New Guide Illuminates Diverse Pathways for Women in Cyber Threat Intelligence
A transformative new guide showcases the diverse experiences of 16 women working in the field of cyber threat intelligence (CTI), countering the prevalent notion that a traditional technical background is necessary to succeed in this domain. Published by the threat management company Filigran, the guide titled Women in CTI: The Careers, Lessons, and Stories Shaping Cyber Threat Intelligence delves into a variety of career trajectories, crossing disciplines such as marketing, political science, counterterrorism, recruitment, game development, engineering, and even theater.
The guide aims to broaden the definition of qualifications in the cybersecurity sector by spotlighting professionals who transitioned into CTI from a variety of unrelated fields. For example, one individual dedicated a decade to raising her children before discovering a passion for security, while another achieved semi-professional accolades in cycling before pivoting to technology. Their stories serve as a testament to the fact that wisdom and capability aren’t confined to traditional career pathways.
Cyber threat intelligence plays a pivotal role in the modern landscape of digital security. It involves the in-depth investigation of cyber adversaries, focusing on their motives and methodologies, and aims at identifying potential targets. This intelligence is invaluable for organizations as it enhances their strategic decision-making in security efforts.
While technical expertise undoubtedly holds significance in many CTI roles, this guide emphasizes the substantial value of transferable skills. Qualities such as curiosity, research skills, critical thinking, effective communication, and problem-solving are underscored as equally important. The contributors contend that blending individuals with different professional and personal experiences enriches the intelligence produced, leading to more robust defenses against cyber threats.
Enhancing Visibility for Women in CTI
The initiative is driven by Mary D’Angelo, Senior Solutions Lead at Filigran, alongside Einat Argon, Customer Success Manager at the same firm. Observing a glaring disparity between the ample talent of women in threat intelligence and their visibility within the broader professional community, the duo set out to create this enlightening resource.
D’Angelo recalls, “Women in CTI originated from a simple observation. In the intelligence-sharing Slack channels where we participated, very few women were involved in discussions.” She articulated her belief that although many women were making tremendous contributions in the field, their voices were often absent in key conversations around intelligence sharing.
Argon echoed this sentiment from her experiences meeting various customer threat intelligence teams. She noted that women frequently appeared underrepresented or reluctant to contribute, despite possessing substantial expertise in their fields. To amplify female voices, D’Angelo and Argon initially began co-authoring articles with women in CTI. The guide has since evolved into a platform where 16 professionals share their personal journeys and insights in their own words.
Among the contributors, Maril Vernon stands out as the Field Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Horizon3. She entered cybersecurity at the age of 30 following a diverse professional background that included marketing, wedding planning, and IT recruitment. Meanwhile, Natasha Eastman, the Head of Threat Intelligence at CoreWeave, transitioned from a career in counterterrorism, which included a stint at a Californian wine importer, ultimately spending nearly seven years at the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
Another key contributor is Cheryl Biswas, a cybersecurity researcher who rejoined the workforce after a decade dedicated to parenting. Her journey into the cybersecurity realm was sparked by her reading about the Stuxnet malware, showcasing how personal interests can lead to unexpected career paths.
The Role of Mentorship and Human Judgement
Alongside their varying routes into the profession, the contributors emphasize the significance of mentorship and the importance of offering opportunities to candidates whose potential may be overlooked by conventional experience or qualifications. The guide considers the evolving nature of CTI, particularly the increased reliance on artificial intelligence, while simultaneously highlighting the enduring necessity for human judgment, effective communication, and collaboration.
D’Angelo encapsulates the core mission of Women in CTI with a powerful statement: “Ultimately, I want Women in CTI to make the entire profession stronger, more open, more collaborative, and better at sharing the intelligence that helps all of us defend against threats.” She further asserts that while shared gender may initially bond these women, their contributions to the larger CTI community serve a far more significant purpose—enriching the field with diverse perspectives and experiences.
Women in CTI: The Careers, Lessons, and Stories Shaping Cyber Threat Intelligence is now available and includes discussions that cover various aspects such as career development, mentorship, the influence of AI, and crucial lessons contributors wish they had encountered earlier in their careers. By shining a light on the multifaceted journeys of women in this vital field, the guide serves as both an inspiration and a call to action for greater inclusivity and diversity in cybersecurity.