In her keynote address at the IT World Canada Top Women in Cybersecurity event, Laura Payne, Chief Enablement Officer and VP of Security Consulting at White Tuque, shed light on the challenges women face in the male-dominated field of cybersecurity. While reflecting on the story generated by a chatbot about a successful woman in the industry, Payne emphasized the need to address stereotypes and biases while acknowledging the true journey of women pursuing careers in cybersecurity.The chatbot’s narrative created “Emily Roberts,” a woman who displayed exceptional talent and determination in cybersecurity from a young age, eventually becoming a CSO and inspiring other women to join the field. Payne acknowledged that certain elements of the story were accurate, highlighting the talent and hard work of women in cybersecurity. However, she pointed out the problematic aspects that overshadowed the real achievements and experiences of women professionals.The chatbot’s use of an Anglo-Saxon name, “Emily Roberts,” undermined the diversity that exists among women in the cybersecurity industry. In reality, the field comprises professionals from various backgrounds, and acknowledging this diversity is crucial for aspiring individuals who seek role models and mentors they can relate to.Payne also challenged the notion that cybersecurity is often pursued from a young age. Many successful professionals enter the field later in their careers after studying other disciplines. The chatbot’s narrative failed to represent these unique pathways to success, which are common in the industry.Moreover, the story overlooked the lack of early recognition and support that women may encounter in their careers. While some individuals may have cheerleaders, most professionals face challenges without immediate recognition. Payne encouraged women to stay resilient and not seek universal approval to achieve success.The unrealistic speed at which “Emily” rose to become a CSO in the story raised concerns. In truth, such advancements usually require years of hard work and dedication. Payne emphasized that narratives should highlight the perseverance and determination needed to attain success, rather than painting an overly optimistic picture.Furthermore, the story neglected to address the biases and challenges women face in the cybersecurity industry. Personality conflicts, stress, and work-life balance challenges are real issues that women encounter, and acknowledging these obstacles is vital for fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment.Payne stressed the importance of building a network of supportive colleagues and mentors who can offer perspective and guidance during challenging times. A strong support system can help women navigate obstacles and provide insights that are crucial for career growth.In addition, Payne urged the industry to recognize the diverse career paths available in cybersecurity beyond incident response. The field offers numerous specialties that align with different talents and interests. The challenge lies in providing aspiring professionals with opportunities to showcase their abilities and break into the industry.As part of the judging panel for the Top Women in Cybersecurity for 2023, Payne emphasized that the stories of the honorees, the real women in the industry, should be celebrated and shared. Their journeys are characterized by hard work, determination, and resilience, which serve as a true inspiration for future generations of women in cybersecurity.In conclusion, the chatbot’s narrative about a woman in cybersecurity reveals the importance of addressing stereotypes and biases that exist in the industry. While the story conveyed some aspects of talent and hard work accurately, it failed to capture the diversity and real challenges faced by women professionals. Acknowledging the true journey of women in cybersecurity and celebrating their achievements will foster a more inclusive and supportive environment for all aspiring professionals in the field.
