Women in cyber: The all-female operations team at Indelible Data

Women in cyber are often notable by their absence but at a cyber security firm in Cumbria, the business could not run without them.

The all- female Operations team at Indelible Data in Maryport needs the right level of skill and confidence to converse with clients, of all levels,  about the technical requirements to meet audits.

Clients have come to expect a high level of service delivered by the company and Abbey Wright who manages the process for Cyber Essentials Plus audits is integral to delivering consistency.

She said: “The Operations team provides the structure and planning to achieve Cyber Essentials Certification.

“While I don’t deliver the technical audits, I talk to clients on a technical level to ensure we are prepared and quote the right amount of time for the work.

“I ensure clients have a smooth path to Certification.”

Abbey helps clients understand some of the technical language used and guides them on what is required to meet the Cyber Essentials scheme requirements.

Managing Director Tony Wilson says that women should not be put off from working in cyber security because of perceived stereotypes.

He said: “Our Operations team have demonstrated that bridging the gap between the operational, and the technical, is vital to the success of our company and serves as a way of learning key cyber techniques/skills during day-to-day working.”

The Operations team is led by Office Manager Cheryl Smitham who joined the company with a banking  background.

Cheryl from Workington manages Penetration Testing projects for the company.

“My role goes far beyond administration. I need a solid understanding of Cyber Essentials, technical queries, compliance processes and client requirements,” says Cheryl.

“I work closely with our technical team every day and, if I’m honest, they wouldn’t manage without us in the office keeping everything organised, compliant and moving forward.”

The challenge of increasing the number of women in cyber security roles is something that is close to Cheryl’s heart.

She said: “There is still a noticeable shortage of women in cyber security. It’s traditionally been seen as a male-dominated, highly technical field.

“But the reality is that cyber security businesses need a wide range of skills organisation, communication, quality control, customer care and strategic thinking not just technical expertise.”

The company is expanding its cyber security services in response to growing demand especially in the aftermath of many high-profile breaches in 2025.

As well as Cyber Essentials, Penetration Testing and cyber awareness training, the company recently started offering Defence Cyber Certification, something that will become a keystone for many Cumbrian defence supply chain companies.

Becca McCallig is the Operations team’s newest recruit having joined the company as a Business Administration apprentice.

She progressed quickly to run another of the company’s auditing processes. “No lasses I went to school with did technology, all the computer classes were male only but I’ve learnt so much about cyber security since I’ve been here, especially from sitting in on Tech Team meetings.

“I feel like I make a difference here helping clients understand the process and journey to better cyber security.”

We’re recruiting Cyber Essentials assessors. Find out more here: https://recruitcumbria.com/job/cyber-essentials-basic-assessor/