Bright Ideas = Lightbulbs, Not Lampshades
Jessica N.
vCISO | Chief Security Officer | Board Member | Speaker | Published Author | Risk Management Strategist | Championing Diversity in Technology
I had a great time at #Blackhat2024 and was glad to be a part of such an incredible gathering of cybersecurity professionals
By now, many of you have probably heard about the “misstep” (I’m going to call it an “Epic Failure”) by the Palo Alto Marketing team when they decided to place two women dressed in sexy evening gowns with lampshades over their heads at the entrance of a cocktail reception. I heard there were also some fuzzy handcuffs involved as well. Some are referring to this as #lampshadegate.
As many who know me know, I am not easily offended. For years, I hung my proverbial hat on the fact that I was “one of the guys” and not seen as a “girl.” It wasn’t until my first #WomeninTech panel in 2019, that I discussed being a woman and it was REALLY uncomfortable. Since then, I have accepted my role, not only as a female in tech, but also as part of the smaller population of female #cisos. As "one of the guys" I must still be protective of our next generation of women in technology
I’m confused what the point of this marketing ploy
In the past 30 years there have been countless times where I have felt uncomfortable but laughed it off or rolled my eyes to hide the “what the h3ll?” feeling I had. But since it is 2024, we are going to talk about it. We have to keep talking about “it” until we don’t have to talk about "it" any more. I look forward to that day.
As the dust settles on this situation, perhaps the following questions, or those similar, could have avoided the backlash and proven that we can really consider the possibility of men and women having the same goals when attending WORK events like Blackhat:
1. Would attendees have felt just as offended if two muscular guys in speedos were standing there with lampshades on their heads?
2. What do low cut evening dresses make you think of? Does it conjure visions of a security solution protecting an organization's network?
3. What did others outside the marketing meeting think the message conveyed with the lampshades on women in evening gowns? Was that feedback incorporated into the plans?
Yeah, there was a population there that could have easily answered those questions way before the happy hour took place.
Let’s keep talking about it…. We aren’t there yet.
#Unconsciousbias #DEI #techconferences #professionalism #womenintech #womenincyber #cybersecurity
Founder @ Shevirah and Bulb Security, vCISO & Advisor, Author: Penetration Testing: A Hands-On Introduction to Hacking, Adjunct Faculty @ UMGC, SCSU, & Purdue Global
1yI developed a disaster recovery plan for companies in this situation after a former employer insisted we wear sexually suggestive T-shirts at our booth. What else should companies do to atone for this sort of misstep? https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/from-misstep-momentum-turning-diversity-disaster-progress-weidman-kf4le?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_ios&utm_campaign=share_via
CISO at CN
1yCybersecurity needs talent and that talent needs to feel welcome. The Black Hat marketing in question crossed lines. It's unacceptable that we're still having this discussion in 2024. I've had the misfortune of starting my career in heavy industrial environments where pin-up calendars were in workspaces. I had hoped we would be long past that. This is about basic respect for others. We don’t need to look alike, talk alike, or think alike to have respectful and meaningful conversations, but we do have to share a common value of human dignity. That was not on display in certain Black Hat marketing campaigns. I hope that this discussion is making clear that such campaigns are unwelcome and will be counterproductive.
Identity Access Management Consultant
1yWho, at Palo Alto Networks said this was ok because it isn't. I would like to know how this was pitched to the ladies? Equality - does it exist at PA? Sexist much? Come on, now! Know better. Do better!!
ITSM Proces Owner | CIO/CISO @ GALOSI | AI-Driven IT Leader | Certified in AI Masterclass | Expert in Business Continuity, Risk Management, and Cybersecurity
1yMad Men is not a how to series.
Enterprise Sales & GTM Leader | Channel & Partner Strategist | Technical Program Management | Cybersecurity | Driving Revenue Growth & Market Expansion | Teach Kids Tech | Bodybuilder | Animal Advocate
1yThank you for writing this article & posting it we need to talk about this. I normally do not get involved with large outrages because I do believe that certain situations are bigger than they should be. Anyone who knows me will say I am not easily offended and very chill. However, this goes beyond being an outcry of a bunch babies & sensitive people. Yes, I have seen tons of posts & comments downplaying this and that is fine people can believe whatever they want. This choice from the marketing team of one of the LARGEST security vendors in our industry is flat out unacceptable & disrespectful. The future generations do care about this, they do want to be treated equal, they do not want sexualization of this industry, they do CARE. I still do not think that it is ok to lure people to your booth or event with "booth babe" tactic. I have been in the industry since 2011 & have witnessed my male counter parts taking customers to the bunny ranch & strip clubs in cities other than Vegas. Being a woman in that situation sends the wrong message just like this does.