Secured by Women: How Bronwyn Boyle is making cybersecurity everyone's business
When Bronwyn Boyle talks about cybersecurity, you forget about the technical jargon that often clouds the field. By weaving in pop culture references and a commitment to inclusivity, she’s rewriting the rulebook on how we understand and engage with cybersecurity.
With over 25 years of experience spanning software engineering, cybersecurity, counter-fraud, and technology, she’s left an indelible mark on organizations from startups to international banks. Starting her career as a software engineer during the DotCom era, Bronwyn quickly recognized the critical importance of security in digital banking. Since then, her dedication to fostering a culture of security, innovation, and alignment against cyber threats has established her as a respected voice in the industry and led her to her current role leading security transformation and AI enablement.
Join us to learn more about why Bronwyn is a “Changemaker in Cyber” and how she’s making cybersecurity more approachable for all.
Q: What first sparked your interest in cybersecurity and how did you get started in the field?
A: I started my career as a software engineer, cutting Java code and working on the first wave of digital banking services back in the DotCom era. At the time, developers didn’t get a lot of support or training on security — it was seen as someone else’s problem and often bolted on at the end of the development lifecycle. This didn’t sit well with me, so I decided I’d better upskill — I took a year out to study an MSc in Security & Forensic Computing, and the rest is history..!
Q: What have been some of the most rewarding or memorable moments of your career?
A: My time at Open Banking was a career highlight; it was a wonderful team with fantastic leadership from Imran Gulamhuseinwala and an amazing vision to make things better for banking customers. During Covid, many open banking services were a lifeline for folks needing access to credit and all the funds raised by Captain Tom were paid via open banking. It was a privilege to play a small part in the Open Banking mission and I’m excited to see what the future brings as the UK embraces Open Finance!
Q: What have been the most significant changes in the industry since you started? How have you adapted to them?
A: The industry is constantly evolving, which means you never get bored! We’re at the edge of a new frontier with GenAI, which is super exciting. Cybersecurity folks are always adapting and evolving: it’s really important to stay curious, lean in to upskilling and keep a growth mindset.
Q: We love the connections you make between cybersecurity and pop culture, like Taylor Swift as a CISO. How do you come up with these ideas?
A: I’m passionate about demystifying cyber and finding ways to make it more relatable. Every person online is part of the global cyber community and plays a part in keeping the world safe, so it’s important to be as inclusive as possible. Plus, who doesn’t love a good Taylor Swift reference..?!
Q: You’ve emphasized the importance of storytelling as a CISO — do you have any storytelling tips or advice?
A: Explain the “why.” We focus a lot on the “what” and sometimes forget to share the “why.” When you talk to people about security, it can seem like an overhead or friction, or it doesn’t make sense, or it’s bamboozling or overwhelming. When you take the time to explain and talk that through the “why,” when you build emotional connections and better understanding, you can build advocacy and foster championing of what you’re trying to achieve.
Q: How has your involvement in communities and initiatives like Cybermindz influenced your approach to leadership?
A: Mental health is such an important focal point, especially in the cyber industry. Burnout is a real issue: it can be really intense and high-pressure, which can be difficult for folks. I’m so happy and proud to be supporting Cybermindz; it’s a wonderful initiative created by cyber professionals for cyber professionals, with proven methodologies to reduce stress and anxiety. It’s really encouraging seeing the industry being more open and supportive to addressing these challenges.
Q: What are some of the biggest challenges that women face in the cybersecurity industry today, and how can we address them?
A: I’m a big believer in “if you can’t see it, you can’t be it.” We’re doing a lot of great stuff to move the dial and improve representation, but we have a long way to go before we have better gender representation. I’m also super conscious that we have an even longer road to ensure people of colour, neurodiverse folks, and people from different socioeconomic backgrounds are better represented in the cyber community.
Q: What's one piece of advice you consistently give to those looking to advance in cybersecurity?
A: Your network is your net worth! The cyber community is super supportive, so get involved!
Q: Do you have a mentor or role model who you look up to in the industry?
A: I’m lucky to have a few amazing mentors and role models who have supported me over my career. Sharon Barber, CIO at Lloyds Bank is absolutely stellar; it’s so wonderful to see the amazing work she’s leading on the National Cyber Advisory Board. I also have huge admiration for Stephen Bonner, Deputy Information Commissioner, and Amanda Creak, EMEA CIO and Head of Tech Risk — they rock!
Q: If you could give yourself one piece of advice when you were first starting your career, what would it be?
A: In the immortal words of Oscar Wilde: “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.”
Q: What’s one podcast every cybersecurity professional should listen to?
A: I’m a massive fan of Jamie Bartlett. His podcast “The Gatekeepers” is an excellent listen to how social media companies decide what we see online — and how such a small group of firms have come to control what we see, say, and even think.
Q: What do you hope to see happen in cybersecurity in the next 10 years?
A: I’m so excited to see the impact Gen Z and Gen Alpha will have on the cybersecurity industry. They’ve grown up using technology in super sophisticated ways, it’ll be really interesting to see where they drive the profession!
Q: What impact do you hope to have on the next generation of women in cybersecurity?
A: I hope I can act as a support to the next generation. I love mentoring and seeing folks grow and succeed. Plus.. more Taylor Swift conversations
Q: Can you share a fun or interesting fact about yourself that people might be surprised to learn?
A: I play the harp and love playing pop music. My weirdest pick so far is Clint Eastwood by Gorrilaz; it sounds very quirky on a harp!
Q: Which three emojis would you choose to describe the life of a woman in cybersecurity?
🔥💖💪
Q: What organization would you like to “pay it forward” to with your Secured by Women donation?
A: Global Purpose Enterprise, which is an organization that is providing mentoring and career opportunities for young people from diverse backgrounds.
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