Unpacking “Lampgate” - The Scandal That Rocked Black Hat

In a recent, widely publicized misstep, one of the largest U.S. cybersecurity firms found itself at the center of a backlash following a marketing faux pas at the Black Hat cybersecurity conference in Las Vegas.

Dubbed “Lampgate,” the incident involved two women posed as “living props” with lampshades on their heads at a company-sponsored event, sparking outrage across the tech industry and beyond. Critics called the stunt “sexist,” “tone-deaf,” and a throwback to outdated, exclusionary representations of women in tech.

What Happened at Black Hat?

The controversy erupted when Palo Alto Networks (apologies to my friends there) used two women with company-branded lampshades on their heads to promote a "CyberRisk Collaborative Happy Hour." This wasn’t just marketing gone wrong; for many, it was reminiscent of past tech event practices where women—often scantily dressed—were used as “booth babes” to attract attendees in a male-dominated landscape. This practice, largely phased out by the 2010s, unfortunately, resurfaced, underscoring that old stereotypes can persist even unintentionally.

Images of the women quickly spread on social media, with the lampshades symbolizing a blatant objectification of women in a field that already struggles with gender inclusivity. With their faces obscured and reduced to decorative props, they seemed to embody a bygone attitude. 

Public Response and Backlash

The response was swift and severe. Many industry voices, especially women in tech leadership, expressed anger and disappointment. Olivia Rose, a well-known CISO and executive advisor, posted on LinkedIn, “So we women are nothing more than props to you? We are only at Black Hat to be lampshade holders?” Her post, which garnered widespread attention, called out the firm’s tone-deaf approach and urged a reassessment of its messaging about women.

As the backlash grew, Palo Alto Networks’ CEO, Nikesh Arora, issued an apology on LinkedIn, acknowledging the promotion as a “misjudgment” that did not align with the company’s culture. Despite this apology, the incident reignited discussions about sexism in tech and questioned whether companies are genuinely committed to fostering inclusive environments.

Why This Matters in Today’s Tech Industry

This incident reveals a persistent cultural issue in tech—a sector that, despite some progress, still grapples with gender equity. Female representation in leadership and technical roles remains low, with women facing challenges from wage gaps and career stagnation to overt discrimination. Our latest blog on Women’s Progress and the Path to Equality highlights this persistent disparity and how we can pave the path forward.

Even well-meaning gestures around diversity and inclusion can miss the mark when not fully thought through. "Lampgate" highlights the importance for companies, especially those leading in technology and cybersecurity, to be mindful and respectful in their branding. With underrepresented groups still striving for belonging, incidents like these underscore the need for genuine inclusivity beyond surface-level gestures.

Industry Repercussions and the Path Forward

The backlash from Lampgate has sparked broader discussions about setting higher standards for event marketing, ensuring that promotional strategies don’t reinforce stereotypes or undermine diversity. As tech continues to grapple with its gender equity issues, this incident may serve as a call to action, urging companies to critically evaluate their internal culture as well as their public image.

Gender equity isn’t about ticking boxes or meeting diversity quotas. It’s about fostering environments where all individuals feel valued for their contributions, not as props or branding elements. For women in tech, Lampgate has raised a critical question: Will companies learn from these missteps, or will history continue to repeat itself in different forms?

Final Thoughts

The lessons from Lampgate extend beyond one company’s miscalculated marketing effort. In an industry where representation and inclusion remain a challenge, tech must redefine what real progress looks like. Apologies are a first step, and while it’s heartening to see people speak out for change (and even Palo Alto itself, which outside this incident has led inclusivity initiatives), companies need to back words with actions that show respect and a true commitment to equity.

While Lampgate was a miss, it’s a reminder that while some progress has been made, we all must continue to push for better.