Momentum is building, but there's still work to be done
Women are entering Australia’s cyber security industry in growing numbers. They’re bringing vital skills, diverse thinking and new leadership potential to a rapidly evolving field. Although this momentum is worth celebrating, there’s still a long way to go - which is why initiatives like the International Women in Cyber Awards matter.
Recent years have seen increased efforts to attract women into cyber through education pathways, scholarship programs and community-building initiatives. These strategies are starting to pay off, with women now occupying a broader range of roles across the cyber ecosystem - from penetration testers and incident responders to policy advisors, educators and executives.
However, representation alone doesn’t guarantee equity. Many women still face significant challenges when it comes to long-term career development. Issues such as limited access to mentorship, exclusionary workplace culture and slower promotion pathways continue to impact retention rates for women in cyber. Sometimes simply getting more women through the door isn’t enough. They need to feel empowered, valued, and supported throughout their careers.
What we’re seeing now is women joining the field and reshaping it. Many enter cyber through non-traditional pathways, bringing new perspectives from careers in education, communications, law, policy or compliance. These diverse experiences improve the industry, especially in areas like human-centred design, ethics, privacy, governance and user education, which are all essential elements of today’s cyber landscape.
Supporting these professionals means looking beyond the recruitment stage. Leading organisations are investing in programs designed to help women advance into leadership roles. These include:
- Structured mentorship and sponsorship programs
- Flexible working policies that support career longevity
- Targeted recruitment initiatives for technical and executive positions
- Inclusive leadership training and workplace culture reforms
Additionally, national networks like the Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN) are creating valuable spaces for women to learn and connect. These kinds of communities foster visibility and a shared sense of purpose across the sector. It’s also important to recognise that the pace of technological change in cyber demands constant adaptation, and diverse teams are better equipped to meet that challenge.
Various studies have consistently shown that organisations with inclusive teams perform better, particularly when solving complex problems and responding to unexpected threats.
That’s why awards like the International Women in Cyber Awards are so important. They celebrate the achievements of women already making a difference and inspire the next generation of talent by showing what’s possible.
Your chance to support inspiring women in cyber
Nominations are now open for the International Women in Cyber Awards. These awards shine a spotlight on outstanding women working across technical, strategic, academic, and advocacy roles in the cyber sector.
If you know a woman who’s making a powerful impact in cyber - whether she’s mentoring others, building secure systems, shaping national policy, or educating the next generation - take a moment to nominate her and help her story be heard.
The Canberra Cyber Hub is proud to support a diverse and inclusive cyber security industry. One that reflects the richness of our community and leverages the full breadth of talent available. We believe a stronger cyber workforce is one where everyone can thrive, innovate, and lead. Let’s continue to push for progress, celebrate leadership and build a cyber future that works for all.
