Women in Cyber Today
Thanks to the accomplishments of the pioneers before them, today’s women in cybersecurity are making leaps and bounds toward a more secure future. Let’s take a look at some of the most influential women in cyber today and what they are doing to shape the industry and the future.
Theresa Payton
Under the Bush administration, Theresa Payton served as the first female Chief Information Officer for the White house. Her role was crucial in carrying out the first 100% all-digital photography and budget administration. In her role she established the first 24/7 Security Operations Center at the White House that had a focus on digital and information security. Prior to her time at the White House, Payton led an impressive career in banking where she developed emerging solutions and security technologies. After the Bush administration she founded Fortalice which works to help improve information technology systems. Since then, she has published three books on internet security and was named one of the top 25 ‘most Influential People in Security’ by Security Magazine.
Tammie Tham
In her previous position as CEO of Ensign Infosecurity, Tammie Tham led the company to be the largest pure-play cybersecurity provider in Asia. She has since stepped into the role of advisor for the company, and she currently serves on three different boards including the executive committee of SGTech, the board of MediaCorp and the Singapore Institute of Technology. Not only has she found success in these coveted positions but in 2017 Tham founded Accel Technologies, a cybersecurity systems integration company. Before becoming an entrepreneur, Tham was IBM’s Security Practice Leader for ASEAN, and she later served as Vice President of BT Frontline.
Alissa Abdullah
Alissa Abdullah is a shining example of hard work and mastery of craft. Over the years she has built quite an impressive resume. Currently Abdullah serves as Mastercard’s deputy chief security officer and leads the Emerging Corporate Security Solutions team. In these positions she is responsible for protecting information assets and creating new security practices for this massive company. Just like Payton, Abdullah too has a history of working at the White House where she served as the deputy chief information officer. Her passion for cybersecurity shows reigns true outside of her career as well. Abdullah hosts Cybercrime Magazine’s Mastering Cyber and CISO 500 podcasts. She also sits on the Security Advisory board for SecureAuth and the board of directors Smartsheet Inc. Her educational background is just as impressive with a PhD from Capella University and a certification as cryptologic engineer with the NSA.
Wendy Thomas
Wendy Thomas is the current CEO of Secureworks, a cybersecurity company with over 4,500 big name clients globally. At Secureworks, she also leads the Customer Success organizations which focus on secure customer experience and product engineering. Before Secureworks, Thomas had 25 years of experience working in leadership roles as both vice president of finance for First Data and chief financial officer for Bridgevine. Outside of the workplace, Thomas has a passion for young aspiring professionals and diversity and inclusion indicatives. She is a Liaison for AFS Intercultural Programs and sits on the board of a local improv theater in Atlanta. Within Secureworks, Thomas also heads the Pride Employee Recourse Group with focuses on education and inclusion in the greater community.
Michelle Drolet
As the founder and CEO of Towerwall, Michelle Drolet is using her expertise to develop emerging security practices and create new prevention strategies for today’s biggest threats. She has been published in both Forbes and the Worcester Business Journal and had been named one of the ‘50 over 50: Innovation’ by Forbes. She dedication to security development along with her previous position as president of CDG has created an impressive portfolio of talent and dedication to cybersecurity.
Keren Elazari
Keren Elazari started her career in the Israel Defense Forces with a role in information security. After serving for 10 years, Elazari attended Tel Aviv University where she is now a senior researcher for their Interdisciplinary Cyber Research Center. Prior to this position she spent a significant amount of time as a self-proclaimed ‘white-hat hacker’. In 2014 she gave a TED talk entitles “Hackers: The Internet’s Immune System” which has gained a lot of traction over the years leading her to speak at DEF CON 22 and other conferences such as the Atlantic Security Conference.
Each of these women has had a significant impact on the field of cybersecurity. They have dedicated their careers to securing our digital world and creating space for women in a male-dominated field. Their achievements not only strengthen global cybersecurity efforts but also inspire a new generation of women to pursue careers in technology. By breaking barriers and leading with innovation, they continue to shape a more inclusive, resilient, and secure digital future.
