Jane Frankland MBE has spent her career challenging the security industry to address one of its most persistent weaknesses: the underrepresentation of women in cyber. Through IN Security Movement and KnewStart, she has worked to improve visibility, retention and opportunity, while encouraging organisations to treat talent development as a strategic security issue rather than a peripheral diversity concern. Her book, IN Security: Why a Failure to Attract and Retain Women in Cybersecurity is Making Us All Less Safe, helped bring that argument to a wider audience.
Frankland was awarded an MBE in the 2025 New Year Honours for services to women in cybersecurity, recognising work that has combined advocacy, education, scholarship and practical support.
Skills, leadership and industry resilience
Her influence extends beyond campaigning. Frankland has more than 28 years’ experience in cybersecurity, has advised major technology organisations and has contributed to initiatives including CREST, Cyber Essentials and Women4Cyber. Through IN Security Movement, she has supported hundreds of women globally with scholarships, training and development opportunities.
Her work matters because security depends on people as much as technology. As cyber and physical systems converge, the industry needs broader skills, stronger leadership and more inclusive pathways into specialist roles. Frankland’s contribution lies in connecting representation with resilience, showing that diverse teams are not simply fairer, but better equipped to understand risk, solve complex problems and protect organisations in a fast-changing security environment.
