Join your peers from across the globe on Wednesday, March 18, from 9 a.m. to 1:20 p.m. ET, for a dynamic, half-day virtual gathering dedicated to uplifting and inspiring women in cybersecurity and their allies. At the heart of the event is the Global 50x50 Initiative, a bold, long‑term initiative aiming to increase women’s representation in cybersecurity to 50% by the year 2050. At present, according to participants in the 2025 ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, 42% of men participants reported that they were unaware of any challenges or had not observed any significant barriers for women—a figure 2.5 times higher than what was reported by women participants (17%).
The 2026 Global 50x50 Women’s Summit is a welcoming platform to celebrate women’s contributions to the cybersecurity profession and to spark real change. 
Why Attend?
Whether you’re a seasoned CISO, early in your career, an emerging leader or a dedicated male ally, this summit offers:
- An insightful keynote, panel discussions and breakout sessions that address barriers and opportunities
- Networking opportunities with global cyber professionals across government, academia, nonprofits and industry
Agenda Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss
The 2026 agenda brings together industry experts, thought leaders and practitioners for sessions designed to empower you at every stage of your cybersecurity journey. Here is a snapshot of the agenda:
Scott Beale, CC, ISC2 CEO will welcome attendees, set expectations for the Summit and introduce the keynote speaker.
Keynote Session: Beyond the Algorithm: Women, AI Security & Building What Matters
Rafah Knight, CEO & Founder of SecureAI, will deliver the keynote. Knight is a recognized leader in AI security and risk management. She was named "Most Inspiring Woman in Cybersecurity 2025" and achieved finalist status for both TechUK's prestigious Cyber Den and the MCA Rising Star Award.
Panel Discussion: From SecOps to the C-Suite: Redefining Cyber Leadership on Your Own Terms
Unpacking modern cyber leadership journeys, titles and tradeoffs in a changing risk landscape. This candid conversation brings together women who have taken unconventional routes into senior cyber leadership. They will share how they negotiated scope and influence, built credibility with boards, leveraged certifications and community and decided which opportunities to say yes to (or no) along the way.
Breakout Sessions:
- The Power ofResilience: Empowering Women to Thrive in Cyber Careers
Women in cybersecurity often shoulder unique challenges, from overcoming systemic bias to experiencing isolation as “the only one in the room.” This session takes a fundamentally different approach to resilience. It goes beyond the familiar “push through” narrative and instead explores what true, sustainable resilience looks like through an intersectional, gender‑aware lens. Expect honest discussions, research‑backed insights and actionable tools to help women navigate adversity while protecting their wellbeing and career satisfaction.
- TheGlobal 50x50 Women’s Initiative: Transforming the Cybersecurity Workforce
This initiative unites a global network of educators, industry leaders, nonprofits and cybersecurity professionals to address systemic barriers that limit women’s advancement. Through its collective learning model, it expands early cyber career awareness, strengthens pathways for young women and builds a sustainable talent pipeline, with early learning cycles already showing promising impact. Ultimately, 50x50 aims to reshape cybersecurity culture so women can thrive, lead and innovate at every level of the cybersecurity profession.
- Intentional Career Mapping: Navigating Certifications and Growth
With countless cybersecurity specializations and certifications available, it can feel overwhelming to choose the right path. This session breaks down popular cybersecurity certifications, explains where they fit in different career tracks and teaches a repeatable decision‑making framework to guide your choices. You’ll also learn how to complement formal credentials with hands‑on experience, skill application and employer‑aligned development strategies.
Panel Discussion: The Power of Male Allyship: How Inclusion Accelerates Change
A unique aspect of this summit is its direct engagement with allies. This panel discussion brings together leading male cybersecurity professionals who are actively championing gender equity within the industry. Panelists will explore how intentional allyship can transform workplace cultures, open pathways for women in cyber and strengthen the overall talent ecosystem. Panelists will share candid insights from their own experiences, including what effective allyship looks like in action, how to overcome challenges and the tangible difference that advocacy and inclusion make for individuals and organizations alike.
Empower Your Career. Shape the Future.
Cybersecurity needs more women and their allies as innovators, cyber defenders, leaders, mentors, risk‑takers and visionaries. It needs you.
The 2026 ISC2 Global 50x50 Virtual Women’s Summit is your chance to elevate your voice, sharpen your skills and connect with a global community. You will also be part of a transformational initiative driving representation and impact. By attending this live event, you are eligible to receive 3.5 CPE credits. Additional credits can be earned with on-demand viewing. Don’t miss this opportunity to grow your professional knowledge and meet your continuing education goals!
