We maintain this resource collection because finding reliable, up-to-date information about breaking into security - or advancing within it - should not be a scavenger hunt. Everything listed here has been reviewed and recommended by community members who have used these resources themselves.
Getting Started in Security
If you are new to information security, the sheer number of specializations and certifications can feel overwhelming. Here is what we recommend based on years of mentoring newcomers through the process.
Start with the fundamentals. Networking basics (TCP/IP, DNS, HTTP), operating system concepts (Linux command line, Windows administration), and a scripting language (Python is the most versatile choice) form the foundation that every security role builds on. You do not need to be an expert in all of these before you start applying for jobs, but you need to be comfortable enough to learn on the fly.
Free resources that our community recommends include OverTheWire Wargames for hands-on Linux and security basics, TryHackMe for guided learning paths, and Professor Messer for certification study material. Our community Slack also runs study groups for major certifications throughout the year.
CFP Preparation
Submitting to a Call for Papers can feel intimidating, but it does not have to be. We have helped dozens of community members land their first conference talks, and the process is more approachable than most people think.
The key is starting with what you know. If you solved an interesting problem at work, investigated a unique vulnerability, or built a tool that made your team more effective - that is a talk. Conference reviewers are looking for practical knowledge and authentic experience, not academic credentials. Write your abstract clearly, lead with what the audience will learn, and have someone in the community review it before you submit.
Our speaker development program pairs aspiring speakers with mentors who have presented at major conferences. We help with abstract writing, slide design, presentation skills, and managing nerves. Reach out through the community Slack if you are interested.
Career Transition Guides
Many of our community members came to security from other fields - software development, system administration, compliance, military service, and even non-technical backgrounds. Career transitions are a core part of what WomenHackerz supports.
We recommend building a home lab, contributing to open-source security tools, and participating in CTF competitions as ways to demonstrate skills when you lack formal security job experience. Our mentorship program is specifically designed to help career changers build portfolios and professional networks that open doors.
Scholarships and Funding
Cost should not be a barrier to entering the security field. These scholarship and funding programs are open to women and non-binary people pursuing security careers:
- SANS Cyber Academy and Scholarship Programs - Multiple scholarship tracks for SANS training courses, which are among the most respected in the industry
- ISC2 One Million Certified in Cybersecurity - Free entry-level certification and self-paced training
- WiCyS Scholarships - Conference attendance scholarships and career development funding for students and early-career professionals
- I Am The Cavalry - Grants and support for public-interest security research
WomenHackerz also funds certification vouchers and training scholarships through conference revenue. Information about our scholarship program is posted in the community Slack when applications open.
Community Links
WomenHackerz is part of a broader ecosystem of organizations working to make information security more inclusive. We collaborate with and recommend these communities:
- The Diana Initiative - Conference and community focused on diversity in information security
- Women in Security and Privacy (WISP) - Professional development programs, mentorship, and networking events
- Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) - Academic and professional community with a major annual conference
- GirlsHack - UK-based community running workshops and events for women in cyber security
- Minorities in Cybersecurity - Networking, training, and career support for underrepresented groups
If you know of a resource that should be listed here, let us know at [email protected].