Cyber Conference Inspires the Next Generation of Female Talent - Cyber and Fraud Centre

See It Be It: Women and Girls in Cyber Conference, hosted by the Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland, and supported by Accenture, Fortinet and NatWest brought together more than 200 high school students, teachers and industry professionals. The event at Gogarburn on 7^th November aimed to celebrate and inspire the next generation of cyber security talent.

The gathering showcased the diversity of roles within cyber security, breaking down barriers for women and young girls, and highlighting the vital role of education and mentorship in building Scotland’s future workforce.

Building cyber interest

Jude McCorry, CEO of the Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland said:

“See It Be It is about representation and opportunity. When girls can see women thriving in cyber security, they can believe it’s a path for them too.
It was great to see and hear the enthusiasm about cyber from the school girls. We need to give more girls this chance, loosen some of the red tape around giving young people opportunities, and start building interest in cyber career at grass roots!
I am delighted with the response to our call from the industry to support See It Be It, and we are looking forward to seeing increased diversity in cyber security in Scotland, as a result of the Conference.”

Panel Discussions

L – R: Alice Lake – Accenture, Lucy Hanlon – Anderson Strathern, Rachel Giachinta – Fortinet, Adrienne McGrory – IBM)

Attendees to See It Be It heard from inspiring women across the cyber industry during three panel sessions covering career journeys, preparing the next generation, and lessons learned to make practical changes to career pathways. Speakers included Felicity March, Cyber Strategy Lead at Accenture, alongside female cyber leaders from Arnold Clark, SSE, IBM and Virgin Money, who shared their own experience of cyber security pathways.

James Callagy (Cyber and Fraud Hub), Abby Hilson (Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland)

Interactive sessions and a Cyber Careers Hub gave students the chance to meet employers, learn about training pathways, and explore hands-on activities that showcased the real-world impact of cyber security.

As the attendee school girls commented the best thing about the Conference was knowing, “the fact that women can do the same job that men do, and maybe even better”, which helped to make “cyber less scary”.

Improving Opportunities

The Conference forms part of the Centre’s wider See It Be It campaign, which aims to increase the number of women and girls entering cyber careers. Currently, women make up just 18% of the UK cyber workforce; a figure the initiative is working to improve through role models, education outreach, and inclusive industry partnerships.

Jude McCorry adds, “See It Be It isn’t one hit and done. Multiple agencies, bodies and organisations need to come together to improve pathways and diversity in the cyber sector. The Conference is one way to highlight the brilliant work of fellow female security professionals, but it’s up to all of us to keep pushing opportunities and ways for the next generation to be a part of keeping Scotland safe.”

If you are interested in supporting See It Be It, or becoming a member of the Cyber and Fraud Centre – Scotland community, contact us at [email protected].

11.11.25