"Women absolutely belong in tech"

You have a bachelor's degree in economics. Is that an unusual route into cybersecurity?

Sylvie Dubuc: After graduating from high school, I enrolled in a computer science program at a technical college in my hometown of Le Havre, even though I knew nothing about the subject. There were 112 students in my class, including just 20 women. But I quickly realized it was right for me. I loved solving problems and developing algorithms. I went on to earn a PhD in computer science in 2001.

Then came the question of what to do next. I was interested in teaching and research, but I also liked the idea of putting my skills to practical use. I joined Orange’s R&D (Research & Development) team because I liked its practical approach to research. Since 2011, I’ve been a manager at Orange France, working in the fascinating world of cybersecurity.

What does your role at Orange’s SOC entail?

S.D.: A SOC monitors potential cyber threats and takes action to contain them when they’re confirmed. Think of it a bit like a home security company. I lead the Orange France SOC teams based in Lyon. Orange France faces different kinds of cyber threats, including attempts to steal our customers’ personal data for malicious purposes. By monitoring our infrastructure and networks, along with the data flowing through them, we can anticipate and identify threats. When a crisis hits, we put out the fire. Then we look at what processes need to be put in place.

When a security incident occurs, I have to assess how serious it is, drawing on investigations carried out by the cybersecurity experts in my team. If it’s a particularly critical incident, I take charge of managing the cyber crisis. Ultimately, the decisions are mine. I regularly take part in training to prepare for that responsibility, particularly in stress management.

What challenges have you faced as a woman in male-dominated sector?

S.D.: Cybersecurity is still very much a male-dominated field, although more women are entering tech.

Personally, I don’t feel I’ve faced any particular obstacles in my career. Orange takes the inclusion of women seriously, and you can see that in the way people treat one another.

How has Orange supported you in your career?

S.D.: I took part in the Women Up in Tech program from November 2023 to October 2024. It was a great opportunity to connect with other women working in tech.

I think one of the biggest reasons we’re seeing more women in tech and cybersecurity is that their presence encourages others to follow. I manage six teams, and there are women in every one of them. Seeing women in these roles can help change perceptions.

Why do you think so few women choose careers in these high-demand fields? What advice would you give them?

S.D.: I think a lot of it comes down to how society still sees women in these roles. We need more women working in science to visit schools regularly and show younger students what’s possible, starting in elementary school and continuing into middle school. I’d also love to see math regain its appeal in schools!

Beyond that, I think the biggest thing holding a young woman back from a career in tech can be her own belief that it’s not for her. And she couldn’t be more wrong.

We need to show young people what these careers actually involve and why the work matters. It’s also important to keep an open mind about the wave of innovation changing our lives and the way businesses work.