Women in CyberSecurity

Name

Women in CyberSecurity

Legal name

Women in CyberSecurity

Website

https://wicys.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2013

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cybersecurity Workforce Development and Professional Association

NAICS

Computer Training (61142), Professional and Management Development Training (61143)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Membership Organizations (8600)

akta.pro primary industry

Cybersecurity Learning Platforms (EDAFANAF)

akta.pro secondary industry

Core LMS Platforms (Academic & Corporate) (EDAFAAAA)

Keywords

• Cybersecurity workforce development
• Professional training programs
• Industry mentorship networks
• Cybersecurity certifications
• Community professional associations

Headquarters

HQ city

Cookeville

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Dues: Annual membership fees ranging from $20 for student members to higher tiers for professional members, providing access to programs, resources, and community.
2. Grants and Government Funding: Funding from organizations like Center for Internet Security ($250,000 grant) and Maryland EARN program to support security training and workforce diversity initiatives.
3. Corporate Sponsorships and Strategic Partnerships: Tiered partnership program with technology companies including Tier 1 Partners and Premier Supporters who fund scholarships and training programs.
4. Conference Revenue: Registration fees for annual conferences with fees ranging from $20 for student members to $200 for non-members, plus sponsorship packages.
5. Bulk Membership Sales: Organizations can purchase bulk memberships (50 or more) with 10% discount, enabling employer-funded professional development.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

WiCyS is a nonprofit organization that delivers cybersecurity workforce development through a portfolio of training programs, professional mentorship tracks, leadership development curricula, certification preparation, and annual and virtual conferences, supported by a global network of student chapters and professional affiliates. Programs are delivered through digital learning platforms (Coursera, SANS, Compyl) and a dedicated mentorship matching platform, with the organization funding scholarships and training access for women at all career stages from students to senior executives.

Product overview

Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) is a nonprofit organization offering a platform-plus-programs model for advancing women in cybersecurity through workforce development. The portfolio centers on 20+ training programs including the AI Learning Series, AI Security Accelerator Program, Cyber Competency Builder (Just Hacking Training), GRC Intensive Training, Google Cybersecurity Certificate, ISC2 Certification, SANS training tracks, and specialized mentorship programs. Supporting infrastructure includes professional and student chapter networks, annual and virtual conferences, career fairs, and a job board. Programs utilize platforms such as Coursera, SANS Cyber Ranges, Compyl GRC platform, and Skillrex workforce analytics for delivery and assessment. The ecosystem combines technical skill development, leadership training, networking, and career placement services for members at all career stages.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• AI Learning Series A six-module training program covering AI fundamentals, AI risks, governance, secure AI product development, and AI policy for women in cybersecurity.
• AI Security Accelerator Program A hands-on program equipping mid-career women cybersecurity professionals in Maryland with specialized AI security skills, GIAC and GMLE certifications, mentorship, and career advising.
• Capture the Flag (CTF) Competitions Gamified cybersecurity competitions in partnership with Amazon, Fortinet, Tenable, and HackerOne providing skill-building and career development.
• Create Your Leading Edge A 12-week leadership development program for mid-level professionals led by Karen Worstell, addressing career plateau and authentic leadership presence.
• Cyber Competency Builder with Just Hacking Training A data-driven professional development program with three technical courses covering AI-assisted cyber defense, script-based malware analysis, and web application penetration testing.
• Decoding Dialogue A communication skills learning series in partnership with Fearless Communicators covering networking, public speaking, and translating technical concepts.
• Executive Leaders Network An invite-only monthly network for executive-level cybersecurity leaders (C-Suite, President, VP, Director) using Chatham House Rule for candid discussion.
• Google Cybersecurity Certificate Program A nine-course foundational cybersecurity series developed by Google and delivered through Coursera, with WiCyS technical mentor support for completion within six months.
• GRC Intensive Training Program A 14-week comprehensive Governance, Risk and Compliance training covering NIST RMF, policy writing, and control implementation using the Compyl SaaS platform.
• ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity Certification Entry-level certification program with ISC2 providing free exam vouchers, online self-paced training, and mentorship for 500 WiCyS members per cohort.
• Professional Mentorship Program A 9-month mentorship program for professional members focused on leadership, communication, negotiation, influence, and work-life balance, with Google infrastructure sponsorship.
• Aspiring Professional Mentorship Program A 4-month mentorship track for student members aligned with NACE Career Readiness Competencies, covering goal setting, communication, and professionalism.
• Rising CISO Leadership Development Program An exclusive 2-day in-person leadership program in partnership with Optiv for senior-career WiCyS members, designed for 16 hand-selected security leaders.
• SANS Cyber Range A tournament event powered by SANS Skills Quest NetWars, featuring realistic threat scenarios including SIEM threat hunting, Python coding, and Linux fundamentals.
• SANS Executive Cybersecurity Exercise A 90-minute virtual executive exercise simulating cyber events to improve organizational crisis response plans for senior managers and CISOs.
• Security Training Scholarship A multi-tiered scholarship with SANS Institute for career changers and students seeking cybersecurity employment, with veteran and military spouse track support.
• WiCyS Annual Conference Flagship annual conference bringing together thousands of cybersecurity professionals, students, and industry partners for networking, training, and career opportunities.
• WiCyS Virtual Conference Virtual conference format offering live sessions, recorded keynotes, and a virtual career fair for accessible professional development.
• Professional Affiliates Program Regional, corporate, and specialty affiliate groups providing localized community, networking, mentoring, and engagement for the WiCyS mission.
• Student Chapters Student-led chapters at 80+ universities and colleges providing support, mentorship, training, and networking with prioritized opportunities for chapter leaders.
• Job Board++ Specialized job board connecting WiCyS members with cybersecurity career opportunities from employers seeking to hire cyber professionals.
• Speakers Bureau Directory of WiCyS member speakers available for conferences, events, and professional engagements.
• Target Cyber Defense Challenge Cybersecurity defense challenge program made possible by Target, offering hands-on offensive and defensive security scenarios for skill development.

Quantifiable outcome

• WiCyS members demonstrate 14.5% better performance than the wider workforce across 60 core cybersecurity competencies
• +7 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.

• State of Maryland (EARN Maryland Grant Program)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 February 2026Maryland Department of Labor administers the EARN Maryland Grant funding WiCyS AI Security Accelerator Program, targeting 20 Maryland-based unemployed, underemployed, and incumbent mid-career women in cybersecurity.
• SemperisminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 11 February 2026Semperis appointed WiCyS as Action Partner for 'Midnight in the War Room' documentary on cyberwar premiering August 5 at Black Hat USA. WiCyS will co-host previews and private screenings.
• Center for Internet Security (CIS)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 May 2024CIS awarded a $250,000 grant to WiCyS to support cybersecurity workforce diversity and training initiatives. The grant funds a scholarship program and CIS Controls course to enhance skills and employment prospects for women in cybersecurity.
• SkillrexcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerWorkforce analytics company that conducted assessment of WiCyS members, finding 14.5% performance advantage and identifying specific training gaps to address through programs like Just Hacking Training.
• FourOne InsightscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerResearch collaboration producing findings on WiCyS member retention (32% lower attrition), ROI ($125,000 per employee), and impact of skills-based talent management practices.
• GoogleflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerGoogle provides infrastructure sponsorship for WiCyS Professional Mentorship Program and collaborated on Google Cybersecurity Certificate Cohort Program, offering free Coursera access to members.
• AmazonflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerAmazon partners on multiple Capture the Flag events including Amazon Security CTF 2024 (multi-city), Amazon and HackerOne x WiCyS CTF 2025, and Amazon x Fortinet x WiCyS 'Together We Hack' 2026.
• FortinetflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerCo-hosts 'Together We Hack' CTF challenge with Amazon and WiCyS, providing hands-on security training and networking opportunities.
• HackerOneminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnered with Amazon and WiCyS for 2025 Capture the Flag event at Amazon HQ2 in Arlington, Virginia.
• TenableflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnered with AWS for Tenable and AWS x WiCyS CTF 2026, hosting 3-day virtual CTF with Tenable tools including Nessus Essentials and leadership panel.
• ISC2flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership providing WiCyS members free Certified in Cybersecurity exam vouchers and self-paced training, with 500 member capacity per cohort and top performers receiving conference scholarships.
• SANS InstituteflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerSANS provides training courses, Cyber Range access, Security Training Scholarships, and SANS Executive Cybersecurity Exercises. Major supporter of Security Training Scholarship program with multi-tiered training.
• TargetflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerTarget sponsors WiCyS Target Cyber Defense Challenge, providing hands-on defensive security training opportunities for members.
• Palo Alto NetworksflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerPrajakta Jagdale, Senior Director at Palo Alto Networks, serves on WiCyS Board of Directors. Company is Mission Support Team sponsor.
• Lockheed MartinflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerDr. Dawn M. Beyer, Senior Fellow at Lockheed Martin, serves as Chair of WiCyS Board. Company is Mission Support Team sponsor with dedicated WiCyS Lockheed Martin Corporate Affiliate.
• BloombergflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerOssie Munroe, Deputy CISO at Bloomberg, serves on WiCyS Board of Directors. Company is Mission Support Team sponsor.
• Tennessee Tech UniversityflagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerOriginal institutional home of WiCyS founding through NSF grant. WiCyS student chapter active at Tennessee Tech.
• Northeastern UniversityminorGTM or Marketing PartnerNortheastern University offers four WiCyS members a 25% scholarship toward a Master's in Cybersecurity from the Khoury College of Computer Sciences.
• Fearless CommunicatorsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered with WiCyS to create Decoding Dialogue program, providing human-centered communication skills training for members at various career stages.
• MitreflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerWiCyS Mitre is a Corporate Affiliate. Mitre is Mission Support Team sponsor supporting WiCyS workforce development initiatives.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Emerging players

• Cybrary: Online cybersecurity training platform offering hands-on labs and certification prep. Competes with WiCyS's computer-training programs (especially the Google Cybersecurity Certificate and Skillrex-aligned competency builder) for individual cybersecurity learners.
• National Cyber League: U.S.-based cybersecurity competition and talent assessment organization running Capture-the-Flag-style events and skill benchmarks. Directly comparable to WiCyS's CTF competitions (Amazon, Fortinet, Tenable, HackerOne partnerships) on adjacent technical-skill measurement.
• BlackGirlsInTech: Nonprofit community advancing Black women in technology. Comparable to WiCyS's community-and-workforce-development model for underrepresented women in tech, though broader than cybersecurity-only.

Direct peers

• ISACA: Global association for IT governance, risk and cybersecurity professionals. Overlaps WiCyS in GRC training (compare WiCyS GRC Intensive Training Program) and in serving mid-to-senior cybersecurity professionals pursuing credentials (CISA, CISM, CRISC).
• SANS Institute: Premier global cybersecurity training and certification provider and a flagship WiCyS strategic partner. Both organizations deliver cohort-based technical cybersecurity training (SANS Cyber Range, SANS courses accessed by WiCyS members) and serve employers looking to upskill their security workforce.
• Girls Who Code: Nonprofit focused on closing the gender gap in technology through education and community programs for girls and young women. Comparable to WiCyS's student chapter and early-career programming model for building the women-in-tech pipeline.
• (ISC)²: Global cybersecurity certification body and a flagship WiCyS partner (ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity certification co-delivered with WiCyS). Both offer structured certification prep pathways aimed at building entry- and mid-level cybersecurity talent.
• Minorities in Cybersecurity (MiC): Nonprofit community specifically advancing minorities and underrepresented groups in cybersecurity. Most directly comparable DEI-in-cybersecurity mission, with overlapping board/interlock personnel (Bloomberg's Ossie Munroe sits on both boards).
• AnitaB.org: Nonprofit advancing women in technology through workforce programs, mentorship and conferences. Closest peer to WiCyS in mission (women-in-tech workforce development), though broader than WiCyS's cybersecurity-only focus.

Broad incumbents

• CompTIA: Large incumbent IT industry association issuing widely adopted certifications (Security+, Network+, CySA+). Comparable to WiCyS as a credentialing and training partner serving early-career cybersecurity professionals.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/WiCySconference
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCfpRveEIVLVIb60fLSSHFEQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/wicys
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/women-in-cybersecurity-wicys
• Instagraminstagram.com/wicysorg

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors2 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Women in CyberSecurity