Lorilee Ressler, a Senior Cybersecurity Solutions Architect at Certes, recently shared her insights and experiences in the cybersecurity field as part of the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards 2025. With a career that has spanned decades, Lorilee has made significant contributions to shaping early internet infrastructure and driving innovative data-centric security solutions at Certes.
Lorilee’s journey into cybersecurity began with a fascination for technology and its impact on society. Witnessing a major data breach early in her career solidified her understanding of the critical importance of cybersecurity in protecting people, data, and infrastructure, motivating her to be part of the solution.
One of Lorilee’s proudest professional achievements was working on the development of the Internet for the National Science Foundation Network (NSFNet), contributing to the privatization of the internet and its evolution into the essential component of modern life and business that it is today.
As a woman in a male-dominated industry, Lorilee has faced challenges in proving her expertise and credibility. She has overcome these obstacles by delivering results, earning certifications, and building a strong professional network. Lorilee emphasizes the power of community, including networking groups, mentorship programs, and supportive allies, in overcoming barriers and self-doubt.
In the face of increasingly sophisticated ransomware attacks and data breaches, organizations are challenged to adopt new mindsets and approaches to security. Lorilee stresses the importance of shifting focus to securing data itself, rather than relying solely on perimeter-based security models. Certes’ DPRM solution takes a data-centric approach to proactively protect data and prevent attacks before they occur.
Collaboration and knowledge-sharing are essential in addressing modern cybersecurity challenges, requiring internal collaboration within organizations and partnerships with external vendors. Certes works closely with customers to tailor solutions to their specific needs and challenges, emphasizing the development of security measures that align with business requirements.
Initiatives like the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards are crucial for raising the profile of women in cybersecurity, providing visibility, networking opportunities, and mentorship to encourage more women to thrive in the industry. By showcasing successful women, these initiatives send a powerful message of inclusivity and diversity in cybersecurity.
Looking ahead, Lorilee is excited about the potential of AI and quantum cryptography in transforming cybersecurity. AI is already revolutionizing threat detection and response, while quantum cryptography has the potential to redefine encryption methods. Certes continues to innovate to stay ahead of evolving threats, developing new platforms based on customer feedback and emerging risks.
For women aspiring to build a career in cybersecurity, Lorilee advises believing in oneself, staying curious, and seeking out mentors and allies. She emphasizes the value of diverse voices in the industry and encourages women to step outside their comfort zones and support one another to strengthen the field.
In conclusion, Lorilee’s expertise and commitment to advancing cybersecurity make her a standout figure in the industry. Through Certes’ innovative approach to data protection and risk mitigation, organizations can stay ahead of threats and safeguard their critical information in an evolving cybersecurity landscape. Visit Certes.ai for more information on how Certes is transforming cybersecurity.