“I encourage women to step up. Don’t wait for somebody to ask you.”
–Reese Witherspoon
As the need for security solutions grows, so does the cybersecurity industry. Women are continuously making impacts and growth within the industry, so much so that there are now conferences and professional cybersecurity groups specific to women in the space. In a traditionally male-dominated workspace, women now make up one-quarter (25%) of the overall cybersecurity workforce, up from 11% percent in past years ((ISC)2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study).
Deepwatch is a company that recognizes the value women bring to cyber security, and provides resources to elevate women within the workplace. As a young woman new to a role in cybersecurity, I am excited to see the steps Deepwatch continues to take to provide for its female employees.
My Experience: New to the Cybersecurity Field
When I joined Deepwatch in December 2021 (yes, only 4 months ago), I was excited to be diving into a career in a completely different industry than what I had spent the first five years of my career in. Coming from a manufacturing background, I’m no stranger to the male-dominated workplace. I’m used to showing up every day to show the world what women can do—to show the world that we are making our own space at the table.
I was always a team of one in marketing, and often the only woman at company events with male salespeople. I loved the experience because it taught me how to advocate for myself and built up my confidence to speak up, no matter who was in the room.
Deepwatch has only enhanced my experience as a woman in a male-dominated space. I now work with a marketing team, filled with both men and women who make room for all of us to be successful. For me, in my role, Deepwatch doesn’t feel like a male-dominated workspace at all, even though it is a cybersecurity company. To further enhance the experience, Deepwatch has a group called “Women of Deepwatch,” where all women at the company are invited to join and connect with other women in the industry.
Deepwatch’s Impact on Women in Cybersecurity
Deepwatch has had massive growth in the last year and has increased its female workforce by 30% over 3 years, and that number continues to grow. To further support the women who work for Deepwatch and foster the growth and development of our female employees, women leaders in our organization got together to form Women of Deepwatch.
The Women of Deepwatch group provides an environment to support, promote and empower a diverse group of women in Deepwatch both personally and professionally through shared experiences, resources, and encouragement. The Women of Deepwatch meet once a month to catch up and discuss various pre-designated topics on women in the professional world, self-growth, and cybersecurity trends. Currently, the women are in a mini “book club,” reading the bestselling book Nice Girls Still Don’t Get the Corner Office by Lois P. Frankel, Ph.D.
The camaraderie and mentorship provided in the Women of Deepwatch group cultivate and nurtures longstanding relationships and career growth within the Deepwatch team. We are one team at Deepwatch, and the Women of Deepwatch provides additional support all women need and should receive to be successful in the workplace.
Here are what some of our fantastic women have to say about working in cybersecurity:
“My entire career has been in the high tech industry which is fast-paced, innovative and dynamic. Working in cybersecurity is all that and more…it has given me an additional sense of purpose. Every day, I get to work with teams of extremely talented men and women who are helping to protect businesses and people’s privacy, safety and security. That is meaningful and satisfying.”
–Christy Lynch, Chief Marketing Officer
“As a woman working in cybersecurity, I’ve enjoyed working in a field that requires innovation and continued education to keep up with the ever-changing landscape. There is never a boring day when you work in cybersecurity.”
–Morgan Griffin, Demand Generation Manager
“Cybersecurity is fast-paced and requires creativity. There is always a new, interesting problem that needs to be solved and diversity of thought matters; women can often share a different perspective and help teams identify & implement the right solutions for our customers.”
–Meredith Lorch, Product Manager
“I believe that cybersecurity has the ability to offer a lot of development and growth opportunities for women. It is true that women are vastly underrepresented in this field but I have seen that changing for the better, especially within the last 3-5 years. I see so much skill and passion in my female coworkers which gives me confidence that we will continue to be a strong force in this business. I am so very proud to be a part of this industry, representing and supporting all the women who are interested in making cybersecurity a part of their career paths.”
–Allison Ashlock, Sr. Program Manager
“Do you..
–Erin Kuffle, Principal Threat Hunter
..Like solving problems?
..Crave to learn?
Are you..
..Intrigued by technology?
..Curious about human behavior?
..Passionate about helping others who are taken advantage of?
If you answered “Yes” to all, then you’ll likely find a satisfying career in the cybersecurity industry – just as I have.”
“As a woman in cybersecurity, one thing I have to constantly remind myself about is that Imposter Syndrome is not limited to only women and is very common throughout this industry. Cybersecurity is a vast subject and there are a low percentage of the people that work in it whose knowledge is all encompassing, with most cybersecurity personnel focusing a certain area and/or set of technologies. The important thing is to remember we are all on our own path, and we must continue to stay curious and have the drive to keep learning as we go.”
–Michelle Jewell, Sr. Onboarding Experience Manager
Resources for Women in Cybersecurity
- Women’s Society of Cyberjutsu (WSC)
- Women in Cyber Security (WiCyS)
- Executive Women’s Forum on Information Security, Risk Management and Security (EWF)
Why Deepwatch
If you’re ready to challenge yourself with work that matters, then this is the place for you. We’re redefining cybersecurity as one of the fastest-growing companies in the U.S. But it’s not just about the work, it’s about who you’ll work with. At Deepwatch, your colleagues are some of the most respected minds in cybersecurity. They’re passionate, knowledgeable, and willing to provide mentorship at every opportunity. We know you want more than just a job, and we want you to join us.
↑“If you don’t see a clear path for what you want, sometimes you have to make it yourself.
–Mindy Kaling
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