To commemorate International Women’s Day, CRNtv organized a panel discussion featuring three women who have paved their own unique paths in the cybersecurity industry. This day serves as a reminder to celebrate the accomplishments of women in various fields, including social, economic, cultural, and political achievements. However, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done to increase the representation of women in the tech industry, particularly in cybersecurity, where less than a quarter of professionals are women.
The good news is that there are various ways to enter the cybersecurity field, and a technology degree or background is not always necessary to make the transition. Jeannette Lee Heung, channel chief of Aqua Security, Julie Talbot-Hubbard, SVP and GM of Cyber Protection and Identity at Optiv, and Kimberley St. Pierre, director of Strategic Accounts at Tanium, were the esteemed panelists who discussed their experiences in cybersecurity and shared advice for those seeking to make a career switch. The conversation delved into why now is the perfect time to enter the cybersecurity industry and the essential skills required to make a successful career transition. Here are some of the Q&A highlights from the CRNtv panel discussion.
Why is this a perfect time for women to enter the cybersecurity field?
According to Julie Talbot-Hubbard, SVP and GM of cyber protection and identity at Optiv, there are many reasons. One of them is the opportunity to help protect consumers, especially with the growing need for cybersecurity in medical devices.
What are some skills that can apply to any industry that are also useful in the cybersecurity field?
Jeannette Lee Heung, channel chief of Aqua Security, believes that adaptability is the most important skill for someone in the cybersecurity field. With the constantly changing landscape of cybersecurity, being able to adjust and be agile is crucial for success.
What advice do panelists have for women looking to reach leadership roles in the cybersecurity field?
Kimberley St. Pierre, director of strategic accounts at Tanium, advises women to be their own advocates, build ally relationships, and share their contributions to their employer, society, or peer groups to ensure that they are recognized.
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Author: Rachael Espaillat
