HERstory

Bugcrowd is committed to providing a platform where talent thrives—no matter your background or identity. 

As timing would have it, March is not only Women’s History month in the United States but also the month of an awesome all-women’s hacking tournament called Wicked6 that Bugcrowd is a proud sponsor of. And it’s the month that Bugcrowd is launching the first-ever women-only hacker community built for women, by women—the hackHER Network. This is an overdue endeavor that has been a long time coming, and we are so excited for its takeoff. 

The hackHER Network is a new initiative designed to create a space for women in cybersecurity—whether cis, trans, or nonbinary—where they can connect, collaborate, and grow together in a safe and productive online environment. Whether you are just starting out in the field, well-established, a hobbyist, or a hacking lifer, this community will provide mentorship, skill-building workshops, career development opportunities, and memes (so many memes).

 

Why the hackHER Network matters to the hacker community

It’s no secret that the cybersecurity industry remains largely male-dominated, with fewer than 1 in 4 cybersecurity professionals, and only 13% of ethical hackers, identifying as women (1,2). And you don’t have to look very hard to see that most cultural and professional depictions of cybersecurity experts in pop culture and the media don’t really include women.

By breaking down these barriers and creating a community that empowers, inspires, and elevates women hackers, we’re not just closing the gender bias gap—we’re unlocking a wealth of untapped talent and innovation that has the power to propel the whole industry forward. 

While some awesome women-focused events and teams do exist on other platforms, we couldn’t find one with a deeply personalized ongoing membership model built to provide real, lasting support.

So, we made one.

 

Why a women-only community?

We understand that some might wonder why this new community is women-only, and that’s an important question! The truth is, this initiative is about creating a dedicated space where women in our industry can receive support and mentorship in an industry that has historically been made for men, by men. It’s not about excluding anyone—it’s about leveling the playing field and making sure that women have access to the opportunities, resources, and networks that have often been out of reach for them. 

As civil rights activist Marian Wright Edelman said, “You can’t be what you don’t see.” Seeing other women succeed in this industry is a powerful statement that helps many women visualize themselves in similar roles. Putting together a women-only segment of our broader community creates a space for women to come together and share their stories, support each other, and overcome the unique challenges they face. By connecting inspiring women who have navigated similar challenges, we’re fostering a culture where women hackers can thrive, support one another, and ultimately inspire the next generation of hackers and cybersecurity leaders. 

The cybersecurity landscape needs a steady supply of fresh perspectives and new voices to keep abreast of the serious cybersecurity threats that the world faces daily, and we believe that by empowering more women to succeed, we will open doors for innovation, progress, and a more inclusive ecosystem overall.

What to expect:

  • Continuous mentorship—Whether you’re a new or experienced hacker, we’ll provide access to mentorship opportunities that will help guide your development, help you address technical questions, and help you carve out your career path. 
  • Hands-on challenges—Bugcrowd will provide sponsored events, special challenges, and plenty of opportunities to put your hacking skills to the test and build your portfolio.
  • Public recognition—You’ll have the opportunity to display your work through blog posts, social media features, and public speaking engagements. 
  • Strategic partnerships—We are building partnerships with other women-focused cybersecurity organizations and institutions around the globe to further expand our network and reach.
  • Private Discord channel—Our main communication method will be a private, invite-only channel on our existing Discord server (make sure to check it out if you’re not a member already!). 

 

Ready to join?

Getting involved is easy! All you need to do is fill out this brief form to confirm your eligibility. Then, you’ll be invited via email to join our dedicated hackHER Network Discord channel 🙂.

A few things to keep in mind:

  • Joining is free! 🎉 
  • Membership is open to women of all ages across the world, including ciswomen, transwomen, and nonbinary people who align with a female gender identity. 
  • You can come and go as you please, and there aren’t any ongoing participation requirements (unless you sign up to be a mentor or mentee).
  • You can keep your identity anonymous or known per your preferences.

If you have any questions about the program, feel free to DM @emma-bc on our Discord. We can’t wait to see you there!

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