Celebrating Inspiring Leadership: The 2026 Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards
The significance of women in the cybersecurity landscape cannot be overstated, a sentiment echoed at the recently held Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards. Organized by Eskenzi PR in media partnership with IT Security Guru, these awards serve as a powerful platform to recognize the outstanding contributions of women in the cybersecurity field. The awards not only highlight individual achievements but also inspire future generations to pursue careers in technology and cybersecurity.
In the 2026 edition of the awards, a distinguished panel of judges selected the Top 20 women who have made notable strides in the cybersecurity arena. Among them was Sonia Kumar, Senior Director for Cyber Defence and Cyber Testing at Analog Devices. The organizers presented her insights via a Q&A format, showcasing her journey, challenges, and the impact she has made in her role.
Sonia Kumar’s leadership in cybersecurity is defined by her comprehensive approach to addressing emerging threats. As Senior Director, she spearheads the organization’s strategic defense measures against sophisticated cyber attacks. Her responsibilities include an array of critical areas—security operations, threat detection, incident response, and threat intelligence. Kumar’s role ensures a proactive and resilient defense model, vital for safeguarding the organization against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats.
Moreover, she is entrusted with directing the organization’s cyber testing and assurance programs. This encompasses penetration testing, red teaming, and continuous security validation. Through these initiatives, Kumar provides essential insights into the organization’s real-world exposure to vulnerabilities, significantly enhancing operational readiness. Her blend of technical expertise and strategic foresight drives enterprise-wide improvements in security maturity, operational efficacy, and risk management, aligning seamlessly with the organization’s broader objectives.
Kumar’s entry into the cybersecurity field was marked by a significant leap into the unknown. In 2014, while working on a military base for the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD), she became intrigued by discussions around cyber warfare. Her interest culminated in her pursuit of a Postgraduate Diploma in Cyber Defence and Information Assurance. Despite lacking a formal background in IT or cybersecurity, she sent her CV to various organizations—one of which was Vodafone Group. Demonstrating boldness and ambition, she accepted a role as a cyber threat intelligence analyst in 2016, embarking on a transformative career journey.
Throughout her career, Kumar has encountered considerable challenges, particularly as a woman in a predominantly male industry. One primary obstacle she has faced is the need to ensure her voice is heard in discussions where she may be the only woman present. Recalling an experience from a previous role as Global Head of Cyber Defence, she highlighted a moment where a sales representative assumed her boss, rather than her, would be the point of contact for further discussions. Such instances underscore the persistent gender bias women often face in technical fields.
In response to these challenges, Kumar has dedicated herself to fostering an inclusive environment and elevating the voices of other women in the industry. At Vodafone Group, she established and led a Global Cyber Defence Incident Management team characterized by remarkable diversity—not just in gender, but also in ethnicity, religion, and neurodiversity. She takes immense pride in this role, championing the importance of representation and inclusivity.
Kumar’s commitment extends beyond her organization; she actively participates in mentoring initiatives designed to nurture the next generation of cybersecurity professionals. Programs such as Career Accelerator focus on providing support to students from diverse backgrounds, helping them enhance their future prospects in the digital sector. Additionally, she is involved in the “Mission Include” program, which aims to create change at senior levels across organizations by pairing professionals with diverse mentees.
Beyond mentorship, she also serves as an industry judge for the Cyber Leaders’ Challenge. This initiative connects tertiary students with industry professionals, cultivating the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the cybersecurity landscape. By emphasizing collaboration among government, industry, and academia, the program not only recruits diverse talent but also prepares participants to tackle emerging cyber threats effectively.
Kumar’s roots in Edinburgh, where she attended Edinburgh Napier University, reflect her commitment to giving back to her community. As a non-executive director on the university’s Board, she contributes her expertise in digital technology while also serving as a director for the Edinburgh Napier Students’ Association. Her active involvement underscores her determination to shape the next generation of leaders in technology and cybersecurity.
Reflecting on her journey, Sonia Kumar cites Emma Smith, Cyber Security and Technology Director, as a key figure who has inspired her career. Smith’s influence resonates with Kumar, reinforcing her commitment to promoting diversity and inclusion in the cybersecurity field.
As the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards continue to spotlight exceptional women like Sonia Kumar, they not only celebrate individual accomplishments but also serve as a catalyst for broader industry change—encouraging representation and inspiring future leaders in technology.