Narrowing The Cyber Skill Gap in Women

By Injila Khan

When it comes to cybersecurity careers, there is a predominance of men. The profession being a male-dominated field persists even in the tech-driven world. The rapid rise of cybersecurity is overshadowed by the persistent underrepresentation of women in the field. The number of women in cybersecurity remains low, hovering around 20-25% according to the ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study 2023. A lack of gender diversity in cybersecurity weakens the defenses against cyber threats. Diverse perspectives are crucial for identifying and combating these ever-evolving threats, yet the cybersecurity workforce is not keeping pace with the growing number of attacks. Effective defense strategies require a multitude of perspectives, and the current underrepresentation of women limits the diversity of expertise available to combat these growing challenges.

The Importance of Women in Cybersecurity

Inclusivity and diversity: The inclusion of women in cybersecurity helps in the development of innovative strategies due to their distinct viewpoints. Women bring critical problem-solving skills to the table, which are key to finding solutions against cyber threats.

Personal Experience: According to the United Nations, women experience a disproportionate amount of online aggression, with an estimated 95% of such incidents targeting them specifically. Their real-world experiences with online harassment and social engineering scams give them a unique advantage in understanding these common cyberattacks. Exposure to these attacks allows women to develop a keen understanding of the tactics frequently employed by cybercriminals who utilize such strategies. This insider perspective can be instrumental in developing more effective defenses against these prevalent cyber threats.

Adaptability: The cybersecurity landscape exhibits a demonstrably dynamic nature, with new technologies as well as threats. This demands defenders who are adaptable and quick learners. Women have a proven ability to thrive in new and challenging environments, which is an asset in cybersecurity. Women are exceeding expectations and excelling in fields once thought to be off-limits. There is a need for a highly adaptable workforce. Their adaptability allows them to stay ahead of the curve and develop effective defenses against ever-changing threats.

Redefining Cybersecurity with Diversity and Innovation

The cybersecurity domain undergoes continuous transformation, requiring constant adaptation to new threats. This is where cultivating a culture of diversity and inclusion becomes paramount. While many assume it is strictly about coding, it has proven to be a multifaceted profession that requires a variety of skills – from analytical expertise and problem-solving to communication and creativity.

Cybersecurity Ventures’ Women in Cybersecurity Report highlights a positive trend, women in 2022 comprise roughly a quarter (25%) of the global cybersecurity workforce. This represents significant progress from past years, where the figure remained stagnant around 11% for an extended period. Despite this advancement, the industry still has work to do in achieving true gender parity.

There is a surge in female applicants for cybersecurity roles. Projections suggest this could propel the percentage of women in the workforce to 35% by 2031, according to a press release from ISC2. This influx of diverse talent promises to enrich the industry with fresh perspectives and innovative solutions, ultimately strengthening cybersecurity for everyone.

This progress fuels the fire for continued action. The remaining roadblocks must be dismantled, and a supportive culture that celebrates diversity should be created.

Women on the Front Lines of Cyber Defense

• Alina Tan stands out in Singapore’s automotive cybersecurity realm and holds a position among the Top 30 Women in Security in the ASEAN region, showcasing significant female success in an industry largely dominated by men.• Caitlin Sarian, known as Cybersecurity Girl, is a prominent influencer in the cybersecurity world. With a decade at EY and TikTok’s Global Cybersecurity Advocacy and Culture team, she specializes in global cybersecurity and privacy compliance, helping organizations establish effective programs.
At GISEC Global 2024, Sarian said: “Increased female participation in cybersecurity is not just a matter of equity – it’s a strategic necessity.”
• Since 2019, Alissa Abdullah, PhD, has served as Deputy Chief Security Officer (CSO) and board member at Mastercard.

The Solution: Awareness And Accessibility

To address the underrepresentation of women in cybersecurity, there is a need to educate and raise awareness about the field, presenting it as an engaging career choice for women. Creating a learn-it-all culture will help existing employees expand their knowledge. Proactive recruitment and empowerment efforts are essential to fill gaps and retain talented women. Ensuring equal pay and opportunities, bridging the gender gap with quotas, and revising policies to improve retention will further support women’s advancement and inclusion in the industry.

Yasmine Idrissi Azzouzi, Cybersecurity Programme Officer of ITU Switzerland, said: “There is still a long way to go (in getting more females involved). There are already some women working in this industry but it’s also a question of changing mentality, culture and realising there is extra value of women participation in this sector.”

Women leaders are emerging as transformative forces in cybersecurity. Their expertise in artificial intelligence, ethical hacking, and policy development is not only pushing the boundaries of the industry but also driving a crucial shift towards a more inclusive and diverse industry. But there is a clear need for continued growth in the number of women pursuing careers in cybersecurity to close the gender gap. With cyber threats constantly evolving, a wider range of perspectives and experiences is crucial for robust defense.