Black Hat USA: Empowering Women In Security

BLACK HAT USA -- Las Vegas -- There's been plenty of debate over why there are so few women in information security, a field where there's a gaping talent gap and plenty of unfilled jobs. Women continue to make up only about 10% of the industry: and even more disconcerting, some data indicates a trend in women leaving the industry.

Meanwhile, women hold some of the highest profile jobs in security: CISOs, presidents, security researchers, federal government officials, and other influential positions.  

This perplexing Catch-22 will be just one of the topics this week at a luncheon panel discussion hosted by Black Hat USA:  "Beyond the Gender Gap: Empowering Women in Security," featuring some of the industry's most accomplished women -- Joyce Brocaglia, founder of the Executive Women’s Forum and CEO of Alta Associates;  Justine Bone, independent consultant and a former CISO;  Jennifer Imhoff-Dousharm, co-founder, dc408 and Vegas 2.0 hacker groups; and Katie Moussouris, Chief Policy Officer at HackerOne.

The panelists will share how they got there, what they learned along the way, the reality of the playing field (think salary inequity), and discuss resources available for mentoring and recruiting women, as well as for professional development. They'll also talk about how men can play a role in advocating for more women security pros.

It's not too late to register for the free luncheon and panel event to be held here on Thursday, August 6. 

Black Hat USA is happening! Check it out here.