At Quorum Cyber, International Women’s Day is a powerful reminder of the need to challenge discrimination and create more opportunities for women in cyber security. While progress has been made, women still represent only 27.6% of the tech industry – a statistic that highlights the urgency of driving change. Awareness alone isn’t enough. As a global company, we are committed to taking action, building an inclusive workplace, and creating meaningful opportunities that empower women in cyber security and beyond.
Our commitment is reflected in the initiatives we lead and support. In the UK, our Empowering Women to Lead Cyber Security programme helps early to mid-career professionals build confidence, develop leadership skills, and advance into more impactful roles.
We also host Women in Cyber initiatives on Microsoft Teams, creating a space for women across Quorum Cyber to connect, share experiences, and support one another.
Recently, Lesley Kipling, Chief Security Advisor at Microsoft, and a member of Quorum Cyber’s Strategic Advisory Board, led a session on the power of mentorship, visibility, and strong networks – especially in male-dominated teams. She emphasised the need for collective action to create a more inclusive industry.
This week, we’re taking our mission further at the UK Microsoft headquarters for an International Women’s Day event, where Charlotte Harris will lead an interactive, Dungeons & Dragons-style cyber incident simulation. Open to all women – including those from non-technical backgrounds – the session will challenge attendees to collaborate, think strategically, and explore different cyber security roles.
A key part of this journey is listening. To truly drive change, we must elevate the voices of the women within our company – those shaping the future of cyber security across the UK, Canada, and the US. Here, we hear directly from them as they share their experiences, challenges, and insights.
Women of Quorum Cyber Inspiring Change
Miranda McCurdy
Vice President of Marketing, Quorum Cyber
What does International Women’s Day mean to you as a leader in cyber security?
“International Women’s Day isn’t just about recognition—it’s about action. That’s why I love this year’s campaign #AccelerateAction. It’s about breaking down barriers, challenging outdated norms, and ensuring that women in cyber security are not just present, but thriving.
At Quorum Cyber, we fight for a safer world—not just from cyber threats, but from outdated mindsets that hold people back. Too often, women in cyber security are seen as the exception rather than the rule. That needs to change.
We don’t just need more women in cyber security; we need workplaces that allow them to lead, innovate, and make an impact. That’s what we’re building at Quorum Cyber—a place where talent wins, collaboration is the default, and no one has to fight for a seat at the table.
Our mission is to help good people win—and that starts inside our own walls. We stand against cyber threats with cutting-edge technology and relentless expertise, but we also stand against the barriers that keep talented professionals from thriving. We fight for our customers, our team, and a better industry. And we do it together.
If you’re reading this and thinking, ‘I could use a strong mentor, support, or just a conversation with a leader who’s been there’—connect with me. Find me on LinkedIn or send me an email at [email protected]. Let’s build something stronger—together.”
What’s the biggest challenge for women in cyber security right now?
“Visibility. The talent is there. The skills are there. But too often, women in cyber security are still seen as ‘exceptions’ rather than the standard.
I see it every day—women leading threat intelligence teams, running security operations, building strategies that outpace the adversary. And yet, too many panels, conferences, and leadership teams still look the same.
The challenge isn’t just hiring more women—it’s making sure they are seen, heard, and given the same opportunities to lead. That means mentorship, sponsorship, and real, measurable change at the executive level. And for anyone wondering what they can do to help? Start by amplifying the voices that are already here. The next generation of cyber security leaders is watching—let’s make sure they see a future where they belong.”
What advice would you give to women looking to build a career in cyber security?
“First, stop waiting for permission. The cybersecurity industry wasn’t designed with women in mind—but that doesn’t mean we don’t belong here. Too often, I see brilliant women second-guessing themselves, thinking they need to check every box before they apply for a job or speak up in a meeting. Meanwhile, I’ve watched less-qualified people walk into the room with confidence and take up space like they own it.
You don’t need to be ready—you need to start. Find your allies. Build your network. And most importantly, back yourself. The industry needs your perspective, your leadership, and your ideas. Don’t wait for an invitation—walk in and take your seat at the table.
And if you’re looking for a company where you won’t have to fight to be seen? They exist. I know, because I work at one.”
Dawn Gabay
Senior Business Development Director, Quorum Cyber
What Challenges Have You Faced as a Woman in the Tech Industry and How Did You Overcome Them?
“I faced many challenges during my career, I addressed these head on and used them to my advantage and stayed positive and focused on being successful. Being the only woman of colour in many sales and management meetings, looking so young, I was often asked if I was the secretary. In order to overcome weekly challenges, I made sure that I trusted and believed in myself – I bet on myself everyday, and I let my results do the talking! I had great mentors who helped me grow, and that’s why it’s so important for women to lift each other up. When we trust, believe, and speak up, we create more opportunities for success. Together we are stronger…”
Advice for the Next Generation: What Would You Tell Future Women in Cyber?
“My advice to young women in cyber security is simple – use your voice. In meetings, challenge yourself to ask at least one question, because the more you speak up, the more you’ll realize the value of your ideas. Just because someone speaks loudly and confidently doesn’t mean they know more than you – great minds don’t think alike, and different perspectives matter. Show up, deliver results, and stay true to yourself, because that’s what will set you apart.”
Gillian MacDonald
Head of Engineering, Quorum Cyber
What Makes Quorum Cyber an Inclusive Place for Women?
“We foster an environment where everyone’s contributions are valued and respected. We have regular Quorum Women events, where we come together via Teams or, where possible, through onsite gatherings. We share ideas, experiences, and—importantly—have fun. This is so valuable for us all, helping us grow in experience and support each other.”
“Equal opportunities also spring to mind. There are no barriers to any role at Quorum Cyber, and I can personally attest to that. I came to Quorum Cyber’s attention through an initiative we sponsor called Empowering Women to Lead Cyber Security, which led me to initially join as the Engineering Team Manager and later move into the role of Head of Engineering. I honestly feel so lucky to be working with such talented ladies — and, of course, talented gents.”
Advice for the Next Generation: What Would You Tell Future Women in Cyber?
My advice is simple — these are the things that worked for me:
Continuous Learning: “Keep learning. I always say, every day is a school day. Security is constantly evolving, so staying updated with the latest trends and technologies is crucial. This also includes developing soft skills.”
Networking: “Build a strong network. Join online forums and connect with peers across the industry — it makes a difference.”
Confidence: “Younger me wishes I had the confidence I have now. Believe in your abilities and don’t be afraid to take on challenges. Break tasks into smaller chunks to reduce pressure and make them more manageable. Many tasks are repetitive, so they’re not out of your grasp to learn. Have the confidence to reach out for advice and to celebrate your successes.”
Promote Yourself: “Don’t hesitate to speak up about your achievements and aspirations. As I mentioned before, roles at Quorum Cyber are inclusive and open to those who are the right fit.
“And lastly — treat people well. I have always tried to do this in every role, and I think women are particularly good at it.”
Natasha Phanor
Regional Sales Manager, Quorum Cyber
What Challenges Have You Faced as a Woman in the Tech Industry and How Did You Navigate Them?
“When I first joined the tech industry, my biggest challenge was feeling like I didn’t belong – impostor syndrome hit hard. Coming from a performance arts career as a professional dancer, I couldn’t understand how I could find my place in such a technical field. Over time, I realized that soft skills are just as valuable, and everything else can be learned. This industry is always evolving, and the best way to overcome impostor syndrome is to embrace the fear and do it anyway – because every challenge is an opportunity to grow and learn.”
What Makes Quorum Cyber an Inclusive Place for Women?
“When I first started at Difenda (now Quorum Cyber), there was only three woman in the company, and we would think, ‘Where are all the women? We need to hire more.’ At that point, the company made a deliberate decision to focus on equal representation, and it took off. Now, you can really see the difference in our teams – there are so many more women across all areas of the business.”
“I’ve always felt supported by my colleagues and leaders and on top of that, I’ve had incredible mentors who helped to discover and empower my strengths, give me honest feedback, and they included me in leadership meetings I wouldn’t normally have been part of. This exposure gave me the confidence to understand the business, not be intimidated by those at the top and see what I could aspire to, and I feel really fortunate for that.”
Charlotte Harris
Senior Incident Response Consultant, Quorum Cyber
What Challenges Have You Faced as a Woman in the Tech Industry, and How Did You Overcome Them?
“The main challenge I’ve faced as a woman in tech is not being taken seriously or being spoken down to by my male counterparts. I’ve had male colleagues repeat my exact words and be acknowledged while my input was overlooked, simply because of my gender. That’s why it’s crucial for women to stand our ground, assert ourselves, and uplift each other instead of tearing each other down. If we support one another, we can create a more collaborative environment where our contributions are valued equally.”
What Makes Quorum Cyber an Inclusive Place for Women?
“The main thing that makes Quorum Cyber an inclusive workplace is the strong support network of women across the business — we consistently go above and beyond to uplift and encourage each other. Our Women in Cyber group gives us a space to openly discuss challenges without fear of being dismissed or told we’re overreacting. Within my team, I’ve also had incredible support, including male colleagues who’ve called out biases — challenging people when they ignore my contributions. It’s really heartening to see men at Quorum Cyber step up and push back against these behaviors, reinforcing the inclusive culture we’re building here.”
Cindy Lovely
Senior Channel Manager, Quorum Cyber
What Challenges Have You Faced as a Woman in the Tech Industry and How Did You Overcome Them?
“It’s not exclusive to the tech industry. As a mother of two bright, independent young girls, I’ve taught them to work hard and stand up for themselves and others regardless of gender; we all face adversity. In my career, I’ve encountered situations where my ideas were dismissed or where I had to work harder to prove my worth. But each of these instances only fueled my determination to succeed.”
Advice for the Next Generation: What Would You Tell Future Women in Cyber?
“As women, we often second-guess ourselves because of all the noise – but you know your craft, you do an amazing job, and the value you bring to the table matters. Make sure your voice is heard by removing emotions from the equation and speaking with confidence. Write down your accomplishments and most importantly – believe in yourself.”
At Quorum Cyber, we believe that empowering women in cyber security isn’t just about awareness – it’s about action. By championing an inclusive culture, providing mentorship, and creating opportunities for growth, we are driving real change.
The voices of the women in our team prove that when we challenge the status quo and lift each other up, we create a stronger, more diverse industry. The future of cyber security is shaped by those who dare to speak up, step forward, and own their success. Together, we are building a workplace where every woman’s contribution is valued and where opportunities are truly equal.
