Top 10 Women in Cyber Security
- Manisha Chaudhary
- 5 days ago
- 4 min read
Introduction: Top 10 Women in Cyber Security
The cybersecurity landscape has long been dominated by men, but over the past decade, women have stepped up to lead, innovate, and redefine how we protect our digital world. These women are not just experts; they’re change-makers — driving policies, educating new generations, and ensuring the safety of global digital infrastructures.
Here’s a look at the Top 10 Women in Cyber Security (2025 Edition) who are making a significant impact through leadership, innovation, and advocacy.
Jadee HansonKirsten DaviesWendy K. ThomasChani SimmsGal HelemskiMichelle DroletSarah ArmstrongJane FranklandJaya BalooKate Maxwell
Top 10 Women in Cyber Security
1. Jadee Hanson — CISO at Vanta
Jadee Hanson is one of the most respected voices in cybersecurity leadership. As the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Vanta, Jadee oversees security, privacy, and IT infrastructure for one of the fastest-growing compliance automation platforms.
She previously served as CISO and CIO at Code42, where she was instrumental in building enterprise-level data protection strategies. Her mission is to make security approachable and align cyber defenses with business growth.
Highlights:
Over 20 years in IT & cybersecurity leadership.Advocate for women in technology and work-life balance.
2. Kirsten Davies — Global Cybersecurity Strategist
Kirsten Davies is recognized for her strategic vision in large-scale cyber transformation projects. With leadership roles across Fortune 500 companies, she focuses on aligning enterprise security with business objectives.
She’s known for promoting human-centric security — empowering employees to be the first line of defense against threats.
Highlights:
Expertise in global enterprise risk management.Advocate for ethical leadership in cybersecurity.Passionate about diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
3. Wendy K. Thomas — CEO of Secureworks
Wendy K. Thomas is the President and CEO of Secureworks, a leading cybersecurity company offering managed detection and response (MDR) and threat intelligence services.
With a data science and analytics background, Wendy has led Secureworks to become an AI-driven security powerhouse that predicts and prevents threats before they strike.
Highlights:
Over 15 years in leadership at Dell Technologies and Secureworks.Pioneering AI-driven cybersecurity solutions.Named among the top women CEOs in tech for 2024.
4. Chani Simms — Co-founder of Meta Defence Labs
Chani Simms is a Sri Lankan-born cybersecurity entrepreneur and co-founder of Meta Defence Labs, a UK-based information security consulting company.
She’s also the founder of the SHe CISO Exec., an initiative designed to empower women and young professionals in cybersecurity and leadership.
Highlights:
Over 15 years in information security and compliance.Recognized by Forbes and BBC for promoting gender diversity in tech.Global keynote speaker and mentor for future CISOs.
5. Gal Helemski — CTO and Co-founder at PlainID
Gal Helemski is an Israeli cybersecurity innovator and Chief Technology Officer of PlainID, a global leader in identity and access management.
She is known for her pioneering work in authorization-as-a-service and identity governance, helping enterprises manage secure access control at scale.
Highlights:
Over 20 years of experience in IAM and SaaS security.Winner of the CyberTech Europe Innovation Award.Advocate for women in STEM and cybersecurity entrepreneurship.
6. Michelle Drolet — CEO of Towerwall
Michelle Drolet founded Towerwall, a renowned cybersecurity consultancy based in Massachusetts. With over 25 years in the industry, she has worked with Fortune 500 firms to enhance security posture and compliance.
Michelle also serves on numerous advisory boards and contributes to community awareness campaigns for cybersecurity literacy.
Highlights:
Over two decades in cybersecurity consulting.Advocate for data protection awareness in education.Regular contributor to Security Magazine and Forbes Tech Council.
7. Sarah Armstrong-Smith — Chief Security Advisor, Microsoft EMEA
Sarah Armstrong-Smith is a Chief Security Advisor at Microsoft, specializing in enterprise resilience, crisis response, and risk management.
She focuses on the intersection of cybersecurity, business continuity, and leadership — helping global organizations strengthen their resilience against digital threats.
Highlights:
Named among the UK’s “Most Influential Women in Cyber Security.”Former Head of Business Continuity at Fujitsu.Keynote speaker and author on cyber resilience strategies.
8. Jane Frankland — Author and Cybersecurity Advocate
Jane Frankland is one of the most inspiring advocates for diversity in cybersecurity. As the founder of the In Security Movement, she has dedicated her career to empowering women in the industry.
Her best-selling book, InSecurity: Why a Failure to Attract and Retain Women in Cyber Security is Making Us All Less Safe, is a must-read for professionals and policymakers alike.
Highlights:
Awarded MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in 2023.International speaker and thought leader in cybersecurity inclusion.Recognized among the “Top 100 Global Cyber Influencers.”
9. Jaya Baloo — Chief Security Officer at Rapid7
Jaya Baloo is one of the most respected technical minds in the cybersecurity industry. Now serving as Chief Security Officer (CSO) at Rapid7, she has previously worked as the CISO of Avast and KPN Telecom.
She’s a global authority on quantum cryptography, network defense, and the future of post-quantum cybersecurity.
Highlights:
20+ years in global telecom and cybersecurity leadership.Recognized among the Top 50 Women in Tech (Forbes).Advocate for cybersecurity education and youth mentorship.
10. Kate Maxwell — CTO for Defense & Intelligence, Microsoft
Kate Maxwell is the Chief Technology Officer for Worldwide Defense & Intelligence at Microsoft. She helps global defense organizations adopt cutting-edge cybersecurity and cloud technologies.
Her leadership promotes innovation, digital transformation, and secure system design for government and military clients.
Highlights:
Named #1 in Technology Magazine’s “Top 100 Women in Tech.”Over 15 years of experience in defense and national security.Champion for women in defense technology and cybersecurity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Why are women important in cybersecurity?
Women bring diverse perspectives that enhance problem-solving, communication, and ethical leadership — all essential traits in cybersecurity.
Q2. Who is the most famous woman in cybersecurity?
Jaya Baloo and Jane Frankland are among the most recognized global names for their leadership and advocacy in cybersecurity.
Q3. How can women start a career in cybersecurity?
Begin with IT fundamentals, pursue certifications like CEH, CompTIA Security+, or CISSP, and join mentorship programs and communities for women in tech.
Q4. Which companies support women in cybersecurity?
Microsoft, IBM, Google, and Dell have inclusive programs promoting women’s advancement in cybersecurity and technology.
Q5. What is the future of women in cyber?
The representation of women is expected to reach 30% of the global cyber workforce by 2030, marking a transformative shift toward diversity and innovation.
Conclusion
The women listed above have proven that cybersecurity leadership knows no gender. Their achievements inspire a new generation of professionals to pursue careers in cyber defense, ethical hacking, and digital risk management.As cyber threats evolve, diverse leadership will be the key to innovation, resilience, and a safer digital world.
Frequent speaker at global cyber conferences like RSA and Gartner Security Summit.
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