In a world where companies rely heavily on digitization and customers expect a seamless user experience, cybersecurity must be a priority. Customers instill trust in insurers and producers to safeguard personal financial and health information, which is collected and stored as part of the underwriting and claims processes. Prioritizing cybersecurity helps keep sensitive information protected and means people across the chain are equipped to handle it with the utmost integrity.

As stringent cybersecurity programs become more and more critical, the demand for diverse experts, especially skilled females, is increasing. Historically, there has been a shortage of females in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM), who make up nearly half of the U.S. workforce but only 27% of the STEM field.

There is immense value for women to embark on a career in cybersecurity. While one must be technical and have excellent communication and analytical skills, one can be something other than an engineer to excel in cybersecurity. There are also routes where soft skills can be acquired. Confidence is a significant attribute that helps women accelerate their careers and having a professional mentor can facilitate that. Mentorship can be sourced one-on-one or in public forums and virtual groups where like-minded individuals bounce ideas off and support one another.