Full Transcript

• Friday 8th March is International Women's Day #IWD2024. This year's theme is #InspireInclusion. What does this mean in the world of cybersecurity?
• Like most people, you've probably heard all about International Women's Day. However, isn't it true that we're still women tomorrow and the day after that? In fact, every day, a fact that means positive posts one day per year are woefully insufficient. It's kind of like climate change. We're not going to get to zero carbon, let alone positive, if we keep pumping greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. Now, why is this important? Research shows that input from diverse thinkers and lived experience produce better outcomes. Inclusion leads to better problem solving and risk based decision making. So why would you not want more diversity in your cybersecurity team? And why is it important now? Well, here in the UK, the gender gap in cybersecurity is increasing. There are more women who are leaving the industry, but equally there are lots of women out there who are changing careers and looking to come into cybersecurity. They do all the legwork, and what they need is for hiring managers to take a chance and create opportunities for women to succeed, just like Peter Dawes did for me all those years ago. Now, when it comes to job adverts, you can run those through checkers to highlight terms that would put women off. That's one thing you can do; also providing membership and support networks. And when it comes to the Christmas party, are those proposed activities actually appropriate for all genders, or are they othering in people? I invite you to be an ally.
• The United Nations is celebrating international women's day and their theme is #InvestInWomen. How do you, or your organisation, invest in and support women?
• So here at Cybility, a company that's founded by me myself as a woman. Inclusivity and investment are actually both company values already. Now you might be thinking, Well, that's all very well, Michala. But what does that actually look like in practise? Well, in the last year, we've continued to invest time on a voluntary basis to mentor women and other minorities. We've also supported the professional development programmes such as empowering women in cybersecurity, and those are specifically designed to support and advance women in their careers. We also volunteer as stem ambassadors, and we do practical activities with their students and also share our career journeys. The ups and the downs as women in cybersecurity. In fact, just this morning I was at a local speed networking careers event for 14 year olds and shared the various types of roles that there are in security and said that, you know, they could learn more about that, obviously linking it to their interests in different topics. You know, never know. Maybe one of them at least, will find themselves a career in this field. And certainly that is my hope. That's why we do it, and by now it's probably clear to you that we understand the importance of investing in women not just for the benefit of the individuals but for the community and society as a whole. And I believe that by supporting women, we're contributing to that more just and equitable world for everyone, and that's what I'd like to see.
• Are there any women who have particularly inspired and/or supported you in your cybersecurity career?
• Yes, there are. Absolutely. And some of them won't even realise it. So starting with, uh, doctor Claudia Natanson. Um, she's chair of the UK Cybersecurity Council. And I first saw her years ago in a prior role when she was doing a conference, and I kind of looked at her and I was like, "Oh, my gosh! A black woman in a leadership position like this in cybersecurity. If she can do it, maybe I can, too." So she's been a huge inspiration from that perspective. Lisa Ventura, when she put out the call for rise of Cyber Women Volume two, I got out my comfort zone and told my story through that medium and so grateful to her for helping me. to recover from burnout at that point, so that was very helpful. I do have a network that's very supportive in general, and I'd like to give a huge shout out to Jemma at Culture Gem She's a founder, and she's got a product that she's created, where they look at all learning styles. And everyone has different learning styles so you can choose what works for you if you want to watch a video if you prefer to listen, if you prefer to read whatever you prefer, the content's there for you in that way. So huge kudos to her and her team for that. Amy at ESC. So thank you for those home truths. I really appreciate it. And I love that you're just, like, unapologetically yourself and authentic, great inspiration as well. And finally, Jane Frankland. So when I started on this journey with Cybility, Jane was absolutely wonderful at sort of steering me in the right direction,so that I wasn't sort of wasting a lot of time and activities that wouldn't really be useful. So thank you so much for believing in me and for persuading me to step outside my comfort zone. Really appreciate it for all the women who supported me. All my mentees, that let me support them. Thank you.