SheCanCode: Practical changes needed for women in cyber
I was pleased to contribute to SheCanCode’s discussion on the practical changes that would make the greatest impact on women in cyber. My view is simple: progress requires more than encouragement. We need more flexible routes into cyber, stronger mentoring, career re-entry support, better recognition of transferable skills, and greater visibility for the women already doing important work in this space. We also need to invest in communities that provide support, leadership development, and shared opportunity. Inclusion does not happen by accident; it requires deliberate action. I’m glad to be part of conversations that focus not just on the problem, but on practical solutions.
IT Security Guru: MIWIC26 profile feature
I was pleased to be profiled by IT Security Guru in its MIWIC26 spotlight series. The feature gave me a chance to talk about the full shape of my work: teaching across undergraduate and postgraduate levels, leading modules, supporting students, conducting research in cybersecurity and applied AI, and contributing to the wider academic community through reviewing, presenting, and collaboration. What I value most about this kind of profile is that it shows cyber careers in a fuller way. Impact is not only about one project or one achievement; it is often built through teaching, research, mentorship, service, and steady commitment over time.
IT Security Guru: International Women’s Day 2026 feature
I was glad to contribute to IT Security Guru’s International Women’s Day 2026 feature and to speak openly about some of the realities many women in STEM and cybersecurity still face. Balancing visibility, publishing, family life, and the pressure to say yes to every opportunity can be challenging, and imposter syndrome does not disappear simply because you gain experience. At the same time, supportive environments make a real difference. Flexible working, wellbeing support, and meaningful equality initiatives can help women continue to grow with confidence. Honest conversations like this are important because progress depends on more than talent; it also depends on culture.
Eskenzi PR: Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards page
One of the things I appreciate most about the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber initiative is the message behind it: we can’t be what we can’t see. The industry has made progress, but cybersecurity still needs more visible role models, more inclusive pathways, and more opportunities for women to be recognised for the impact they are already making. Being connected to a platform like this is meaningful because it is about more than celebration. It is about changing perception, widening access, and showing the next generation that there is space for them here. Visibility is not the end goal, but it is an important beginning.
SC Media UK: International Women’s Day 2026: UK women in cyber speak out
It was a privilege to contribute to SC Media UK’s International Women’s Day 2026 feature alongside other women working across cybersecurity. Pieces like this matter because they move beyond celebration and make space for honesty: how many of us entered cyber through curiosity, how we have navigated barriers, and what still needs to change. Representation is important, but representation alone is not enough. We also need visibility, access, mentorship, and environments where women can grow without having to constantly prove they belong. I’m glad to have added my voice to a wider conversation about building a stronger, more inclusive future for cyber.
Teesside University media feature on Most Inspiring Women in Cyber 2026
I was deeply honoured to be featured by Teesside University following recognition in the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber 2026 awards. The article highlighted not only the award itself, but the research journey behind it: work in cybersecurity, machine learning, phishing detection, generative AI misuse, and stylometric analysis. What meant most to me was the opportunity to reflect on a wider purpose, making digital spaces safer and more inclusive. Recognition is meaningful, but it is even more powerful when it shines a light on the importance of research, mentoring, and creating pathways for others to thrive in cyber.
DSIT Cyber Security Newsletter / CyberASAP / GUARD
I was pleased to see the momentum around cyber innovation reflected in DSIT’s March 2026 cyber security newsletter and in the wider CyberASAP Year 9 Demo Day conversations. Presenting GUARD at Level 30 in Canary Wharf was a valuable opportunity to share work focused on tackling generated unauthentic advertising and to engage with investors, industry leaders, and fellow innovators. What stood out most was the strength of academic innovation in cybersecurity and the growing recognition that university-led research can translate into real-world impact. Moments like this reinforce why collaboration between academia, government, and industry matters so much.
🏆 Most Inspiring Women in Cyber 2026
Feeling incredibly grateful and proud to share that I won the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber 2026 award at the iconic BT Tower.
Being selected from 200+ outstanding women in cybersecurity feels surreal.
A heartfelt thank you to the sponsors and supporters who made the evening possible: BT Group, Fidelity International, Bridewell, and Plexal. Thank you also to the organisers, Charley Nash, Beth Smith, and Yvonne Eskenzi (Eskenzi PR and Marketing), for continuing to champion and elevate women in cyber.
This award has strengthened my commitment to give even more back to the women in the cyber community.
Shortlist: Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards 2026
I am incredibly honoured to share that I have been shortlisted for the 𝗠𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗜𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗖𝘆𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 (MIWIC26).
As a Lecturer in Computer Science at Teesside University, so much of my work sits at the intersection of research, teaching, and real-world impact, helping the next generation of cyber professionals find their confidence and building tools that make the digital world safer (GUARD: Generated Unauthentic Ad Recognition & Detection).
A huge thank you to Eskenzi PR and Marketing, and IT Security Guru, and to the sponsors supporting this platform for visibility and celebration in our industry.
And to everyone who has supported me, my family, colleagues, collaborators, students, mentors, and friends, thank you for cheering me on (and for keeping me going on the hard days). 💜
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BT Group, Fidelity International, Bridewell, Plexal, Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS), Black Female Academics’ Network