On Thursday, March 12, 2026, Cisco Talos security researcher Joe Marshall published an edition of the Threat Source newsletter. The issue focuses on International Women's Day and gender diversity within the technology sector, while also addressing cyber threats associated with the current Middle East conflict.
The publication highlights sobering statistics on women in STEM, noting that they comprise 28.2% of the broad global workforce. Representation drops to 19.2% in the U.S. and 17.9% in the U.K. In cybersecurity specifically, women hold 16% of CISO roles and just 7% of C-level positions, while facing a $7,000 pay gap in the United States.
Marshall also mentioned organizations and scholarships helping women attain skills, suggesting CTFs and mentorship groups as valuable hands-on experiences for an inclusive space. A diversity of thought makes defenders safer, emphasizing the importance of inclusive hiring and training programs.
On the threat front, Talos updated its blog on Tuesday, March 10, regarding the developing cyber situation in the Middle East conflict. Although hundreds of attacks have been claimed, the advisory emphasizes that defenders should independently verify hacktivist claims to maintain situational awareness and security.