Dublin, Wednesday 8^th October 2025

Smarttech247, a leader in AI-enhanced cybersecurity and managed detection and response, today announced the launch of its fifth Women in Cybersecurity Academy, a free six-week global learning initiative designed to empower women with the skills and confidence to pursue a career in cybersecurity. 

The Women in Cybersecurity Academy was created to advocate for diversity and help women develop practical, industry-ready skills for technology careers. Delivered remotely from Smarttech247’s security operations centres, the course offers flexible, self-paced learning, live demonstrations, and opportunities for mentoring and placements with Smarttech247. 

 
Participants are introduced to key cybersecurity domains: Cybersecurity Fundamentals; Network Security; Threat Intelligence and Analysis; Cloud Security; Compliance and Risk Management; and Advanced Cybersecurity Topics such as AI, machine learning, and blockchain. Each participant completes a capstone project and receives a certificate of participation upon completion. 

Addressing the Global Gender Gap 

Despite advances in awareness and inclusion, the gender imbalance across cybersecurity remains stark. According to the latest data from the (ISC)² Women in Cybersecurity Report 2025, women make up just 22 % of the global cybersecurity workforce, a figure that has remained largely unchanged year-on-year (ISC², March 2025). The report highlights that progress is stagnating despite record demand for skilled professionals, with an estimated 4 million unfilled cybersecurity positions worldwide. 

Smarttech247’s Women in Cybersecurity Academy directly responds to this challenge by opening the field to women of all backgrounds, whether experienced in computer science and information security or entirely new to technology. The programme aims to close the skills gap while supporting the UN Sustainable Development Goals for Quality Education (Goal 4) and Gender Equality (Goal 5). 

Impact and Testimonials 

Since its inception, the Women in Cybersecurity Academy has attracted participants from around the world. The 2025 edition follows four successful cohorts, with many graduates now working in cybersecurity and technology roles. 

Ana-Maria Rusu, a 2024 graduate, shared: 

“Before the Academy, I didn’t know where to start. The course helped me understand not only cybersecurity but also how technology connects everything. It gave me the confidence to change career direction.” 

Ioana Mihalache, another alumna, added: 

“I loved how practical it was. We learned from Smarttech247’s analysts and threat hunters and worked on real-world challenges. It showed me that women can thrive in this field.” 

Maya Patel, who completed the 2023 cohort, said: 

“The Academy demystified cybersecurity for me. The mentors were supportive, and I finished the course knowing I wanted to pursue a full-time role in threat analysis.” 

Comprehensive Curriculum and Schedule 

The 2025 programme runs over seven structured phases, starting with applications and acceptance notifications, followed by delivery of six weekly modules, hands-on platform training, and an end-of-term assignment. The course culminates in certification for all participants who complete the requirements.

By the end of the Academy, graduates will have: 

• • A solid foundation in cybersecurity fundamentals and network defence. 

• • Proficiency in analysing and mitigating cloud and network threats. 

• • Hands-on experience with industry tools such as QRadar, Splunk, and LogRhythm. 

• • Understanding of compliance frameworks and risk management. 

• • Confidence to pursue roles in SOC analysis, threat intelligence, or governance and risk functions. 

The Women in Cybersecurity Academy transforms beginners into confident, capable cybersecurity professionals equipped for a fast-evolving industry. 

Leadership Perspective 

Raluca Saceanu, Chief Executive Officer of Smarttech247, commented: 

“Here at Smarttech247, we strongly believe in the idea of collective intelligence that championing diversity within an organisation increases the range of perspectives and mindsets, making it crucial to driving innovation and resilience. There is room for everyone when it comes to working in cybersecurity, and I strongly encourage women from all over the world to apply.” 

Applications for the 2025 Women in Cybersecurity Academy are now open. 
For details and registration, visit: www.smarttech247.com/women-in-cybersecurity-academy-2025