Empowering Resilience: Frida Westerberg on Female Leadership and Cybersecurity’s Role in Society
Tell us about Allurity’s journey so far?
- Allurity was founded in 2021 with a clear mission: to create a safe digital world by uniting Europe’s top cybersecurity specialists. What began as two companies focused on identity security in Sweden, has grown into a group of nine European brands, offering a comprehensive range of cybersecurity services across 14 countries. Our team has expanded from 75 to 600 cybersecurity specialists, providing expertise in everything from threat intelligence and managed security to ethical hacking and incident response.
- Through strategic acquisitions and a strong collaborative culture, we continue to grow our reach and impact. Our vision is to become the preferred partner for tech-enabled cybersecurity services in Europe, delivering best-in-class security solutions while strengthening resilience and safeguarding society. And this is just the beginning!
How does Allurity’s services aim to contribute to a resilient society?
- Cyber resilience is not just about protecting individual organizations – it is about securing society as a whole. In a world where digital threats impact everything from businesses to critical infrastructure and democratic processes, cybersecurity plays a fundamental role in ensuring stability and trust. At Allurity, we take a holistic approach to resilience, helping organizations anticipate threats, withstand attacks and recover swiftly. By enhancing threat visibility, strengthening defenses and ensuring rapid response capabilities, we contribute to a more secure digital ecosystem. A resilient society is one where businesses, governments and individuals can operate safely, adapt to evolving risks and emerge stronger from cyber challenges. Our mission is to make cybersecurity a force for stability, enabling a safe digital world, for all.
Why is gender diversity crucial in cybersecurity, and how can it help address the talent shortage?
- The cybersecurity industry is facing a critical skills gap, with a global shortage of over 4 million professionals. [1] Yet, many companies are still not tapping into the full talent pool. To close this gap, I believe the industry needs to proactively attract talent from the entire workforce. Engaging more women in cybersecurity isn’t just about diversity, it is a smart strategy to secure the expertise needed. By showcasing cybersecurity as an exciting, impactful and future-proof career path, companies can inspire more women to enter the field.
- Those that actively broaden their recruitment strategies and foster inclusive workplaces will be better positioned to build strong, skilled teams capable of tackling today’s complex cyber threats. The industry needs more people and the best way to meet that demand is by ensuring that cybersecurity is an attractive and accessible career choice for all.
What’s your view on the importance of cybersecurity in today’s geopolitical landscape?
- Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT issue; it is a fundamental pillar of national security, economic stability and societal resilience. Geopolitical tensions are increasingly playing out in the digital domain, with cyberattacks being used to disrupt critical infrastructure, influence public opinion and conduct espionage.
- As cyber threats grow in sophistication, organizations should move beyond reactive measures and embrace a proactive, intelligence-led approach. This includes continuous monitoring, threat intelligence sharing and strong incident response capabilities. Collaboration between governments, businesses and cybersecurity providers is crucial to safeguarding democracy, protecting sensitive data and ensuring trust in the digital economy.
Do you have any advice to other female business leaders out there - who, like you, want to lead their businesses towards growth and success?
- Stay true to your vision, build strong partnerships and never underestimate the power of diverse perspectives. Leading in cybersecurity, or any industry, requires courage, adaptability and a commitment to continuous learning. Stay curious, challenge assumptions and never stop expanding your knowledge. Surround yourself with a strong team, success is never a solo journey. The best ideas come from collaboration, so foster an environment where different perspectives thrive. Most importantly, take up space, own your expertise and lead with confidence.
- The industry needs more female leaders and the best way to drive change is by stepping forward and making an impact – together!
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