Cybersecurity is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and women are playing a crucial role in shaping its future. As part of the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards 2025, Lorilee Ressler, Senior Cybersecurity Solutions Architect at Certes discussed her journey in the field, the challenges she has faced, and her role in helping organisations protect their most valuable asset – their data.
With a career spanning decades and contributions that include shaping early internet infrastructure, Lorilee is an influential figure in the industry. At Certes, she plays a key role in driving innovative data-centric security solutions and helping businesses stay ahead of cyber threats. In this exclusive Q&A, Lorilee shares her insights, experiences, and advice for the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.
Can you tell us about your journey into the cybersecurity industry? What inspired you to pursue this career path?
My journey into cybersecurity started with a fascination for technology and its role in shaping the modern world. Early in my career, while working as a Customer Engineering Manager at an Internet Service Provider, I saw firsthand the vulnerabilities that come with technological advancements. A turning point for me was witnessing a significant data breach at a well-known company. That moment solidified my understanding of just how critical cybersecurity is in protecting people, data, and infrastructure. From that moment on, I knew I wanted to be part of the solution.
What has been your proudest professional achievement so far, and why?
One of my proudest moments was working on the development of the Internet for the National Science Foundation Network (NSFNet) early in my career. At the time, the internet was in its infancy, and many people dismissed it as a passing trend. I had the opportunity to contribute to the privatization of the Internet which was previously only available to government, education and research facilities. This has led to what we know as the Internet today.
Seeing how essential the Internet has become to every aspect of life and business is incredibly rewarding. I’m so proud I took the opportunity to be part of a technology that at the time was completely revolutionary and now is an essential component of everyone’s lives.
Cybersecurity is still a male-dominated industry. What challenges have you faced as a woman in this field, and how have you overcome them?
There are definitely challenges, and I think many women in cybersecurity have experienced similar obstacles. One of the biggest is proving your expertise in a space where you’re often in the minority. Early in my career, I found that I had to work harder to be taken seriously. Over time, I built my credibility by delivering results, earning certifications, and growing a strong professional network.
I also believe in the power of community. Networking groups, mentorship programs, and strong allies in the industry have been instrumental in overcoming these barriers. Having a supportive network is crucial, and that’s why initiatives like the Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards are so important.
Working in a field where you’re often in the minority can amplify self-doubt, but by focusing on your skills, celebrating wins, and leaning on those who build you up and validate your contributions you can prove that you can succeed in any avenue you put your mind to!
Ransomware attacks and data breaches are becoming increasingly sophisticated. What do you see as the biggest challenges organisations face in protecting their data today?
One of the biggest challenges is the need for a new mindset and approach to security. Traditional perimeter-based security models are failing because attackers are no longer breaking in – they are logging in. We need to shift the focus to securing the data itself, ensuring that even if attackers gain access, they cannot exploit sensitive information. This is where Certes is transforming the market, by protecting what companies (and attackers) value most – their data, and thereby stopping attacks before they happen. Responding after an attack is too late! We make sure that attacks are prevented in the first place.
How does the Certes DPRM solution proactively protect data and help organisations break the ransomware kill chain?
Certes takes a data-centric approach to security. Unlike traditional solutions that focus on securing networks, DPRM (Data Protection and Risk Mitigation) ensures that data remains protected no matter where it travels—across the network, the cloud, or endpoints. By encrypting and enforcing strict access policies, we prevent attackers from using stolen data for ransom or other malicious purposes.
How important is collaboration and knowledge-sharing in addressing modern cybersecurity challenges?
Cybersecurity isn’t a solo effort – it requires internal collaboration within organisations and partnerships with external vendors. At Certes, we work closely with our customers to understand their pain points and tailor our solutions accordingly. Our goal is to develop security measures that align with business needs rather than just ticking compliance boxes. Every business is unique, with its own challenges and nuances so it’s critical to explore these and ensure that the solution fits their precise needs – that definitely keeps the role challenging and exciting!
The Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards celebrate the contributions of women in this field. How do you see initiatives like this shaping the future of the industry?
Initiatives like these are crucial for raising the profile of women in cybersecurity. They provide visibility, networking opportunities, and mentorship – all of which are essential for encouraging more women to join and thrive in this field. By showcasing successful women, we send a powerful message that cybersecurity is for everyone, and that diversity leads to stronger, more innovative solutions.
What emerging trends or technologies in cybersecurity are you most excited about?
Two areas that really excite me right now are AI and quantum cryptography. AI is already transforming cybersecurity, from automating threat detection to enhancing response times. The challenge is making sure AI tools are being trained and deployed properly – because just as defenders are leveraging AI, so are cybercriminals.
Quantum cryptography, on the other hand, is something that could redefine encryption as we know it. As quantum computing advances, traditional encryption methods could become obsolete, which means we need to start preparing now. The idea of developing quantum-resistant cryptographic solutions is fascinating, and it’s going to be a huge focus for the industry in the years to come.
At Certes, we’re continuously innovating to stay ahead of evolving threats, developing new platforms based on customer feedback and emerging risks. The future of cybersecurity lies in proactive, data-focused solutions, and I’m excited to be part of that journey.
What advice would you give to women aspiring to build a career in cybersecurity?
Believe in yourself, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to take up space. The industry needs diverse voices, and your perspective is valuable. Surround yourself with mentors and allies who lift you up, seek out opportunities to learn, and don’t hesitate to step outside your comfort zone. The more we support and advocate for each other, the stronger the industry becomes.
Lorilee’s journey, expertise, and commitment to advancing cybersecurity make her a standout figure in the industry. As Certes continues to push the boundaries of data protection and risk mitigation, its innovative approach ensures that organisations can stay ahead of threats and safeguard their critical information.
For more information on how Certes is transforming cybersecurity, visit Certes.ai
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Certes are sponsoring this year’s Most Inspiring Women in Cyber Awards, which will take place on the 26th February 2025 at The BT Tower, London. This year’s shortlist has just been revealed and can be found here.
