VIA GRAPHIC PLUS — To mark International Women’s Day 2026, leaders at Palo Alto Networks reflect on a defining decade of change in cybersecurity and leadership through a “2016 vs. 2026” lens, inspired by the widely popular social media trend that invites people to look back in order to reflect their journey.
Using 2016 as a reference point – a time when ransomware was escalating, cloud adoption was accelerating and cybersecurity was still largely viewed as an IT issue – our leaders examine how the landscape has fundamentally shifted by 2026. They also reflect on how opportunities and visibility across the cybersecurity industry have evolved over the same period.
These reflections offer grounded perspective on what has materially changed, where structural challenges remain, and what the next decade must prioritise to advance both resilience and inclusion in the industry.
Bernadette Nacario, Country Director, Philippines:
Looking back from 2016 to 2026, the Philippines has evolved from a social media powerhouse into a regional frontrunner in AI adoption. Yet, as innovation accelerates, so do the stakes. AI-driven fraud is no longer a future threat – it is a present reality. To outpace these evolving cyber risks, we must harness our greatest assets: Diversity.
The future of cybersecurity will not be defined by technology alone; it will be defined by inclusive leadership, and women are leading that charge. Different perspectives allow us to challenge assumptions and design security strategies that are both practical and inclusive. While the gender gap in cybersecurity remains a challenge, it is also our greatest opportunity for growth. This International Women’s Day, the theme #GiveToGain is a timely reminder of the role we all play and perfectly captures the spirit of bayanihan.
By sharing knowledge, supporting one another, and mentoring the next generation, we can ensure the next generation of Filipina tech leaders doesn’t just enter the industry, but leads it toward a safer, more equitable digital future.
Claribel Chai, Country Director, Singapore & CLMB:
In 2016, cybersecurity was still a niche conversation, essential, but often siloed and relegated to technical teams. Today, in 2026, security has become a fundamental business imperative as digital transformation accelerates and threats evolve. We now approach cybersecurity proactively, leveraging AI-led tools that analyse massive data volumes at speed, a shift I’ve seen firsthand here in Singapore and across the region.
Leadership today carries a responsibility of stewardship. As we scale technology, we also need to ensure opportunities scale. I remain focused on driving progress for women in tech by opening doors and sharing institutional knowledge required to navigate the AI era. When we operationalise inclusion and champion diverse talent in tech, we create a legacy of leadership that outlasts any single technological shift. When we invest in people, the entire cybersecurity ecosystem gains.
Sharmin Jassal, Director, Corporate Communications, JAPAC:
Over the past decade, I’ve seen the cybersecurity narrative mature. Early on, much of the focus was on prevention; on stopping breaches altogether. Today, the conversation is more honest and more strategic. Incidents can happen. What defines an organisation now is how prepared it is, how transparently it responds, and how quickly it recovers.
As AI accelerates both opportunity and risk, communications sits at the centre of that trust equation. Our role as communicators is to translate technical strategy into clarity leaders can act on and to help shape narratives that reinforce resilience, not fear. Cybersecurity is no longer just about defence; it’s about confidence. Organisations must lead with transparency, the media plays a critical role in shaping informed discourse, and individuals are increasingly part of protecting trust in a connected world.
Riccardo Galbiati, Regional Chief Security Officer, JAPAC:
When I think back to 2016, the cybersecurity industry was far more homogeneous, not just in who was in the room, but in how problems were approached. A decade of leading alongside women leaders across the region has evolved my approach to security. Different perspectives challenge assumptions, surface blind spots earlier, and lead to better decisions in high-stakes environments.
In 2026, it is clear that inclusive leadership is not a ‘nice to have’; it is a strategic backbone of a resilient cyber front. To me, #GivetoGain is about active stewardship. Male leaders have a specific responsibility to use their platforms for more seats in the boardroom, and ensure all voices are heard. When we create space for diverse talent representation, we don’t just “do the right thing”, we build stronger organisations and workplace culture.
Nicole Quinn, Vice President for Policy and Government Affairs, JAPAC:
Looking back, 2016 marked a turning point in Australian cybersecurity policy with the Cyber Security Strategy. Cybersecurity shifted from a technical or defence issue to an economic priority, elevating the conversation to Cabinet rooms and boardrooms alike. The appointment of Australia’s first Cyber Ambassador and a Special Advisor to the Prime Minister further signalled shifting priorities. Yet, even with that momentum, efforts remained siloed and true collaboration had yet to take shape.
Today in 2026, we recognise that no one sector can secure our digital future alone. Public-private partnerships now anchor effective cybersecurity strategies, moving us beyond information sharing to operational collaboration, bringing together policymakers, industry, and civil society to drive shared intelligence, aligned policy, and collective action against evolving threats.
As we mark International Women’s Day this year, it is clear that diverse voices, especially women in policy and technology, are essential to these collaborations. In my journey across JAPAC, I’ve seen that the most innovative solutions don’t come from the loudest voices, but from the most diverse ones. Women’s leadership in cybersecurity policy advances not just gender equity but strengthens our collective capacity to innovate, govern, and safeguard critical infrastructure worldwide. When we champion inclusive policy and partnership, we don’t just close gaps, we build a more secure and equitable digital future for all.
