Cybersecurity Leader Hosts Successful WomenHack Event in Switzerland
Cybersecurity company Open Systems hosted WomenHack at their Zurich offices, drawing nearly 70 attendees for an evening focused on connecting talented women with opportunities in technology—particularly in the critical field of cybersecurity.
The event brought together candidates with multiple employers, creating the kind of concentrated networking that makes WomenHack events effective.
Women in Cybersecurity: A Critical Gap
Cybersecurity faces one of the most acute gender gaps in technology. Women represent only about 24% of the global cybersecurity workforce, despite the field’s explosive growth and the urgent need for diverse perspectives in defending against increasingly sophisticated threats.
This underrepresentation creates both challenges and opportunities. The talent shortage in cybersecurity means that qualified candidates are in high demand. Companies that can successfully recruit from underrepresented groups gain access to talent that competitors may be missing.
Open Systems’ Swiss Context
Based in Zurich, Open Systems provides managed security and network services to enterprises globally. Switzerland’s position as a hub for banking, pharmaceuticals, and international organizations creates strong demand for cybersecurity expertise.
The country’s strict privacy regulations and reputation for security make it a natural location for cybersecurity companies. Open Systems’ decision to host WomenHack demonstrates that Swiss tech companies are taking proactive steps to address the gender gap in their workforce.
The Zurich Tech Ecosystem
Zurich’s technology ecosystem has grown substantially, with Google’s engineering office, numerous startups, and the presence of ETH Zurich (one of the world’s top technical universities) contributing to a vibrant scene. The city regularly hosts WomenHack events, with multiple companies participating over the years.
Open Systems joining as a host added cybersecurity representation to the mix of Zurich employers engaging with female tech talent. This industry diversity is valuable for candidates, who can explore opportunities across different specializations.
Building Security Teams That Reflect Users
Cybersecurity ultimately protects people—all people. Security threats affect everyone, and the teams defending against those threats should include diverse perspectives. Homogeneous security teams may have blind spots about how different users interact with technology and what vulnerabilities they face.
Women often face different types of online threats than men, from harassment to specific types of social engineering. Having women on security teams helps companies understand and address the full range of threats their customers face.
Thank you, Open Systems, for your leadership in bringing WomenHack to the cybersecurity sector and for your commitment to building more diverse security teams.