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International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on 8th March, is a global event that honours the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.
At i3Secure, we would like to encourage more women to consider a career in cyber security. It is an incredibly interesting field of security with attractive salaries and prospects for personal development. Our very own team of women are testament to the calibre of consultants within the industry and we would like to develop the next wave of consultants into cyber security!
We are hugely grateful to our incredible talent pool of women within i3Secure. Read on to hear from Louise, Emma and Daisy about their experiences and gain their perspective on what it’s like working as women in cyber security.
The Importance of Women in Cyber Security
The presence and contribution of women in cyber security is essential. Here are three key reasons why:
- Diverse Perspectives: Women bring unique perspectives and problem-solving approaches to cyber security. Diverse teams are better equipped to anticipate and mitigate cyber threats, as they can draw on a wider range of experiences and viewpoints.
- Addressing the Talent Gap: The cyber security industry faces a significant talent shortage. Encouraging more women to enter and stay in the field can help bridge this gap, ensuring that organisations have the skilled professionals they need to protect against cyber threats.
- Innovation and Creativity: Women in cyber security contribute to innovation and creativity. Their involvement can lead to the development of new strategies and technologies that enhance security measures.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite the benefits, women in cyber security often face challenges such as gender bias, lack of mentorship, and limited opportunities for advancement. At i3Secure, we are working to address these issues by providing networking opportunities, professional development, and support for women in the field.
Daisy Brice, Head of Business Development, joined the team in September 2024. Here’s what she shared with us on her experiences:
“Being a woman in engineering and cybersecurity often means navigating spaces where I’m the only one like me in the room. It means working twice as hard to prove my expertise, sometimes only to hear, “You only got the job because you’re a woman.”
“I’ve heard it more times than I can count over the years. And every time, I remind myself that I belong in this space. I got here because I earned it. Diversity is not a favour, it’s an advantage.
“At i3Secure, I feel valued for the skills I bring and contribution I make, regardless of my gender. This is the type of environment that I hope will increasingly become the norm.”
We echo Daisy’s view that representation matters. When women are included, industries evolve, innovation thrives, and security strengthens. Women bring different perspectives, challenge outdated norms, and contribute just as much, if not more.
She added, “This International Women’s Day, I celebrate every woman who has stepped into a room where she wasn’t expected to be and made it her own. And to those still pushing through the doubt and the noise, keep going. Your presence isn’t just needed, it’s necessary.”
Promoting a Healthy, Balanced Culture
We also asked Emma Brooks, Consultant within i3Secure’s Governance team, for an insight into her experience, after joining us in October 2024.
Emma commented, “On International Women’s Day, it’s important to recognise the professional and personal challenges many of us face daily.
“I thought coming from one male dominated environment (the British Army) to another (cyber security) would be like jumping out of the frying pan and into the corporate fire. I anticipated a lack of empathy and perceived credibility due to balancing primary care for young children while establishing myself in a new career.
“The opposite couldn’t be more true. It has been truly empowering to lead from the front with trust and tenability in client delivery, while feeling like a present and engaged mum with my boys, which is such a high priority for me.
“I hope to inspire other women to join the Cyber sector no matter what stage they are at in life. That way, we can continue growing a healthy and balanced culture towards the employment of women in the industry.”
Stories like Emma’s show that change is possible and give realistic hope that the gender imbalance can continue to decrease.
Celebrating Achievements and Driving Change
We view International Women’s Day as an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of women in cyber security and to highlight the importance of gender diversity in the industry.
Louise Percival, Head of Defence, has been with i3Secure since its inception. She also shared her perspective with us:
“Today we celebrate the incredible women in cybersecurity – especially those at i3Secure Ltd and our close industry partners – who are driving change, securing systems, and shaping the future of our public and private sector industry.
“Cybersecurity thrives on diverse perspectives, backgrounds, experiences, education, and knowledge. At i3Secure, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and empowering environment. We want to ensure that women not only have a seat at the table but also lead the conversation. We are proud to support, mentor, and empower women in the industry, ensuring they have the opportunities and recognition they deserve.
“To all the women in cyber: your expertise, resilience, and leadership inspire us every day. Your work is invaluable, your voices matter, and your contributions make a difference.”
We couldn’t agree more and will continue to champion the incredible women in cyber security who are doing valuable work.
How to Get Involved
Here are some ways in which employers can get involved:
- Mentorship Programmes: Support mentorship programmes, such as Women in Defence UK, that connect experienced professionals with women entering the field. Mentorship can provide guidance, encouragement, and career development opportunities.
- Awareness Campaigns: Participate in or organise campaigns that raise awareness of the contributions of women in cyber security and the need for gender diversity.
- Educational Initiatives: Promote educational programmes and scholarships that encourage young women to pursue careers in cyber security. Early exposure to the field can spark interest and build a pipeline of future talent.
- Internal Networks: Attend or host networking events that bring together women in the digital/ cyber sector (e.g. Defence Women’s Network, Women Empowering Defence). These events can foster connections, share knowledge, and create a supportive community.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, let’s recognise the vital role women play in cyber security and commit to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for them. By accelerating action towards gender equality, we can build a stronger, more resilient cyber security workforce that benefits everyone.
Together, we can forge a path towards a diverse and inclusive future in cyber security. Happy International Women’s Day!
Read more on International Women’s Day from Louise’s perspective here.
