This upcoming International Women's Day, we want to recognise the importance of allyship in creating real and lasting change. Progress in the cyber security industry does not happen in isolation, but rather, in partnership and support with each other.
In this interview, we feature Josh Pain, Senior Security Consultant, as he shares his career journey and what allyship looks like in action.
Being an ally for women in cyber security means actively supporting fair access to opportunities, advocating when it matters and helping create environments where women can build long term careers without unnecessary barriers. It is particularly important in the Australian cyber security industry because it is a relatively small and interconnected community, where visibility, networks and sponsorship can significantly influence progression, and where stronger diversity leads to better decision making and more capable teams overall.
Earlier in my career, I tended to assume that if someone was capable and worked hard, progression would follow naturally. I have come to recognise that informal networks, unconscious bias and confidence dynamics can all influence who gets visibility and opportunity. My perspective shifted from seeing diversity as an individual issue to understanding it as a structural and leadership responsibility that requires deliberate action, particularly given the clear value diverse perspectives bring to organisations and to industries like cyber that have traditionally had lower diversity.
Yes, I have, and it has been a genuine privilege. What I have learned is that effective mentorship is less about giving advice and more about listening, understanding individual goals and barriers, and providing practical support such as clear feedback, advocacy and encouragement. I have also learned that small actions, like supporting them to build their strengths, creating visibility for good work and backing someone to take on stretch opportunities, can make a meaningful difference in building confidence and progression.
Be intentional about how you allocate opportunities, challenge bias when it appears, ensure credit and visibility are shared fairly, and actively support practical steps that improve equality across the cyber industry.
What makes this photo so special is the unwavering support my mum has given me throughout my life. She always encouraged me to chase my passions and continues to do so today. When I was finally in a position to take passengers flying, my very first passenger was my mum on Mother’s Day. There was no one more fitting to share that milestone with. This photo was taken several years later, during a trip where I had the privilege of taking her flying up and down the east coast, over the Gold Coast, Byron Bay, Ballina and Evans Head, with a scenic flight past Mount Warning. As an ally this International Women’s Day, this moment is a reminder of the importance of recognising and celebrating the women who support us, believe in us, and make our journeys possible.