Women in cybersecurity: Navigating the digital frontier

“Universities and colleges are currently offering cybersecurity courses, and it’s crucial that these programs are presented in a way that highlights the profession’s value and potential for women.” – Ms. Manisha Bansiwal

Establishing open communication channels and forums for women to interact and share experiences can also contribute to enhancing awareness and ultimately increasing the number of women in the field.

3. Role Models

Cybersecurity should be viewed as a viable profession, much like law or medicine. The crucial step is to enhance its visibility and recognition, helping women recognize it as a legitimate and promising career choice. A pivotal factor is the presence of role models, as rightly mentioned by Megha. Successful women who have overcome obstacles and concerns can inspire and guide others.

“Women hold only 25% of jobs in cyber security”  – Ms. Shelley Zalis, CEO, The Female Quotient

Their achievements can serve as beacons of hope, showing that a career in cybersecurity is not only attainable but also rewarding. With these concerted efforts, we can aspire to improve the representation of women in cybersecurity from the current 25% to a more equitable and inclusive percentage, ultimately fostering a diverse and innovative industry.

4. Professional Organizations:

Partnering with organizations can provide a supportive network and resources. Encouraging women to pursue cybersecurity-related degrees or certifications is vital. Scholarships, grants, or financial incentives can make these educational pathways more accessible.

“Organizations like the Society of Women Engineers (Soi) and Women in Cyber Security (WCS) are at the forefront of this movement, actively advocating for increased female representation in these fields and nurturing future leaders. Partnering with such organizations, as our own organization has done with SOI, can truly transform the landscape.” – Shubhra Vijay, Compliance Leader, Keysight Technologies

Ms. Vijay dove headfirst into the world of cybersecurity and has since dedicated over 18 years of her career to this dynamic and ever-evolving field. She is a testament to the fact that passion, determination, and breaking traditional gender norms can lead to successful careers and leadership roles in traditionally male-dominated industries.

Paving the Future of Women in Cybersecurity

To secure the future of women in cybersecurity, it’s imperative to inspire and nurture the next generation. Educational institutions, governments, and private organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of encouraging young women to pursue careers in this field.

Initiatives such as mentorship programs, scholarships, fostering a flexible work environment, promoting role models who have excelled in the industry and awareness campaigns are helping break down the stereotypes that have hindered progress for so long.

According to Steve Morgan, founder of Cybersecurity Ventures, Editor-in-Chief at Cybercrime Magazine, and Executive Producer at Cybercrime Radio, females will account for 30% of the global cybersecurity workforce by 2025, reaching 35% by 2031.

When organizations actively support and associate with these initiatives, it creates a positive impact that ripples throughout the industry, fostering a more inclusive and diverse workforce.

Women in cybersecurity are breaking barriers and bringing fresh perspectives to a field traditionally dominated by men. With continued support, education, and representation, more women will contribute to the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, ensuring a safer digital future for all.