TryHackMe Apologizes for All-Male Panel at Upcoming Cyber Event
TryHackMe, a renowned cybersecurity training provider, is under the spotlight following public criticism for an all-male lineup scheduled for their Advent of Cyber event starting in December. The initiative, known for providing free and accessible cyber training during the holiday season, initially listed 18 male industry professionals and influencers as helpers, neglecting to include any women—a glaring omission that quickly attracted community backlash.
Unintentional Oversight and Steps Toward Inclusion
TryHackMe has openly admitted that the exclusion was an unintentional oversight. The company is now collaborating with Eva Benn from Microsoft Security to recruit women into the helper list before the event kicks off. “Our intent was always to ensure diversity and representation, but the execution fell short,” a TryHackMe spokesperson remarked. They noted that while several female creators were approached, existing commitments prevented many from participating.
Katie Paxton-Fear, a well-known ethical hacker, confirmed her inability to join due to prior commitments. “It’s unfortunate, but TryHackMe did reach out to include women,” she mentioned in a social media post. This revelation highlights the challenge of balancing professional engagements with community-driven initiatives.
Addressing the Broader Issue of Representation
This incident underscores a broader issue facing the cybersecurity industry—gender representation in online content creation. TryHackMe’s spokesperson pointed to a lack of female-led channels among the top 100 cybersecurity content creators globally. The company aims to address this discrepancy by actively onboarding more female creators in collaboration with Eva Benn. They are preparing an updated volunteer lineup that promises better gender representation.
Caitlin Sarian, a prominent cybersecurity influencer, reacted strongly, labeling the situation as “insanity.” Her criticism resonates with broader concerns about inclusivity in tech fields—a concern that is particularly acute in sectors like cybersecurity, where representation disparities are prominent.
Community Response and External Criticism
The reaction from cybersecurity professionals has been swift. Lesley Carhart, an industry veteran, voiced concerns about sexism and ageism exacerbated by the influencer culture prevalent in cybersecurity circles. Carhart argued that these issues perpetuate a lack of diversity by influencing which voices are amplified within the community.
Similarly, Michelle L, a digital rights professional, criticized the event as a normalization of women’s exclusion in tech cultures. “It’s disappointing to see the exclusion of women become so routine that it’s barely questioned,” she said, urging male participants to advocate for more balanced representation.
Impact on Community and Future Implications
For the broader community, this incident serves as another reminder of the ongoing gender disparity issues within tech, and particularly in cybersecurity roles. While TryHackMe’s proactive steps to include more women signal an opportunity for positive change, it also highlights the work that remains to be done.
As the industry reckons with its diversity challenges, it opens a dialogue that could inspire systemic changes not just within event rosters or panels but at institutional levels. For local communities, especially those looking to enter tech fields, continued conversations and actions around inclusivity will be crucial to driving meaningful progress.
Connecting Local Efforts with Broader Movements
This incident isn’t isolated but rather part of a larger discourse on inclusivity within tech industries around the globe. Valley residents and local tech enthusiasts have pointed to similar situations in regional events, where gender representation has also been a concern. Advocacy for change in national structures often starts with addressing such disparities at local levels.
Community organizations in the United States are increasingly focused on supporting diversity initiatives, and the TryHackMe controversy may bolster local advocacy groups to push harder for inclusive practices. In the long term, success in such initiatives could catalyze the establishment of more inclusive networks and communities within the tech sector.
Resources and Support
To support ongoing diversity efforts, residents and professionals interested in promoting gender inclusivity can connect with local chapters of national organizations like Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) and the National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT). These bodies offer resources such as networking opportunities, workshops, and advocacy support designed to empower underrepresented groups in technology fields.
The incident at TryHackMe serves as a pivotal moment for reflection and progress, calling upon the cybersecurity community to embrace inclusivity as a cornerstone of its ethics and operational strategies. By leveraging such moments for broader education and policy adjustments, the industry can step closer to an equitable future for all.
