On International Women in Cyber Day, Nicole Reineke, Senior Distinguished Product Leader at N‑able, discusses how responsible AI use must centre on human oversight, transparency and ethical governance – ensuring technology augments, not replaces, human expertise.
The cybersecurity industry has long faced a talent shortage.
As we enter the AI era, this shortage is compounding not only do we lack enough professionals overall, but half of technology leaders also report a shortage of AI skills.
In other words, even when talent exists, it often lacks the expertise needed to thrive in an AI-driven future.
Mitigating this problem demands bold leadership and innovative solutions.
Artificial intelligence can help by reducing analyst burnout, automating routine tasks and allowing teams to focus on higher-level strategy and collaboration.
But technology alone won’t solve the skills gap.
It requires leaders who understand the power of AI and recognise where and how it can be deployed to yield the best results.
I’m already starting to see these types of leaders emerge.
Throughout my career, I’ve witnessed how women in cybersecurity are not only shaping how AI is utilised – but also going beyond to create more inclusive, resilient teams.
By mentoring the next generation and highlighting the success of women already in the industry, expertise can be both visible and transferable.
Automation doesn’t replace this work – it amplifies it.
When machines take on repetitive tasks, professionals can devote their time to mentorship, strategy and innovation areas such as the N-able Mentor Circles.
Hosted through its Community of Interest, WONDER, this circle of women is a safe space to share experiences, gain new perspectives and lift each other up in both our personal and professional journeys.
It’s all about walking away with meaningful actions to help unlock potential, drive business success and most importantly, form genuine connections.
Under this type of leadership mindset, AI becomes an enabler of sustainable and rewarding careers.
This framing is also key to attracting more women into cyber.
If we can demonstrate that this field isn’t just about long hours and constant firefighting, but about solving complex challenges, mentoring future leaders and shaping ethical innovation, we’ll inspire more women to join us.
By tackling both the talent and skills shortages at once, women leaders are helping build the inclusive, resilient teams that the cybersecurity sector needs.
I’ve had the privilege of speaking to and helping educate young girls about AI and engineering and I’ve seen how a spark of possibility can change their trajectory.
At the Women in STEM conferences I speak at, in my teaching at Georgetown and during a recent AI Innovation session with 200 middle school girls, I’ve seen curiosity change into confidence.
As these young women begin to imagine themselves as future AI engineers and cybersecurity leaders, the transformation is truly powerful.
One girl raised her hand and asked why AI hasn’t yet solved hearing challenges.
In that moment, her personal experience sparked a vision for technological possibility.
Now, she is inspired to explore how AI could improve the lives of people with hearing issues.
That is the magic: When people tie personal passion to technology, we unlock entirely new avenues for innovation and problem-solving.
This is also why I wrote and released a young adult novel about AI: To give girls a mirror in which they can see themselves as engineers, innovators and leaders.
Cybersecurity and the broader world of AI, needs that spark. And it needs women to lead the charge.
