Women in cybersecurity: Interview with a backend software engineer

Originally posted on: https://axiomatics.com/blog/women-in-cybersecurity-interview-with-a-backend-software-engineer

In the spirit of Women’s History Month, I sat down with one of our Backend Software Engineers, Maria Kosmidou, to ask her about her time as a woman in the cybersecurity realm.

Below, we delve into her experiences — the breakthroughs that propelled her forward, the hurdles that became her stepping stones, and the insights she’s gathered along the way.

How would you explain your role in cybersecurity to someone who isn’t familiar with cybersecurity, particularly to women curious about entering the industry?

I work on securing systems by making sure the right people have the right access at the right time. Think of it like a digital security guard: if someone tries to enter a restricted area, our systems decide whether they should be allowed in. As a backend developer specializing in authorization, I build and manage these security rules to protect data and applications. It’s not just about preventing hackers; it’s about making security seamless, efficient, and scalable.

For women curious about cybersecurity, there’s so much more than just ethical hacking; there’s identity and access management, secure software development, cloud security, and more. If you like problem-solving and working with technology, there’s a place for you in this field.

What inspired you to pursue a career in cybersecurity and how has your journey shaped your perspective as a woman in this field?

I’ve always enjoyed solving technical problems and working in backend development led me to cybersecurity naturally. I became more involved in security when working on authorization systems. Seeing how access controls protect critical systems made me realize how impactful security work is.

As a woman in tech, I sometimes felt the pressure to “prove” myself, but over time, I’ve learned that expertise and confidence matter more than fitting a stereotype. Now, as a team lead, I try to create an environment where everyone, especially women, feels valued and encouraged to grow.

What trends in cybersecurity are you currently excited about and how do you see them shaping opportunities for women in the field?

I’m excited about advancements in dynamic authorization and fine-grained access control. As more companies move to cloud-based architectures and Zero Trust models, authorization is becoming more complex and critical. This opens up opportunities for backend developers like me to specialize in security. The push for better security automation and AI-driven threat detection is also changing the landscape, creating more space for diverse skill sets. With the growing demand for cybersecurity talent, now is a great time for women to enter the field and make an impact.

What advice would you give to women looking to start or advance their careers in cybersecurity?

Don’t be afraid to step into cybersecurity, even if you don’t have a traditional security background. I started as a backend developer and grew into cybersecurity by working on access control and authorization. Cybersecurity has many areas; find what interests you, whether it’s identity and access management, secure coding, or threat detection. Also, speak up, ask questions, and take on challenges. You don’t have to know everything on day one — learning as you go is part of the job.

How can we continue to break down barriers?

Representation matters. The more we highlight women in cybersecurity, the more others will see it as an option for them. Companies need to be intentional about hiring, supporting, and promoting women, not just in junior roles but in leadership too.

On a personal level, those of us already in the field can help by mentoring, sharing our experiences, and encouraging women to take up opportunities. Sometimes, the biggest barrier is self-doubt, so we need to remind each other that we belong here.

How can we encourage and support more women to explore careers in cybersecurity?

We need to show that cybersecurity isn’t just about hacking; it includes backend development, identity management, cloud security, and more. More women would consider it if they knew how many different roles exist. Mentorship also makes a big difference. I didn’t always see women in security when I started, but connecting with others in the field helped me see a path forward. Companies should actively support women through mentorship programs, leadership opportunities, and inclusive hiring.

Wrapping Up

It’s important to reflect on how many untold stories are out there, each with the potential to inspire and ignite change. Axiomatics is always looking to embrace challenges as gateways rather than barriers. After all, the most impactful innovations often start with a single, brave step into the unknown.