Over 15 women have successfully completed the cyberUPLIFT cybersecurity training program offered by TECwomen, a community-interest company dedicated to supporting and empowering women in the Technology, Engineering, and Creative Digital industries. The program was designed in response to the growing online threats faced by women and the lack of representation in cybersecurity careers, particularly in rural areas such as Cornwall.
Suzanne Manson, the Operations Director at TECwomen CIC, expressed her delight at the success of the cyberUPLIFT course and how it has helped participants gain confidence and expand their knowledge and skills in cybersecurity. The program aims not only to equip women with the necessary digital literacy and cybersecurity skills to protect themselves online but also to help them transition into cybersecurity careers, addressing the talent shortage in the industry.
With research showing that women are more likely to experience online abuse and less likely to have access to protective security technologies compared to men, cyberUPLIFT plays a crucial role in bridging this gap by providing participants with practical skills and knowledge to navigate the online world securely. Moreover, the program offers a flexible and comprehensive 8-week course that focuses on building technical capabilities and personal confidence, essential for breaking into the male-dominated cybersecurity field.
In addition to the online components of the course, cyberUPLIFT also includes in-person sessions to allow participants to connect directly with industry professionals. Mentors from various cybersecurity organizations, including the National Cyber Security Centre and Cool Waters Cyber, shared their expertise and insights with the participants. The engagement and enthusiasm displayed by the women in the program were commendable, reflecting a strong interest in pursuing careers in cybersecurity.
The initiative also provided networking opportunities with professionals from Cornwall Council, Corserv, and Kings Service Centre, facilitating interaction between learning and real-world applications. Despite being initially designed for 15 women, the program quickly gained popularity and was oversubscribed, leading to the enrollment of 22 participants with more on the waiting list for future iterations.
Looking towards the future, TECwomen CIC is expanding its efforts to engage younger audiences by launching the TECgirls Cyber Guardians Club, an afterschool program for Key Stage 2 students. This program aims to introduce cybersecurity concepts to young girls and emphasize the importance of online safety and digital wellbeing. Following the completion of the program, each girl will become a “Cyber Guardian” within her school, sharing essential lessons about cybersecurity with fellow students and staff.
The success of the cyberUPLIFT program and the positive response from participants highlight the importance of empowering women in cybersecurity and inspiring the next generation of female cybersecurity professionals. With continued support from organizations like TECwomen CIC and industry partners, initiatives like cyberUPLIFT are paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive cybersecurity workforce.
Sources:
https://www.itsecurityguru.org/2025/03/19/over-15-women-graduate-from-new-cybersecurity-training-programme
https://www.tecwomen.co.uk/
https://www.tiny.link/itsecurityguru-visibility-representation-cybercrime-women/