Encouraging Women in Cybersecurity
Hyderabad: DSCI (Data Security Council of India)& Microsoft along with Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence, Telangana, organised a ‘Women in Security’ roundtable. The forum focussed on embracing strategic initiatives that can enable an increasing number of women to play all-inclusive roles in cybersecurity. The event was graced by Ms. Lisa Tanzi, Corporate Vice President, CELA Global Commercial & Field Group, Microsoft along with dignitaries from the Government of Telangana, Ms. Swati Lakra, IPS, IGP (Law & Order), Women Safety including SHE teams and Bharosa (I/c), Mrs. Lanka Rama Devi, OSD – Emerging Technologies, ITE&C department, along with key women leaders in security from organizations like CDAC, FTCCI, SAP HANA, UTC, Bank of America, ServiceNow. The event was also attended by founders of start-ups, heads of incubators and women professors from universities like Osmania University leading CSE departments and Centre for Cybersecurity and Cyberlaw.
The roundtable discussion had a comprehensive agenda that highlighted the role of women representatives in the Cybersecurity domain. The sessions revolved around the need to bring in talented women into the industry and concentrated on gender diversity in the Indian cybersecurity ecosystem, talent building and career opportunities for women and strategies to build a robust network of women security professionals. Ideas to attract women into this niche field were elaborated on and discussed.
The Women in Security Roundtable 2019 reiterated the intent in bringing together vital stakeholders for meaningful interactions on the subject. It was a networking opportunity where insightful exchange of ideas was carried out amid peers and thought leaders. The roundtable paved a platform to explore new ways to usher in talented women in the cybersecurity domain.
The roundtable was initiated by a brief welcome address by Ms. Rama Vedashree, CEO, DSCI where she elaborated on the overall objective of the discussion, which was to position ‘Women in Cybersecurity’ as a strategic agenda item for the technology industry and to establish a platform to connect leaders with the upcoming women workforce for mentorship and career guidance. Keshav Dhakad, Asst. General Counsel, Microsoft India presented the organization’s initiatives towards ensuring the participation of women in the Cybersecurity Domain.
Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Sriram Birudavolu, CEO, Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence (CoE), DSCI stated, “As women are underrepresented in the field of Cybersecurity, DSCI in general and the Cybersecurity CoE in particular are committed to raising awareness and talent quotient for women, through workshops and training programs such as CyberShiksha training and Women in Security roundtable.”