Over the past months, LAC4 team has conducted a series of interviews where participants have shared their experiences in the program, reflecting on what motivated them to apply, how they are living this journey and the goals they aspire to achieve once they complete it. Their testimonies also highlight the importance of initiatives like this in fostering knowledge, opening opportunities, and advancing the inclusion of women in the cybersecurity field.
Her CyberTracks Being More Than a Training Program
For most participants, Her CyberTracks has been more than a training program it was an opportunity to take a decisive step in their careers and to become part of a community of women shaping the future of cybersecurity. What first drew them in was the program’s strong focus on empowering women in a sector where representation remains scarce. “Being part of a movement that promotes female participation in such a male-dominated sector was a huge motivation for me,” reflected Laura Diaz, who underlined how diversity can drive more innovative solutions.
Others were motivated by the way the program combines technical training with broader perspectives that are often overlooked. “It was rare to find a space where technical, legal, and human aspects of cybersecurity could be discussed together,” said Natalia Riveros, noting how crucial this is in areas such as energy, where a single digital incident can have far-reaching consequences. For participants already working in cybersecurity, like Maria Agustina Echaniz, the motivation was about staying current: “It was the perfect chance to refresh my knowledge, gain new tools, and connect with other professionals who are equally passionate about this field.”
For those coming from different professional backgrounds, the program also offered a way to translate their experience into the cybersecurity ecosystem. Telecommunications specialist Lucia Daniela García, for instance, saw it as a way to better respond to the cases of fraud and data theft she witnesses daily, while public servant Jhoycy Santos valued the chance to strengthen her skills in order to contribute more effectively to digital security policies.
At the same time, many highlighted the personal dimension of their motivation: the need to build confidence and envision new career opportunities in a male-dominated field. “The program gave me technical tools, but also the confidence to see how my experience could add value,” reflected Laura Diaz, adding that being part of a movement to reduce the gender gap was just as important as the technical knowledge gained.
Across different stories and professional paths, the participants shared a common motivation: the belief that cybersecurity is no longer a niche concern, but a field that affects every sector and every citizen. Her CyberTracks gave them the chance to strengthen their skills, broaden their perspectives, and join a supportive network of women committed to building safer and more inclusive digital societies.
A Diverse Learning Experience: Going Beyond Technical
Halfway through the program, participants describe Her CyberTracks as a highly enriching journey that has already exceeded their expectations. The online modules have provided not only fundamental knowledge on risk analysis, data protection, governance, and incident management, but also the chance to see how cybersecurity is approached from different professional profiles across the region. “The experience has been extremely enriching. I have acquired fundamental knowledge about risk analysis, best practices in data protection and global challenges in digital security,” said Bianca Benítez, who also valued the opportunity to learn from women with diverse backgrounds.
For many, one of the most striking aspects has been discovering roles and practices that were new to them. Yualliana Clames emphasized the importance of learning about Digital First Responders and how they limit damage during an incident, while Jhoycy Santos found the introduction to digital forensics particularly eye-opening: “It demonstrated the real-world application of best practices and the need for this knowledge to work in cybersecurity.” Others highlighted the modules on governance, noting how crucial it is to go beyond the technical. As Natalia Riveros reflected, the training “forces you to see cybersecurity as a matter of decisions, communication, and shared responsibility.”
Beyond technical content, participants consistently pointed to the value of building connections, both through group work and mentoring. Maria Agustina Echaniz underlined the importance of engaging with peers and tutors, while Laura Diaz appreciated that the program not only strengthened her technical knowledge but also emphasized the human side of building a career in cybersecurity- “Her CyberTracks goes beyond the technical. Each module has given me knowledge that I can apply directly, but what I value most is the focus on personal and professional development.” For others, like Lucía Daniela García, learning about ethical hacking or incident response procedures expanded their horizons and gave them tools they hope to apply in daily work.
Looking ahead to the in-person training in Santo Domingo, expectations are high. Participants hope to strengthen their technical skills through workshops, deepen regional cooperation, and put into practice what they have learned so far. As Cecilia Benítez expressed, meeting colleagues face-to-face will be an opportunity “to gain experience in the workshops, strengthen ties with other professionals and inspire more people, especially girls and women, to enter the field of technology and cybersecurity.”
Understanding Current Challenges in Cybersecurity
When asked about the greatest challenges in cybersecurity today, participants highlighted a mix of structural, cultural, and technological issues that are shaping the digital security landscape. Many pointed out that while threats are evolving at unprecedented speed, organizations often remain unprepared, either because of lack of resources, gaps in training, or insufficient governance structures.
For some, the main challenge lies in building a true culture of digital security. As Jhoycy Santos put it, “the most vulnerable link in the security chain is still the human being. Often, advanced tools and protocols are in place, but human failures, due to lack of knowledge or a poor perception of risk, end up weakening the entire system.” She stressed the need for continuous awareness and accessible communication practices that make security a shared responsibility across all levels of an organization.
Others pointed to the gender gap and the lack of inclusive environments as persistent obstacles. Cecilia Benítez explained that in Paraguay, “it is common for women and minorities in this sector to face uncomfortable or even harassing situations. This reality discourages many from pursuing a career in technology. To address this, we need education and safer work environments. By creating more inclusive spaces, we not only combat discrimination, but also enrich the sector with a diversity of talents and perspectives.”
Technological shifts were also a recurring theme. Laura Díaz noted the growing impact of artificial intelligence, emphasizing that AI is both a threat and an opportunity: attackers can now automate sophisticated malware, but defenders can also leverage AI for predictive analytics and real-time responses.
Despite the variety of perspectives, a common thread runs through the testimonies: cybersecurity is not only about technical measures, but about people, culture, and strategy. The challenges of today demand not just stronger defences, but also more inclusive, prepared, and resilient communities of practice.
The Role of International Organizations in Addressing Cybersecurity Challenges
Participants emphasized that international organizations and initiatives, such as the EU, ITU, and the LAC4 Centre, have a critical role to play in addressing the challenges of cybersecurity, particularly in Latin America and the Caribbean. Many highlighted the importance of reducing inequalities in access to knowledge, technical resources, and training. Bianca Benítez noted that “the EU, ITU, and centres such as LAC4 can help by creating training programs adapted to the Latin American context, promoting best practices, and supporting accessible tools for local governments and organizations.” She also stressed the need to continue promoting gender-focused initiatives, such as Her CyberTracks, which empower women to take leadership roles in this critical field.
Several participants pointed to the value of regional cooperation and the development of common standards. Yulliana Clames explained that initiatives like LAC4 not only strengthen networks and showcase local talent, but also open doors for professional development in cybersecurity. “These types of spaces not only empower, but also open doors for more people, and especially women, to become actively involved in building a safer digital environment for everyone,” she added. Similarly, Thais Paiva emphasized the importance of collaboration, continuous access to up-to-date resources, and the promotion of inclusion for women and underrepresented groups.
Others highlighted the need for practical implementation and hands-on experiences, beyond recommendations and theoretical frameworks. Natalia Riveros reflected, “It would be most valuable for organizations to support the creation of technical and strategic training laboratories in the region, not just to simulate attacks, but to practice decision-making in crises. The technical aspects matter, but the capacity for collective implementation is everything.”
Participants also underscored the importance of mentorship and community-building. Laura Díaz shared, “Developing strong communities with effective mentoring is essential. A good mentor can completely transform someone’s career path, generating an impact that goes far beyond the individual.” Likewise, Jhoycy Santos emphasized that inclusive programs create environments where women and underrepresented groups feel motivated and supported to pursue cybersecurity careers.
Finally, several participants connected these efforts to the broader goal of closing gaps in skills, representation, and preparedness. Cecilia Benítez highlighted three key areas where international organizations can make a difference: fostering cooperation between countries, supporting policy development, and providing accessible training programs that prepare professionals for both current and future challenges in the sector. Gabriela Hernández added that programs like Her CyberTracks exemplify how such initiatives can empower individuals, strengthen communities, and inspire solutions from a regional perspective.
In conclusion, Her CyberTracks demonstrates that strengthening cybersecurity in Latin America and the Caribbean goes beyond technical skills, requiring mentorship, collaboration, and inclusive networks. By providing women and underrepresented groups with targeted training, hands-on experiences, and opportunities to connect with peers, the program empowers participants to grow professionally while contributing to regional resilience. The testimonies highlight that addressing digital threats effectively involves not only knowledge and strategy, but also community support and leadership development. Initiatives like this play a key role in closing gender gaps, fostering innovation, and building safer, more equitable digital environments across the region.
Her CyberTracks participants from Latin America and the Caribbean will meet for in-person training in Santo Domingo, the Dominican Republic from 6th to 10th October 2025.
Her CyberTracks is funded by the Federal Foreign Office of Germany and the European Union and co-implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), in partnership with the Global Programme on Cybercrime of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for the Criminal Justice CyberTrack and the Latin America and Caribbean Cyber Competence Centre (LAC4) for the LAC region. Read more about the program.
