A new EU-funded cybersecurity training program has opened for enrolment, aiming to reduce the cyber skills gap while promoting diversity in the industry. The initiative, called She@Cyber, focuses on supporting women and other underrepresented groups to enter the cybersecurity workforce.
The program offers beginner-level training designed to provide essential knowledge and industry-recognized credentials. It is part of the Erasmus+ initiative and is coordinated by research and advisory firm Vernian RTI, with support from partners like ISACA, a global association for IT governance and cybersecurity certifications.
Flexible, Entry-Level Cybersecurity Training
She@Cyber targets people from non-technical backgrounds who are seeking their first role in cybersecurity. The course content is based on ISACA’s Cybersecurity Fundamentals Certificate, which is designed to help beginners understand core cybersecurity concepts.
The training is flexible and self-paced, making it accessible for people looking to switch careers or learn alongside other commitments. Participants who complete course modules receive certificates of participation.
The curriculum covers five key topics:
- Cybersecurity Fundamentals and Business Resilience
- Emerging Technologies and Cybersecurity Challenges
- Cyber Attack Theory and Defense Mechanisms
- Ethical, Legal, and Social Implications of Cybersecurity
- Professional Skills for Cybersecurity Careers
Organizers hope the program will help SMEs, startups, and microenterprises discover new cybersecurity talent, both internally and through new hires.
The project operates across five countries: Cyprus, Spain, Greece, Italy, and Ireland. However, enrolment is open to all European citizens.
Addressing Cybersecurity’s Diversity Problem
While the training is open to everyone, it places special emphasis on helping women, ethnic minorities, neurodivergent individuals, and other underrepresented groups. A She@Cyber spokesperson told Infosecurity: “Enrolment is ideally for women and underrepresented groups but at this stage it is open for everyone.”
Recent research highlights the lack of diversity in cybersecurity. An October 2024 study by Socura found that women hold only 17% of cybersecurity positions in the UK, a decline since 2021. Globally, an ISACA survey from April 2024 revealed that just 4% of cybersecurity teams have a female majority, while 11% have no women at all.
Barriers to entry in cybersecurity remain high, with many roles requiring expensive qualifications and several years of experience.
Chris Dimitriadis, Chief Global Strategy Officer at ISACA, said:
“Cybersecurity urgently needs skilled talent and diverse perspectives. She@Cyber is not only about upskilling – it’s about creating real, inclusive pathways into a sector that’s critical for Europe’s digital future.”
Women in Cyber Event at Infosecurity Europe 2025
In addition to the training initiative, Infosecurity Europe 2025 will host a Women in Cybersecurity event during its annual conference at London’s ExCel from June 3-5, 2025.
The session, titled ‘Embracing Diversity and Empowering Women in Cybersecurity’, will take place on June 4 from 16:00 to 16:40 on the Keynote Stage.
The panel will be moderated by Beth Maundrill, Editor of Infosecurity Magazine, and will feature leading female cybersecurity experts:
- Purvi Kay, Head of Cyber Security, FCAS, BAE Systems
- Maritsa Santiago, CISO, LexisNexis Reed Technology
- Lynette Kerry, Regional Sales Director EMEA, Akamai Technologies
The panel will discuss career strategies for women, building inclusive workplaces, and supporting diversity in cybersecurity.
Attendees will also have the chance to network, share experiences, and connect with other professionals in the field. The 2025 event will mark the 30th anniversary of Infosecurity Europe.
