Certes celebrates women in cyber for International Women’s Day

Cybersecurity organisation Certes has highlighted the contributions and achievements of women in the industry, mainly as they address the growing challenges posed by cyber threats. Ahead of International Women's Day, Certes has sought to highlight women's pivotal roles in the field and its ongoing commitment to achieving greater diversity.

As part of its efforts, Certes is sponsoring the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Award 2025, which recognises women who have significantly impacted cybersecurity. Among these trailblazers is Lorilee Ressler, Senior Cybersecurity Solutions Architect at Certes, whose career has been at the heart of significant advancements in internet infrastructure and data protection.

Ressler emphasises the importance of cybersecurity: "Cybersecurity isn't just about technology, it's about protecting people, businesses, reputations, and livelihoods." She believes women bring unique perspectives to this sector, highlighting the need for increased opportunities for those interested in pursuing careers in cybersecurity. Furthermore, she stresses the importance of mentorship and visibility in inspiring more women to enter the field.

The cybersecurity industry remains heavily male-dominated, with women comprising only a small portion of the workforce. Recognition initiatives like the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards are critical in paving the way for future generations by amplifying female voices within the industry.

At Certes, Ressler's work has been essential in fostering innovation in data protection, addressing the challenge posed by increasingly sophisticated cyber threats. The focus has shifted towards data-centric protection, moving beyond traditional perimeter-based security measures to ensure that sensitive information remains secure even during an attack. Ressler explains, "At Certes, we're ensuring that attackers can't exploit sensitive information even if attackers gain access. By securing the data itself, we prevent attacks before they happen."

Certes' CEO, Paul German, echoes the sentiment of fostering inclusivity: "Women play a critical role in driving innovation in cybersecurity. At Certes, we're proud to have exceptional female professionals leading the charge." He views International Women's Day as an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of women within the industry while encouraging more women to pursue careers in this vital field.

Certes continues to champion diversity by fostering an inclusive workplace and mentoring the next generation of female cybersecurity professionals. Encouraging a diverse workforce is considered vital to staying ahead of attackers and protecting valuable data.

Looking forward, Lorilee Ressler anticipates that advancements in artificial intelligence and quantum cryptography will continue to reshape how businesses protect sensitive information. Her advice for young women aspiring to enter the field of cybersecurity is simple yet powerful: "Believe in yourself, stay curious, and don't be afraid to take up space. The industry needs diverse voices, and your perspective is valuable."

As businesses continue to navigate an increasingly digital world, experts suggest that including women in cybersecurity enriches the sector and builds a safer digital environment for everyone. By recognising the potential of women in tech, Certes and other companies are paving the way for a more secure and innovative future.