Cyber Security Needs More Women—But Where Are They?

[jrineakter]

If cyber security desperately needs talent, and women are proving their ability to lead, why aren’t more women entering the field? The barriers are deep-rooted and multifaceted.

Lack of Early Exposure & STEM Education Gaps
Despite progress, women remain a minority in STEM fields like computer science, engineering, and IT. A UNESCO science report, even though women make up 44% of PhD holders, only 33% of them stay in research roles​.

To combat this, Check Point has launched several initiatives to introduce young girls to cyber security early, including:

SecureAcademy Program – Integrating cyber security into university curricula.
Graduate & Mentorship Programs – Offering training, networking, and career development for young women entering the field​.
Perception & Confidence Barriers
Many young women still do not see cyber security as a viable career path. The industry’s hacker culture and male-dominated image can be intimidating, deterring women before they even start.

Nataly Kremer points out, “You can’t be what you israel whatsapp number data can’t see. Seeing women succeed in cyber security sets a powerful example for the next generation.”​

Career Progression Challenges
Even when women enter cyber security, they face challenges moving up the ranks. Women are less likely to be promoted to senior positions, despite being equally productive. Studies show that:

Women receive 25% less research funding than men according to a ​recent A UNESCO science report titled, “To be Smart, the Digital Revolution will Need to be Inclusive.”
According to the UNESCO report, in New Zealand, a man’s odds of being ranked professor were more than double that of a woman with similar qualifications​.
This is why mentorship, sponsorship, and leadership training programs are critical to helping women advance in cyber security.

Building the Future: How to Get More Women into Cyber security
Industry Support & Inclusive Hiring
Companies need to go beyond hiring quotas and create genuine opportunities for women to thrive. At Check Point, 41% of new hires in the EMEA region are women, a step toward balancing representation​.

Stronger Mentorship & Leadership Development
Check Point’s FIRE (Females in Roles Everywhere) initiative is dedicated to fostering a strong network of women in cyber security.
Formal mentoring programs help women navigate career challenges, gain confidence, and access leadership roles​.
Changing the Narrative
Cyber security isn’t just about hacking and coding—it’s about problem-solving, risk management, and protecting digital communities. Encouraging women to explore diverse roles in cyber security, from AI-driven security to cyber law, can expand interest and participation.

A Call to Action
As we celebrate International Day of Women & Girls in Science, it’s clear that cyber security needs more women—not just to close the talent gap, but to create stronger, smarter, and more inclusive digital defenses.

If you’re a woman considering a career in cyber security, seek out training programs, mentorships, and networking opportunities.
If you’re a cyber security professional, advocate for more inclusive hiring and leadership opportunities.
If you’re a business leader, invest in diversity programs—because a more inclusive cyber security industry is a stronger one.
The future of cyber security depends on breaking both (fire)walls and glass ceilings. We can each do much more to ensure the next generation of cyber defenders sees women leading the way.