Women in CyberSecurity
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2013
- HeadquartersCookeville, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
Women in CyberSecurity firmographics
Firmographics- 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
Women in CyberSecurity industry classification
Industry- 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
Where Women in CyberSecurity is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Cookeville
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Women in CyberSecurity business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Membership Dues: Annual membership fees ranging from $20 for student members to higher tiers for professional members, providing access to programs, resources, and community.
- 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.
- Corporate Sponsorships and Strategic Partnerships: Tiered partnership program with technology companies including Tier 1 Partners and Premier Supporters who fund scholarships and training programs.
- Conference Revenue: Registration fees for annual conferences with fees ranging from $20 for student members to $200 for non-members, plus sponsorship packages.
- Bulk Membership Sales: Organizations can purchase bulk memberships (50 or more) with 10% discount, enabling employer-funded professional development.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Annual | Student Membership - Lowest cost tier for full-time students |
| Subscription | Annual | Professional Membership - Standard individual membership |
| Subscription | Annual | Corporate/Bulk Membership - Organizations purchasing 50+ memberships |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels8 records
Marketing channels12 records
Women in CyberSecurity product offering
Product offeringCore 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
Companies that use Women in CyberSecurity
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Women in CyberSecurity technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Women in CyberSecurity partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
20 partnerships are on record, tiered core, minor and flagship.
- State of Maryland (EARN Maryland Grant Program)coreMaryland 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.
- SemperisminorSemperis 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)coreCIS 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.
- SkillrexcoreWorkforce 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 InsightscoreResearch collaboration producing findings on WiCyS member retention (32% lower attrition), ROI ($125,000 per employee), and impact of skills-based talent management practices.
- GoogleflagshipGoogle provides infrastructure sponsorship for WiCyS Professional Mentorship Program and collaborated on Google Cybersecurity Certificate Cohort Program, offering free Coursera access to members.
- AmazonflagshipAmazon 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.
- FortinetflagshipCo-hosts 'Together We Hack' CTF challenge with Amazon and WiCyS, providing hands-on security training and networking opportunities.
- HackerOneminorPartnered with Amazon and WiCyS for 2025 Capture the Flag event at Amazon HQ2 in Arlington, Virginia.
- TenableflagshipPartnered with AWS for Tenable and AWS x WiCyS CTF 2026, hosting 3-day virtual CTF with Tenable tools including Nessus Essentials and leadership panel.
- ISC2flagshipPartnership 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 InstituteflagshipSANS 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.
- TargetflagshipTarget sponsors WiCyS Target Cyber Defense Challenge, providing hands-on defensive security training opportunities for members.
- Palo Alto NetworksflagshipPrajakta Jagdale, Senior Director at Palo Alto Networks, serves on WiCyS Board of Directors. Company is Mission Support Team sponsor.
- Lockheed MartinflagshipDr. 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.
- BloombergflagshipOssie Munroe, Deputy CISO at Bloomberg, serves on WiCyS Board of Directors. Company is Mission Support Team sponsor.
- Tennessee Tech UniversityflagshipOriginal institutional home of WiCyS founding through NSF grant. WiCyS student chapter active at Tennessee Tech.
- Northeastern UniversityminorNortheastern University offers four WiCyS members a 25% scholarship toward a Master's in Cybersecurity from the Khoury College of Computer Sciences.
- Fearless CommunicatorsminorPartnered with WiCyS to create Decoding Dialogue program, providing human-centered communication skills training for members at various career stages.
- MitreflagshipWiCyS 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
Women in CyberSecurity competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging 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
Women in CyberSecurity social profiles
Digital presenceWomen in CyberSecurity financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Women in CyberSecurity leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles16 records
Women in CyberSecurity funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds2 records
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Women in CyberSecurity M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Women in CyberSecurity
What does Women in CyberSecurity do?
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.
Is Women in CyberSecurity a public or private company?
Women in CyberSecurity is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was Women in CyberSecurity founded?
Women in CyberSecurity was founded in 2013. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Women in CyberSecurity based?
Women in CyberSecurity is headquartered in Cookeville, United States, in the North America region.
How does Women in CyberSecurity make money?
Five revenue lines are on record. Membership Dues are the primary driver. The others are grants and Government Funding, corporate Sponsorships and Strategic Partnerships, conference Revenue and bulk Membership Sales.
Who are Women in CyberSecurity's main competitors?
Emerging players on record are Cybrary, National Cyber League and BlackGirlsInTech. Direct peers are ISACA, SANS Institute, Girls Who Code, (ISC)², Minorities in Cybersecurity (MiC) and AnitaB.org. CompTIA is listed as a broad incumbent.
Does Women in CyberSecurity have an API?
No public API is recorded for Women in CyberSecurity.
What industry is Women in CyberSecurity in?
Women in CyberSecurity's product category is Cybersecurity Workforce Development and Professional Association. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAFANAF, Cybersecurity Learning Platforms, with a secondary code of EDAFAAAA, Core LMS Platforms (Academic & Corporate). Its NAICS code is 61142 and its SIC code is 8200.