The infosec field offers a constantly growing job market as organizations across industries seek experts to help manage and protect their information in our increasingly online world. As is the case in most STEM careers, the workforce in this sector is not very diverse, and men predominantly fill the available jobs. In fact, despite the high demand, women hold less than a third of cybersecurity positions globally. This staggering fact highlights a concerning lack of inclusivity, which is preventing the trade as a whole from reaching its full aptitude. As such, here are just a few reasons why cybersecurity needs more women.
1.Reducing the labor gap
According to a recent report from Forbes, the cybersecurity industry is among those most in need of fresh talent. With quickly climbing job growth rates thanks to the increased prominence of artificial intelligence, available labor is failing to meet the need. By encouraging more women to pursue an occupation in cybersecurity, businesses can bridge this gap and hire the appropriate personnel.
2.New perspectives
Diversity of thought is crucial to avoid siloed and exclusionary viewpoints. Women have unique experiences that inform their approaches and insights, which can bring significant value to their teams. From their vantage point, they can poke holes in strategies, ask new questions, or consider risks that an otherwise homogeneous group may not. This ability makes them great decision-makers and reliable assets, which pays proven dividends to their employers. Data shows that companies that strive for a gender-diverse employee base see higher profitability overall than those that don’t.
3.Inclusive solutions
Similarly to the above, more women in cybersecurity can also lead to better, more equitable problem-solving. Many women are likely to have dealt with different challenges, prejudices, and stifling biases than their male counterparts and can, therefore, recommend out-of-the-box ideas that appeal to a broader audience. For example, women may have a better understanding (out of unfortunate necessity) of how to protect against cyber harassment like privacy violations and stalking. As a result, they can make recommendations such as the best VPN services, tools, and tactics to stay safe.
4.Building trust
Having more women in cybersecurity roles can help companies obtain buy-in from key stakeholders like clientele and prospective hires. In the U.S., statistics show that diversity is a defining element in workplace desirability for more than 40% of employees, including the incoming class of Gen Z-ers. Many customers also prefer to patronize businesses that demonstrate inclusion, just as investors may be drawn to those with a reputation for promoting equality.
5.Increasing representation
One important element in attracting more women to cybersecurity is helping them see themselves in the profession. Women must witness other women succeeding and even excelling in the field to show them they’re just as capable. Confidence begets confidence, and as women continue to brave venturing into the historically male-dominated landscape, more women will have the courage to follow suit.
6.Inspiring the future
Cliche as it may sound, the children are our future. With the right role models to aspire to, today’s young girls can be tomorrow’s cybersecurity specialists. Increasing the number of women in infosec can reshape the industry's future, creating limitless possibilities for innovation and advancement. Fostering early interest in STEM through education and outreach can empower the next generation of women to break barriers and speak up in a field that needs their voices.
Why women should join the cybersecurity field
If you’re a woman and contemplating whether or not cybersecurity is for you, there are plenty of benefits to joining the field:
Earning potential: Tech jobs pay really well, and although there is still a salary disparity between men and women, it’s much smaller than in other industries.
Flexibility: Many tech jobs also tend to be accompanied by more progressive cultures and advantages such as remote work capability, flexible hours, and more.
Continuous learning: Because technology is always evolving, there is always something new to learn and skills to develop.
In addition to these, you’ll feel empowered by being able to make a difference and blaze a trail for other women to follow.
How organizations can attract more women to cybersecurity roles
Companies looking to hire more women for their cybersecurity openings can consider the following practices:
Implement mentorship programs and networking opportunities that enable women to learn from each other.
Offer stipends or scholarships for continued education to women interested in obtaining certifications or licensure.
Establish forums that allow women to find community, such as through a business resource group.
Provide family-friendly resources that are inviting to working mothers, such as complimentary onsite childcare and paid parental leave.
Be aware of and confront systemic sexism within your organization, like tasking women with gendered assignments like planning team outings, maintaining the office kitchen, and so on.
Pipeline new talent into roles by partnering with local universities and technical schools.
Highlight women in leadership roles and give them a platform from which to share their stories.
Bringing women into cybersecurity is about more than just hitting a quota or stimulating the economy. It’s about creating a smarter, more innovative workforce capable of truly moving in the infosec world of infosec and making space for everyone at the table to provide better products and solutions for a safer digital environment.
