Fortinet and Accenture join forces with the Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland to champion women in cyber security - Cyber and Fraud Centre

The Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland is proud to welcome Fortinet and Accenture as strategic partners supporting its See It, Be It campaign focused on inspiring more women and girls to consider careers in cyber security.

Both organisations bring strong credentials in promoting diversity in tech and will work with the Centre to deliver events, mentorship and career exploration activities aimed at bridging the gender gap in cyber roles. Their support will enable the campaign to extend its reach and create more visible role models for young women across Scotland.

Jude McCorry, CEO of the Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland outlines, “I am delighted that Accenture and Fortinet have come on board to help us in our mission around getting more girls and women into cyber security.
There is lots of talk in Scotland around getting more women and girls involved in the sector, but we need action. With the support of these organisations we won’t just talk the talk, but we’ll walk the walk!”

“Fortinet has long been committed to developing a skilled and inclusive cybersecurity workforce. As the skills gap widens and employers worldwide struggle to fill critical roles with the necessary professionals, attracting new talent to the field has never been more vital. This local partnership is part of Fortinet’s global commitment to addressing the shortage of cybersecurity skills, and I am delighted to support it and inspire young girls to develop an interest in pursuing a career in this ever evolving yet fascinating tech field”, says David McKeand, Fortinet’s Regional Manager for Scotland.

“Accenture is actively addressing the global cybersecurity talent shortage through several initiatives aimed at expanding the cyber workforce and enhancing skills development such as the Cyber Million program launched in June 2023. As part of this initiative, we are delighted to support the building of cyber skills locally in Scotland to protect our digital future and unlock new opportunities for growth and innovation.” Freha Accenture, Accenture Scotland Cyber Lead.

The recent See It, Be It Cyber Ladies Afternoon Tea was a huge success, drawing praise from students, educators, and professionals alike. Attendees described the experience as eye-opening, encouraging, and “exactly the kind of initiative needed to break down stereotypes”.

Despite growing demand for cyber talent, women currently make up only 17% of the UK cyber security workforce. Addressing this imbalance is critical for building a resilient, inclusive digital economy.

To learn more about the initiative, and how to get involved, read the blog here with feedback from the Cyber Ladies Afternoon Tea and how to build pathways for diversity in cyber security.

18.06.25

General