Next month, the annual Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards will take place at The BT Tower, London, celebrating some of the industry’s most inspirational – and oftentimes unsung – women.

Sponsored by Fidelity International, BT, Plexal and Bridewell, and proudly supported by industry-leading diversity groups WiTCH, WiCyS UK&I and Seidea, the 2026 event is set to be bigger than ever. To make sure everyone has had the chance to nominate, we’ve extended the nomination deadline until the 16th January 2026, 5pm GMT. 

For now, it’s time to introduce our 2026 judges, who have the exceptionally hard task of picking this year’s top 20 and five ones to watch… 

• Yasemin Mustafa, Director of the Cyber Security Portfolio at BT 
• Adam Haylock, Head of Global Cyber and Information Security Department at Fidelity International 
• Rebecca Taylor, Co-Author of Co-Author of Securely Yours: An Agony Aunts’ Guide To Surviving Cyber, and Threat Intelligence Knowledge Manager and Researcher at Sophos
• Adaora Uche, GRC Lead at THG (representing Seidea) 
• Joanne Elieli, Cyber Lead and Litigation Partner at Stephenson Harwood LLP
• Diane Gilbert, Senior Lead for Programmes at Plexal 
• Yvonne Eskenzi, Co-Founder of Eskenzi PR and Founder of The Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards
• Jennifer Cox, Director of Solutions Engineering, EMEA and APAC, at Tines (representing WiCyS UK&I)
• Hannah Arnold, London Ambassador for WiTCH – Women in Tech & Cyber Hub

The Gurus spoke to some of our judges about the 2026 awards and what they’re looking for in a good application. 

Adaora Uche, GRC Lead at THG 

Why are initiatives like this so important?

Initiatives like this matter because visibility changes possibility. Cybersecurity is still an industry where many women don’t see themselves reflected in leadership, technical authority, or decision-making roles. By intentionally spotlighting women who are doing impactful work, we challenge outdated perceptions of who belongs in cyber and what success looks like.

Beyond recognition, these initiatives create role models, momentum, and community. They validate the work women are already doing – often quietly and behind the scenes, and help open doors for others who are earlier in their journeys. Representation is not just symbolic, it is a powerful driver for inclusion, retention, and long-term change in our industry.

Why should people nominate?

People should nominate because inspiration often goes unrecognised unless someone speaks up. So much impactful work in cybersecurity happens behind the scenes. Particularly in governance, risk, privacy, and security leadership, where success often looks like problems prevented, risks mitigated, or the right questions being asked early. This kind of impact does not always attract attention, but it is critical.

A nomination is more than an accolade; it is an act of recognition and encouragement. It tells someone that their work matters, that they are seen, and that their journey can inspire others. Nominating also helps broaden the narrative of cybersecurity by showcasing diverse paths, backgrounds, and contributions that might otherwise go unnoticed.

What makes an ‘inspiring woman’ in cyber in your eyes?

First and foremost, I believe every woman in cybersecurity is inspiring. Simply showing up each day to help make the digital world safer, often in complex, high-pressure environments, is truly heroic.

An inspiring woman in cyber creates impact while lifting others as she progresses. She may be a technical expert, a strategist, a leader, or an educator, but what sets her apart is purpose, resilience, and a commitment to making the space better than she found it. She does not just respond to challenges, she anticipates them, questions the status quo, and contributes to safer, more ethical, and more inclusive digital environments.

She does not need to dominate the room to lead. Her credibility comes from consistency, thoughtfulness, and sound judgement. It also stems from her unwavering commitment to building systems and teams that are secure, resilient, and future-ready. Importantly, she uses her voice, whether in boardrooms, classrooms, or communities to share knowledge, mentor others, and make cybersecurity more accessible and human.

Adam Haylock, Head of Global Cyber and Information Security Department at Fidelity International 

Why are initiatives like this so important?

I often find myself in meetings counting the number of male versus female attendees. Too often, there are only one or two women in the room, surrounded by many more men.

In cyber, many men take for granted that they don’t have to overcome that initial sense of standing out before even contributing to the discussion or holding their ground. While we are making some progress in addressing the gender imbalance, initiatives like this are vital in keeping the spotlight on an issue that still matters deeply. They help encourage more women to put themselves forward, particularly where they may previously have hesitated, and to feel recognised and valued for the outstanding work they do, inspiring others along the way. 

Why should people nominate?

Nominations reinforce the value that female talent brings to our field. Diversity of thought, approach and communication is critical in cyber, a discipline that is as much about culture and behaviour as it is about technology.

Recognising and celebrating female talent strengthens that value proposition, especially when nominations come from male colleagues who see first-hand, and rely on, the expertise and impact that women bring to our teams.

What makes an ‘inspiring woman’ in cyber in your eyes?

Being in the minority in any environment can create invisible barriers and perceptions that are difficult to overcome. For me, an inspiring woman in cyber – a male-dominated field – is someone willing to step outside her comfort zone, try new things, take risks, and learn from setbacks.

Standing out in a male-dominated environment requires real courage, and that courage is inspiring in itself. We need more visible role models like this to attract more women into cyber and to show that it is a field where they can thrive, feel valued, and build rewarding careers.

Rebecca Taylor, Co-Author of Securely Yours: An Agony Aunts’ Guide To Surviving Cyber, and Threat Intelligence Knowledge Manager and Researcher at Sophos

Why are initiatives like this so important?

Initiatives like the ‘Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards 2026’ are so important because they shine a light on women who are accomplishing amazing things in an industry that is still largely male-dominated. Recognising these achievements in an inclusive and safe way helps ensure women feel seen, valued, and celebrated for their expertise and impact.

Beyond individual recognition, these initiatives also create visible role models. Seeing women celebrated for their achievements inspires others to enter the field, stay in the industry, and aim higher. It helps challenge outdated stereotypes, builds confidence, and fosters a stronger sense of community and belonging.

Ultimately, celebrating women in cyber isn’t just about awards – It’s about changing culture. It encourages equity, boosts morale, and helps build a more diverse, inclusive, and resilient cybersecurity industry for everyone.

Why should people nominate? 

People should nominate because recognition matters! Nominating is a powerful way to celebrate women who are accomplishing amazing things and making a real impact. Remember that a nomination (let alone a win!) can boost confidence, open doors to new opportunities, and remind someone that their work truly matters. Get those entries in!

What makes an ‘inspiring woman’ in cyber in your eyes?

In my eyes, an ‘inspiring woman in cyber’ is someone who brings others with them into the conversation. They lift people up, share knowledge, and create space for others to learn, grow, and feel they belong. They want to leave a positive footprint, not just through their work, but through the way they support and encourage those around them.  They are a role model, someone who shows what’s possible and inspires others to follow their own path in cyber with confidence and purpose.

It isn’t about money, job titles, or seniority. It’s about impact. An inspiring woman is thriving in what they do, and you can see that they genuinely love their work. That passion is contagious and motivating to others.

Joanne Elieli, Cyber Lead and Litigation Partner at Stephenson Harwood LLP at Stephenson Harwood LLP

Why are initiatives like this so important? 

Initiatives like this are instrumental in recognising and celebrating the achievements of women in cybersecurity, helping to raise their visibility and inspire others. These initiatives encourage diversity, challenge stereotypes, and can empower the women being recognised to stay and advance in the field. By providing networking opportunities and driving positive industry change, initiatives like this can also help to create a more inclusive and innovative cyber sector.

Why should people nominate? 

Nominating women in the cyber industry is a meaningful way to recognise and celebrate their expertise, dedication, and achievements. Formal nominations help to bring the contributions of our exceptional women to light, ensuring they receive the appreciation they deserve. This visibility can inspire other women and girls to pursue careers in cybersecurity, which in turn fosters a more diverse and inclusive industry.

What makes an ‘inspiring woman’ in cyber in your eyes?

An inspiring woman in cyber, in my eyes, is someone who demonstrates exceptional skill and dedication to her work while also uplifting and supporting others in the industry. She is passionate about solving complex problems and is eager to learn and adapt in a rapidly changing industry. Beyond her technical abilities, she actively shares her knowledge, mentors others, and advocates for diversity and inclusion. Her resilience in overcoming challenges and her willingness to break new ground make her a role model for both current and future generations in cybersecurity.

Jennifer Cox, Director of Solutions Engineering, EMEA/APAC, at Tines

Why are initiatives like this so important?

Women’s representation in cybersecurity still has a lot of ground to cover, and initiatives like this shine a light on those who are making an impact both technically and culturally. Recognition not only celebrates achievement but also helps change perceptions;  it shows the next generation that there’s space for them here, no matter their background or neurotype. When we platform diverse voices, we accelerate innovation and make our industry stronger, more inclusive, and more human.

Why should people nominate?

Nominating someone is a simple but powerful act of allyship and pride. Many brilliant women in cyber are so focused on lifting others up or doing the hard, often invisible work that they rarely stop to celebrate themselves. A nomination says, “I see you, I value what you’re doing, and you’re shaping this industry.” You never know who might need that encouragement to keep going or step into an even bigger role, and for other women just starting their cybersecurity careers visibility of these trailblazers and their capabilities is key.

What makes an ‘inspiring woman’ in cyber in your eyes?

For me, an inspiring woman in cyber is someone who leads with both competence and compassion. She’s technically grounded, but she also uses her voice and position to make space for others; especially those whose stories aren’t often heard. She’s authentic, curious, resilient, and not afraid to challenge the norm. Above all, she shows that success in cybersecurity isn’t about fitting a mould; it’s about rewriting it so more people can belong.

 

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You can nominate here. 

The post Most Inspiring Women in Cyber 2026: Meet The Judges appeared first on IT Security Guru.

Nisha Holt is Check Point’s Head of Americas Channel Sales. She joined Check Point in 2020 and served as the Head of National Channel partners. Nisha has been in cyber security for over 20 years with a concentrated focus on helping organizations grow through partnerships, alliances and other varying routes to market.

In this dynamic interview, in honor of International Day of Women and Girls in Science on February 11^th, Head of Americas Channel Sales, Nisha Holt, shares thoughts on working in cyber security, increasing women’s participation in tech and so much more. Don’t miss this!

Our readers would like to get to know you! Can you please tell us a bit about your story and how you grew up?

I was born in Texas to Indian parents who had recently migrated to the US. My time growing up was divided between relentless academic study and, in my teens, running our small family business. When I was accepted to college, my parents informed me that I had three options: engineering, pre-med, or to continue to live with them until they were able to arrange a marriage that was beneficial to them. When I expressed a sincere desire to enter business school, my father asked me “what are YOU going to do in business?” That question, really a statement, and the tone in which it was asked, stayed with me all these years. I enrolled in a pre-med track, majoring in biology, but then at twenty, I decided to pursue my own interests and forge my own path to become what I wanted to be.

Is there a particular story that inspired you to pursue a career in cyber security? We’d love to hear it.

I began my career at a technology company that outsourced sales and marketing activities to IT companies. I was exposed to and trained on myriad technologies, but ultimately honed in on the burgeoning field of cyber security. Cyber security fascinated me then and it still does today. Let’s take the concept of a virus as seen in the natural world. A specifically evolved microscopic bit of DNA is introduced into a specific host body by some sort of mechanism — a cough, a mosquito, a handshake — the virus then begins to replicate and attack the host, while the host counterattacks via T-cells, antibodies, and other mechanisms. Now, let’s compare that to a virus as seen in the cyber world. A specifically engineered bit of code is introduced to a host (a PC, a laptop, a smartphone, a network) via some sort of mechanism — an e-mail, a text, a link, a flash drive — the virus then begins to replicate and attack the host, while the host counterattacks via various forms of cyber security. One form of virus and the mechanisms that defend against them have evolved in the natural world over the millennia, while other forms of virus and the mechanisms that defend against them are purely the result of human ingenuity. Truly fascinating stuff!

Are you working on any exciting new projects now? How do you think that will help people?

I am the chair for Check Point’s Women Leadership Network — F.I.R.E — Females In Roles Everywhere. Our mission is to empower women by educating, energizing, and embracing every single female Check Point employee so that they are more confident in ANY role — their current role, or in any future role. We do this by creating a support ecosystem so members can collaborate, share knowledge, and network. Our goal is to make cyber security more accessible to future female leaders through our four subcommittees: Campaign and Content, Community Outreach and Alliance, Mentorship, and Diversity & Inclusion. We have launched a number of new initiatives and programs around leadership training, mentorship, and personal development that are aimed at helping women at Check Point advance in their career. We’re also working on community programs to help further the conversation outside of Check Point with other women and with the younger generation of school aged children.

The cyber security industry seems so exciting right now. What are the 3 things in particular that most excite you about the industry? Can you explain or give an example?

One, the dangers from cyber attacks are VERY real — ranging from something as simple as having your identity stolen to something as complex as a coordinated attack that disables a power grid. The ultimate goal of cyber security to protect both people and critical assets from these crimes, making cyber security a meaningful pursuit that truly make a difference.

Two, unfortunately, the volume and the intensity of cyber attacks is steadily increasing, making cyber security a field that is more critical than at any other time. Recent research from Check Point Research found that organizations are being attacked an average of 1,130 times per week! Fortunately, the industry is responding to this uptick in cyber attacks with the creation of many exciting, and varied, job opportunities.

Third, there are more women joining the cyber security field now. Today, women still only hold roughly 25% of the positions in cyber security, but that’s up significantly from just 5 years ago. Hopefully, we’ll continue to see that trend accelerating.

Let’s zoom out a bit and talk in broader terms. Are you currently satisfied with the status quo regarding women in STEM? If not, what specific changes do you think are needed to change the status quo?

Not at all, so much more needs to be done! It’s encouraging to see that more girls are showing interest in STEM and it’s been shown that they consistently outperform boys in both math and science-related assessments. However, STEM is still often viewed as more pertinent and applicable for boys. A number of surveys and studies have shown that girls that do not have role models in STEM are highly unlikely to see STEM as either a field of study or as a career option. We have to continue to do more to educate, inspire, and empower girls to see themselves in these careers through education and outreach programs.

What are the “myths” that you would like to dispel about working in the cyber security industry? Can you explain what you mean?

The prevalent myths are that you have to be technical (a recent survey shows that 23% of people in cyber started with a non-IT background), male, young, and that you’re either a hacker or a coder that spends all of his time glued to LCD screens awash in graphs and data that require constant analysis. Now, let’s be clear, there are a lot of people in cyber security that fit the aforementioned mold, but there are A LOT more people that don’t fit that mold. The cyber security sector is vast, replete with many different career paths and roles, and in need of people with diverse backgrounds and varied skillsets in order to fill all of the roles that are currently open.

What are your “5 Leadership Lessons I Learned From My Experience as a Woman in Tech” and why?

Lead by example. In order to inspire and motivate others, you have to be the leader that sets the example by being the hardest-working, most dedicated individual.

Have a vision and turn that vision into an actionable, coherent, and achievable plan that you share with your team. Show them their part in that vision and their path to success so they fully understand the value of their role and the importance of their contribution.

Expect to make mistakes, own them, and understand why you made them. From my experience, that’s the only way to truly learn from them and to prevent the same mistakes going forward.

Inspire and motivate the people on your team to be best they can be. Instill the desire for excellence and create an environment where they desire to do the best job they can. Give credit and accolades to foster positivity and encourage the right mindset.

Learn about a situation first, then provide your recommendations. I’ve seen the following mistake made repeatedly throughout the entirety of my career. A new executive of sales, or marketing, or engineering is hired, and then within days or, in some instances, even prior to their first day, she decides to implement the exact same strategy that led to success at her previous company, with very little knowledge of her new company, and more specifically and importantly, the differences between her previous company and her new company. Success with a specific strategy at company “A” does not in any way guarantee success with the same strategy at company “B”. Every company is unique and therefore different, making it imperative that you understand your company’s individual culture and value proposition, its institutional knowledge, customer base, values, people, core competencies, areas for improvement, processes, and history — both internally and externally. Failure to appreciate the uniqueness of your new company often leads to disastrous consequences both internally and externally.

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The post Wisdom from the women leading the cyber security industry appeared first on CyberTalk.