Meet Eight Inspiring Women Driving Cybersecurity in Ireland

As the significance of cybersecurity escalates with the increasing reliance on digital platforms, a group of accomplished women in Ireland is leading the charge. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise highlight the critical role women play in safeguarding data and enhancing security protocols. SiliconRepublic.com recently spotlighted these leaders, showcasing their contributions to the field.

Leading Innovators in Cybersecurity

Dr. Jurcut has achieved recognition as one of the top 2% of scientists worldwide, according to Stanford University. She is a tenured professor of computer science at University College Dublin (UCD). With a PhD from the University of Limerick, her research focuses on data security and formal verification. Currently, she heads the Data, Networks and Security Research Labs in Dublin and evaluates cybersecurity proposals for the European Commission.

Another prominent figure is Dr. Murray, who chairs the cybersecurity department at Munster Technological Institute. With a PhD in Mathematics, her research encompasses password security, quantum cryptography, and cyber risk assessments. Dr. Murray is actively engaged in the €65 million National Challenge Fund with her project, “Cyber Resilience – Digital resilience for SMEs,” aimed at supporting small businesses against cyber threats.

Usoro serves as the vice president of Women4Cyber Ireland, an advocacy group focused on gender inclusivity in the cybersecurity sector. She works as the principal of information and security engineering at MasterCard. Her previous roles include board member at the Irish chapter of ISACA and information advisor at the Dublin Business School. As a founding member of Cyber For Schoolgirls, Usoro promotes cybersecurity education among young women.

Shaping the Future of Cybersecurity

Dr. O’Hagan leads the Dublin chapter of Cyber Ireland and is part of the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity working group focused on cyber hygiene awareness. As the cybersecurity governance program manager at Workday, she develops and implements security programs. Dr. O’Hagan holds a PhD in the human aspects of cybersecurity from Queen’s University Belfast.

Cox is known for her dynamic approach as the director of solutions engineering at Tines, an Irish no-code automation unicorn. With a background in business solutions and cybersecurity, she is a vocal advocate for diversity in technology. Her accolades include being a finalist for various awards, such as the Women in Tech Europe and The Stevie Awards for Women in Business.

At Microsoft, Smith leads security product development. Featured as the inaugural guest on SiliconRepublic.com’s Career Close-up series, she discussed the escalating sophistication of cyberattacks. Smith began her career at Microsoft as a technical specialist intern in 2000, following her bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering from Queensland University of Technology.

In 2022, Carroll established the Fortify Institute in Meath, dedicated to training professionals in cybersecurity and ethical hacking. A lecturer at UCD, she was recognized as one of the “Most Inspiring Women in Cyber” in 2022. Reflecting on the recent cyberattacks against the Irish Health Service Executive, Carroll noted the importance of leveraging public attention to enhance national cybersecurity awareness.

Porcedda serves as an associate professor of information technology law at Trinity College Dublin, where she explores the intersections of law and technology. Her research focuses on cybersecurity, data protection, and privacy within the framework of EU law.

These remarkable women are not only shaping the future of cybersecurity in Ireland but also inspiring the next generation to pursue careers in this vital field. Their contributions are paving the way for a more secure digital landscape, underscoring the importance of diversity and innovation in technology.