by Serine Warner, Student Public Relations Writer
Women remain vastly underrepresented in the rapidly growing field of cybersecurity.
What was once a specialized sector has now become an essential part of everyday life, protecting everything from personal information and online transactions to national infrastructure and digital communities. Yet according to International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2), a leading member association for cybersecurity professionals, women only comprise 20% of this workforce.
Through the Women in Cybersecurity (WiCys) organization, the women studying cybersecurity, Information Tech Management, Cyber Operations and Computer Science at Cedarville University are seeking to foster community and encourage one another to succeed in this male-dominated field. What started as a group of four women in WiCyS has grown to 40 members since 2025. This group focuses on building community through mentorship and fellowship, organizing monthly events like coffee chats and study breaks. These gatherings offer women the chance to support and uplift each other in their cybersecurity studies.
Organization president Gabriela Mallack, a senior computer science and cyber operations double major from East Hanover, New Jersey, was one of the original four members who helped establish the chapter. She believes the future for women in cybersecurity will continue to grow as more people become aware of cyber professional needs.
"Being successful in a field like cybersecurity requires building healthy community and developing a heart of service both on the job and in daily life,” said Mallack. “We need to be personally connected to the people we are protecting.”
Since it’s increase in membership, the chapter has focused on building its foundation and creating a support network for young women in the field. Moving forward, the group aims to be mission-driven, using its members' cybersecurity skills to serve others and make a positive impact on the local community.
The Cedarville WiCyS chapter is a shining example of how women in cybersecurity can create a thriving, supportive community. By coming together, these women celebrate their passion, share knowledge and uplift one another.
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate programs across arts, sciences, and professional fields. With 6,384 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized by the Wall Street Journal as being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.
