Women in Cybersecurity
The field of cybersecurity has been expanding rapidly, yet one significant challenge remains — the underrepresentation of women. Females in cybersecurity are still a minority and increasing their numbers is crucial for a balanced and innovative workforce.
As the co-founder of CybHER®1 and professor and associate dean in the College of Engineering and Technology at Grand Canyon University, I have personally witnessed the significant potential and brilliance that women bring to this field, as well as the positive impact that focused efforts can have in narrowing this gender gap.
In This Article:
- Addressing the Shortage of Women and Minorities in Cybersecurity
- The Importance of Women in Cybersecurity
- Is Cybersecurity a Good Career for Women?
- How To Grow the Number of Women in Cybersecurity
- A Path Forward: Improving the Percentage of Women in Cybersecurity
Addressing the Shortage of Women and Minorities in Cybersecurity
Currently, the percentage of women in cybersecurity is alarmingly low. According to a recent survey report, women represent just about 25% of the cybersecurity workforce.2 This number is even lower when considering minorities in cybersecurity, highlighting a pressing need for diversity and inclusion in the field.2
In my professional experience, I strongly believe diverse teams are more creative, effective and better at solving complex problems. I believe making the push for more diversity in cybersecurity is not just a matter of equality but also of strategic importance.
The Importance of Women in Cybersecurity
Women bring unique perspectives and problem-solving skills that are essential in cybersecurity. They can offer fresh insights into threat analysis, risk management and the development of security protocols. The diversity of thought and experience can help in anticipating and mitigating potential security threats that might be overlooked in a homogenous team.
Moreover, having more females in cybersecurity roles can help inspire the next generation of girls to pursue careers in this field of engineering and technology — after all, it is hard to be what you don’t see. Role models play a crucial role in shaping aspirations, and seeing women in the field, can help encourage young girls to follow in their footsteps.
Is Cybersecurity a Good Career for Women?
Cybersecurity can be an exceptional career for women. The field offers numerous opportunities for growth and intellectual challenge, as well as the chance to make a significant impact in protecting digital assets. Females in cybersecurity can enjoy professional cyber careers, with the added benefit of contributing to a more diverse and resilient cybersecurity workforce.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), job growth for computer and information systems managers is projected to grow by 15%, much faster than the average for all occupations from 2022 to 2032.3 During the same timeframe, 86,000 new jobs are estimated to open for this career.3 The demand for these skilled professionals, including women, is expected to increase.3
How To Grow the Number of Women In Cybersecurity
To grow the number of females in cybersecurity, we must start at the grassroots level. Here are some effective strategies:
- Early education and awareness: Introducing cybersecurity concepts in elementary and middle school can spark interest among young girls. Integrating cybersecurity principles into STEM activities and making them accessible to all students, especially those from underrepresented groups, is vital. As a professor and co-founder of CybHER®, I have seen the positive impact of early exposure to cybersecurity on students' career choices.
- Sharing success stories: The cybersecurity industry is full of success stories. These stories showcase women excelling in their careers, solving problems, contributing to society and ultimately paving the way for future female cybersecurity professionals.
- Mentorship and support networks: It is crucial to create mentorship programs where women in cybersecurity can guide and support newcomers. Mentorship can help women navigate the challenges of the field, build confidence and provide invaluable career advice. Groups like CybHER® and Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) offer a supportive community where women champion each other, lift each other up and empower each other to succeed.
- Scholarships and funding: Providing scholarships and financial aid specifically for women pursuing degrees in cybersecurity can remove financial barriers and encourage more women to enter the field. Many talented individuals are deterred by the cost of education. Targeted scholarships can make a significant difference.
- Public awareness campaigns: Promoting women’s achievements through media and public speaking events can help break down stereotypes and encourage more women to consider this career path.
A Path Forward: Improving the Percentage of Women in Cybersecurity
Increasing the number of women in cybersecurity is not just a noble goal — it's a necessity for the future of our digital world. By implementing targeted strategies and fostering an inclusive environment, we can help women, including those from minority backgrounds, have the opportunities and support they need to pursue cybersecurity careers.
I am deeply invested in the growth of this field and optimistic about the future. By working together, we can create a more diverse, innovative and secure cyberspace for everyone.
1 CybHER. (2024). Girls in CybHER® Security. We put the ‘her’ in CybHER! Retrieved July 8, 2024.
2 ISC2. (2024, April 25). Women in Cybersecurity: Inclusion, Advancement and Pay Equity are Keys to Attracting and Retaining More Women. Retrieved July 8, 2024.
3 COVID-19 has adversely affected the global economy and data from 2020 to 2022 may be atypical compared to prior years. Accordingly, data shown is effective September 2022, which can be found here: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Computer and Information Systems Managers, retrieved on July 8, 2024.
Approved and verified accurate by the assistant dean of the College of Engineering and Technology on Aug. 15, 2024.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Grand Canyon University. Any sources cited were accurate as of the publish date.
