Top Women in Cybersecurity Leading the Charge

Cybersecurity has long been a male-dominated industry. However, as threats grow and the demand for skilled professionals rises, more women are entering and reshaping the field. According to projections by CyberCrime Magazine, they are set to represent 30 percent of the global cybersecurity workforce by 2025, increasing to 35 percent by 2031.

These numbers mark an important shift. Women in cybersecurity are not only filling workforce gaps but also driving innovation, setting industry standards, and mentoring the next generation of professionals.

To celebrate Women’s History Month, we’ve curated a list of top women in cybersecurity who are making a significant impact. From thought leaders to entrepreneurs, these experts are paving the way for a more inclusive and secure digital future. They exemplify excellence in cybersecurity, challenging stereotypes and demonstrating diversity’s crucial role in addressing the digital era’s complex challenges.

So, open your LinkedIn and be ready to search the top women cybersecurity experts and follow them!

Trailblazing top women in cybersecurity you should follow

Lisa Ventura MBE– Building a united front against cyber threats

Lisa Ventura MBE is an award-winning cybersecurity specialist, writer, and speaker. She is the Founder of Cyber Security Unity, a global community organization dedicated to bringing together individuals and organizations that actively work in cyber security to help combat the growing cyber threat.

She has a unique perspective on the cyber security industry and specializes in creating and implementing go-to-market plans, brand awareness, and positioning cyber security and infosec organizations as thought leaders and experts in their fields, helping them get one step ahead of their competitors.

Over the years, she has worked with numerous cybersecurity and infosec organizations and has received industry-recognized awards, such as “Most inspiring women in cyber security award winner 2024.”

Michelle Drolet– Strengthening cybersecurity through leadership

Michelle Drolet is a renowned leader in data security preparedness with deep expertise in network security and risk management. As the CEO and founder of Towerwall, she has positioned herself as a key voice in cybersecurity strategy

Michelle’s approach to cybersecurity underscores the importance of teamwork, emphasizing that robust security is built on strong teams and organizational culture rather than solely on individual efforts or technology. Her leadership and contributions have garnered notable accolades, including a place on Forbes’ “50 Over 50: Innovation” list and recognition by CIO Views as one of the “10 Most Innovative CEOs of the Year.“

She also actively participates on various boards, including the MassBay Cybersecurity Program Advisory Board, and is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of cybersecurity talent.

Jane Frankland MBE – Championing women in cybersecurity

Jane has over 20+ years of experience in cybersecurity and has actively contributed to major industry organizations and schemes like OWASP (Open Web Application Security Project), CREST (Council of Registered Ethical Security Testers), and Cyber Essentials.

As an ambassador for cybersecurity, tech, and all things digital, she is passionate about STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Maths) and diversity in the workplace. Through training, coaching, and consulting engagements, she is encouraging more women to enter male-dominated professions and inspiring more women to take up major cyber roles.

Jane is frequently invited to speak about entrepreneurship, women in business, and cybersecurity at events around the world. She is also regularly commissioned by major brands and governments to raise awareness of their initiatives and work as a market influencer.

Gal Helemski – Innovating access management

Gal Helemski is co-founder and CTO/CPO at PlainID and a highly recognized and acclaimed cyber security expert. She plays a key role at PlainID as a strategic leader, visionary and evangelist while overseeing product development, including leading the product architecture and strategy.

For the last 20+ years, Gal has defined solutions for customers and created and defined project specs, technical documentation, presentations and training focused on identity and access management.  She’s known for her ability to drive product vision, her passion for innovation in access management, and her commitment to creating business-friendly solutions that don’t compromise on security.  

Her work in PlainID reflects her vision to simplify complex authorization models without compromising the depth of control, achieving a balance that has been a game-changer in the cybersecurity space.

Shira Rubinoff-Bridging cybersecurity and human behavior

Shira Rubinoff is a cybersecurity and AI executive, thought leader, and keynote speaker who has built two cybersecurity companies. She currently serves as CEO of The Cybersphere Group and holds board positions at leading security firms, Pace University, and The Executive Women’s Forum for Information Security.

Shira is widely recognized for her expertise in human factors in cybersecurity, blockchain, and information security. CSO Magazine named her a “Woman of Influence,” and she has received several industry honors, including the “Outstanding Woman in Infosec” award.

Naomi Buckwalter– Closing the cybersecurity talent gap

Naomi Buckwalter is an information security leader and keynote speaker with over 20+ years of experience in IT and security. She is the Director of Product Security at the Contrast Security firm. Naomi is also the founder and Executive Director of the Cybersecurity Gatebreakers Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to closing the cybersecurity talent gap.

That’s not all! Naomi is also a LinkedIn Learning instructor discussing the state of tech and cybersecurity hiring, aiming to provide insights and guidance to professionals in the field. She is the author of the LinkedIn course: “Training today for tomorrow’s solutions – Building the Next Generation of Cybersecurity Professionals

In brief:

These top women in cybersecurity are not only breaking barriers but also reshaping the industry through leadership, advocacy, and technical expertise. Their contributions highlight the importance of diversity in addressing the ever-growing cyber threats of the digital age.

As companies push for more inclusivity, following, supporting, and learning from these experts can inspire the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.