International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the achievements of women across all industries and recognize the importance of inclusivity in the workplace. In recent years, the cybersecurity sector has witnessed an increase in the number of women joining its ranks from 10% in 2013 to over 25% in 2022 and is forecast to reach 35% by 2031, as reported by Charlie Osborne of Cybercrime Magazine. While traditionally underrepresented in technology and security, women are now making a meaningful impact, particularly in security operations centers (SOCs).
At Corero Network Security, we have embraced this shift, resulting in over 40% of our SOC staff being women. This is not just a milestone in diversity—it is a testament to the value women bring to cybersecurity and the business benefits that Corero receives by building a more inclusive SOC team.
The Benefits of Women Working in a SOC
- Driving Innovation Through Diversity – Women bring unique perspectives and problem-solving approaches that enhance team collaboration and cybersecurity defenses, fostering a more inclusive and effective SOC.
- Career Growth and Job Security – SOC roles provide hands-on experience with cutting-edge security technologies, offering women opportunities for leadership, professional development, and long-term career stability in a high-demand industry.
- Work-Life Balance and Impactful Work – Women in SOCs play a critical role in protecting organizations from cyber threats while benefiting from flexible work arrangements, competitive salaries, and meaningful career fulfillment.
The Business Case: Why Companies Should Invest in Women in Cybersecurity
Beyond the personal benefits for women, companies that foster gender diversity in SOCs gain tangible business advantages:
- Stronger Security Outcomes: Diverse teams make better risk assessments and identify vulnerabilities faster.
- Higher Retention Rates: Inclusive workplaces lead to greater employee satisfaction and reduced turnover.
- Enhanced Reputation: Companies committed to diversity are more attractive to top cybersecurity talent, and customers.
- Improved Collaboration: A balanced SOC team strengthens team dynamics and knowledge-sharing, resulting in more efficient incident response.
Encouraging More Women to Join the SOC
As cybersecurity evolves, it is crucial to continue fostering an inclusive culture that encourages more women to enter and excel in SOC roles. Companies can achieve this by:
- Creating mentorship programs that connect women with cybersecurity leaders.
- Investing in training and upskilling opportunities for career advancement.
- Implementing inclusive hiring practices to attract and retain top talent.
- Supporting leadership development to prepare women for executive roles.
At Corero, we are committed to empowering women in cybersecurity and creating a SOC team that thrives on diversity and innovation.
Celebrating Women in Cybersecurity
On this International Women’s Day, we celebrate the women shaping the future of cybersecurity. Their contributions are not only strengthening the security of businesses worldwide but also redefining what it means to be a leader in this industry. To the women in the Corero SOC and across the cybersecurity field—your expertise, dedication, and impact are invaluable. Let’s continue to build a more inclusive, innovative, and resilient cybersecurity workforce together.
