And a special thank you for Cyber Security Works for also promoting women in the profession!

#ChooseToChallenge #IWD2023 #EmbraceEquity