Most Inspiring Women in Cyber 2026 - IT Security Guru

2026 nominations closed! Thanks for nominating. Cybersecurity has always needed to be a forward-thinking industry, given the fast-paced nature of the job and rapidly evolving threats. So why has the industry struggled for so long to shake off its reputation of being an impenetrable boy’s club? Misconceptions (such as the lingering caricatured image of men coding in hoodies) have alienated a huge segment of the population from even considering a career move into the field – notably women. In 2022, a KnowBe4-sponsored report found that women only make up 25% of the cybersecurity workforce, up a staggering 15% on 2013. Clearly work is being done to break down the barriers of entry into cybersecurity but more needs to be done. Now is the time to pick up momentum. One of the crucial elements of making cybersecurity appeal to women is to show them the possibilities, by highlighting role models for them to aspire to. Specifically, role models who have had demonstrable success in the sector or are driving the changes necessary to redress the current imbalance. This is why we’ve created the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards. We can’t be what we can’t see. We ask the public to nominate candidates from around the globe, with the final Top 20 Women selected by an esteemed panel of judges. A profile on each of these Top 20 Women is then published with our media partner, the IT Security Guru, which receives over 45,000 views every month. Now in its 5th year, the awards are set to take place on the 26th of February at the spectacular BT Tower, thanks to BT’s continued support of the event. During the awards ceremony, panel discussions take place featuring some of the biggest names in the industry. These conversations stretch far further than gender. It’s also a chance for up-and-coming talent to ask questions and network. All nominees are invited, and they are welcome to bring a plus one – someone the nominee believes would benefit from a networking event such as this (e.g. a mentee, colleague etc.). In the past, we have also live-streamed the event for those who are unable to attend in person. This event is uplifting, well respected, and valued by the community. It aims to recognise women in the industry not just for being women in cybersecurity but for being genuine trailblazers who are changing the face of the industry and inspiring a new generation. The winners will be revealed on the 26th February 2026 at The BT Tower, London. Sponsors Sponsors Sponsors Sponsors Community Partners Community Partners Community Partners Hosted By 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Previous Next 2026 Event Photos 2025 Spotlights MIWIC25: Kiranjit Kaur Shergill, Developer at Barclays Organised by Eskenzi PR in media partnership with the IT Security Guru, the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards aim to shed light on the remarkable women in our industry. The following is a feature on one of 2024’s Top 20 women selected by an esteemed panel of judges. Presented in a Q&A format, the nominee’s answers are written in their own words. In 2025, the awards were sponsored by BT, KnowBe4, Mimecast, Varonis, Bridewell, Certes, Pentest Tools and AI Dionic. Community partners included WiCyS UK & Ireland Affiliate, Women in Tech and Cybersecurity Hub (WiTCH), CyBlack and Inclusive InCyber (LT Harper). What does your job role entail? I entered the industry through the Barclays Global Explorer […] Read more MIWIC25: Stephanie Itimi, Director of Information Protection and Compliance, Age UK, Founder & Chair, Seidea CIC Organised by Eskenzi PR in media partnership with the IT Security Guru, the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards aim to shed light on the remarkable women in our industry. The following is a feature on one of 2024’s Top 20 women selected by an esteemed panel of judges. Presented in a Q&A format, the nominee’s answers are written in their own words. In 2025, the awards were sponsored by BT, KnowBe4, Mimecast, Varonis, Bridewell, Certes, Pentest Tools and AI Dionic. Community partners included WiCyS UK & Ireland Affiliate, Women in Tech and Cybersecurity Hub (WiTCH), CyBlack and Inclusive InCyber (LT Harper). What does your job role entail? At Age UK, I lead on safeguarding sensitive data […] Read more MIWIC25: Marine Ruhamanya, Cybersecurity Senior Manager Organised by Eskenzi PR in media partnership with the IT Security Guru, the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards aim to shed light on the remarkable women in our industry. The following is a feature on one of 2024’s Top 20 women selected by an esteemed panel of judges. Presented in a Q&A format, the nominee’s answers are written in their own words. In 2025, the awards were sponsored by BT, KnowBe4, Mimecast, Varonis, Bridewell, Certes, Pentest Tools and AI Dionic. Community partners included WiCyS UK & Ireland Affiliate, Women in Tech and Cybersecurity Hub (WiTCH), CyBlack and Inclusive InCyber (LT Harper). What does your job role entail? I work with Fortune 500 companies to secure their […] Read more 2025 Event Photos 2024 Top 20 Spotlights #MIWIC2024 One To Watch: Jasmine Eskenzi, Founder and CEO of The Zensory Organised by Eskenzi PR in media partnership with the IT Security Guru, the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards aim to shed light on the remarkable women in our industry. The following is a feature on one of 2024’s Ones to Watch winners selected by an esteemed panel of judges. Presented in a Q&A format, the nominee’s answers […] Read more #MIWIC2024 One To Watch: Ellie Calver, Cybersecurity Apprentice at BT Organised by Eskenzi PR in media partnership with the IT Security Guru, the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards aim to shed light on the remarkable women in our industry. The following is a feature on one of 2024’s Ones to Watch winners selected by an esteemed panel of judges. Presented in a Q&A format, the nominee’s answers […] Read more #MIWIC2024 One To Watch: Valeen Oseh-Ovarah, Founder and CEO of TisOva Organised by Eskenzi PR in media partnership with the IT Security Guru, the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards aim to shed light on the remarkable women in our industry. The following is a feature on one of 2024’s Ones to Watch winners selected by an esteemed panel of judges. Presented in a Q&A format, the nominee’s answers […] Read more 2024 photos 2024 Nominee Shortlist Check it out here! Check it out here! Check it out here! 2022 Nominee Shortlist Check it out here! Check it out here! Top 20 2022 Feature Profiles 2022 Photos 2021 Photos Virtual Event 2020 If you have any questions, please feel free to get in touch.  charley@eskenzipr.com