Breaking Barriers: Women in Cyber

The cybersecurity industry has long grappled with gender imbalance, but a growing concern is the high attrition rate among women professionals already in the field. Lynn Dohm, Executive Director of Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS), is leading the charge to change that. In her latest initiative, Dohm is not only shedding light on the reasons behind the high exit rate of female infosec professionals but also championing tangible solutions to retain and uplift women in the industry.

According to recent studies, nearly 50% of women who enter the cybersecurity field leave it mid-career, a rate significantly higher than their male counterparts. The causes are layered—ranging from a lack of mentorship, workplace bias, limited advancement opportunities, to issues with work-life balance. Dohm emphasizes that while the industry is beginning to welcome more women, retention is where the real challenge lies.

WiCyS, under her leadership, has introduced several programs that offer mentorship, career development, and networking opportunities tailored specifically to support women in cybersecurity. These include skill-building workshops, leadership training, and peer-support groups—all designed to empower women to grow and thrive in their careers.

Dohm also stresses the importance of cultural change within organizations. It’s not just about hiring more women but creating an inclusive environment where they feel valued, heard, and encouraged to lead. She advocates for more flexible work arrangements, transparent promotion paths, and the dismantling of unconscious bias through regular training and awareness programs.

One of the key insights Lynn shares is the role of community. “When women in cybersecurity are connected to a supportive network, their chances of staying and succeeding in the field increase dramatically,” she says. WiCyS provides that community—spanning students to seasoned professionals—and fosters a sense of belonging that’s often missing in traditional workplaces.

Additionally, Lynn Dohm is working to bridge the gap between academia and industry. She believes that early exposure to cybersecurity careers, along with internships and real-world projects, can help female students see the field as a viable and rewarding path. Collaborations with universities and corporate partners aim to create these early entry points and smooth the transition into the workforce.

Her mission is clear: retain and elevate women in cybersecurity not just as a diversity initiative but as a strategic imperative. As cyber threats evolve, so must the workforce combating them—and that means drawing from a diverse, resilient, and well-supported talent pool.

Through advocacy, action, and community building, Lynn Dohm is tearing down the red flags and lighting a path forward for women in cybersecurity.

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