What is the Percentage of Women in Cybersecurity?

09-Jun-2022

With the advent of digital transformation, the risk of cyberattacks has increased. Cyber security has taken a dominant spot in this twenty-first-century job market. While there is a surge in demand, the sustained shortage of talented cyber security professionals has become a key concern for businesses across the globe.

According to a report by the World Economic Forum, the world is short of 3 million cyber security workers who can provide cyber leadership, test and safeguard systems, and train people in digital hygiene.

So how much of the women's population represents the field of cyber security? While the world reels under the insufficiency of cyber security experts, has there been the utilization of the potential of women in cyber security? Let us get into the details, the percentage of women in cyber security and their contribution here in this article.

Representation of Women in Cybersecurity

Women in Cyber Security

(ISC)2 used a novel approach to surveying the cybersecurity workforce, which included IT workers who invest at least a quarter of their time on security-related duties. According to this latest analysis of the profession, women make up around 24% of the cybersecurity workforce. While men still outnumber women in cybersecurity and salary disparities persist, women in the industry are benefiting from higher levels of education and are increasingly ascending to senior roles.

Cyber security Jobs and Employment Data of Women in Cyber Security

Women will make up 30 percent of the worldwide cybersecurity workforce by 2025, according to Cybersecurity Ventures, and 35 percent by 2031. Cybersecurity Ventures' current study figure is based on in-depth talks with a number of industry experts in cybersecurity and human talent, as well as evaluating, analyzing, and synthesizing third-party studies, surveys, and media sources, as well as compiling their own list.

According to Cybersecurity Ventures, women held 25% of cybersecurity employment globally in 2021, up from 20% in 2019 and roughly 10% in 2013. According to a report by Cybersecurity Ventures, women will fill 17% of Fortune 500 CISO roles in 2021 (85 out of 500 businesses).

With respect to the mounting talent deficits in cyber security, one concerning aspect of the shortfall is that it might be significantly narrowed if one part of the population – women — were proportionately represented in the industry. While the women's population contributes 24% to fill the gap, it is still shy of the 50 percent that would otherwise constitute parity in the job market.

Cyber Security Jobs - Why Less Women Employment?

There is a severe labor shortage in cyber security, with over 1 million positions unfilled. So, how do we address the cyber security industry's manpower shortage? Consider women. According to ISC2, women make up only 24% of the cybersecurity workforce at the moment. While that number is increasing, it is still insufficient. Because women make up such a small percentage of cybersecurity experts, there are even fewer of them in leadership positions. According to the (ISC)2 research, just 7% of women attain positions such as chief technology officer, 18% reach IT director responsibilities, and 19% reach the vice president of IT positions.

Nobody is surprised that women make up a small percentage of the cyber security workforce. This has been a problem for years, but it has recently become a more common topic as the profession has grown in prominence. One would expect that as cybersecurity gets more well-known, the gender divide will begin to close, but this has not been the case. If you are interested, you can begin by taking a cyber security course to learn about cyber security.

Factors for Fewer women in cyber security jobs

Lack of awareness of the opportunities - It's possible that this is because few people are aware of the potential because the business is new and developing, which means there are many roles that people are unaware of in this growing field.

Too competitive - Young women typically perceive cybersecurity as a career that requires them to be more successful, as well as a high-stress, competitive marketplace, which may deter some women.

Media Representation - For years, the media has perpetuated the stereotype that cybersecurity jobs are filled by "nerdy white males" or "passionate businessmen."

Dangerous to combat - Some of the cybersecurity industry's own language, such as cyberattacks, gives the idea that the job is done in military war rooms.

Perception- Coding, math, and engineering, as well as STEM degrees, are not widely associated with women. What is the significance of this? STEM degrees are less likely to be pursued by women. While some women are interested in cybersecurity, they aren't necessarily interested in the technical parts. This, along with other media portrayals of technology and cybersecurity, works against our attempts to bridge the gender gap in the field.

Pay Disparity - As in any other industry, women are paid less often and promoted more slowly than men. Gender Bias, resulting in a lack of awareness and encouragement, is a problem that affects not only the cyber security jobs but all STEM disciplines.

Too Technical - a perceived lack of technical experience or formal degrees are the most common impediments that keep people from landing their desired cyber security jobs.

Providing Better Cyber Security Options

Cybersecurity is a concern that affects everyone, and businesses must provide better entry points into cybersecurity professions. This involves being more forthright and truthful about the educational and skill-level requirements for specific professions. Many people turn down job possibilities because they believe they lack "enough" experience to demonstrate their worth.

Overall, women have a lot to offer, and while they could do more to break into the cybersecurity field, they will need help from the industry and companies to thrive. While issues can be handled without diversity, they are more difficult to solve.

Cyber security course programs are a great place to start with, to do away with the lack of knowledge and awareness. Women can equally opt for any cyber security course available on various platforms and may even go for numerous scholarships and incentive opportunities to take up cyber security course programs.

Expanding and boosting cybersecurity course offerings and major options will help all students, not just women, find their way into the field. Additionally, exposing student bodies to professional organizations, particularly those that serve women, will provide students with opportunities to network with women already working in the industry.

Role Models of Women in Cybersecurity and the future

Today, there are many accomplished women in cybersecurity who may serve as role models and mentors to women who want to enter and flourish in the field. These role models have overcome challenges to achieve achievement and should be held up as examples to young women.

Companies are focusing more on finding new ways to recruit women as well as improving internal settings and procedures to keep women in the field for longer than in the past.

Although cyber security is a difficult sector for women to enter, the shortage of experienced people in the field provides an excellent chance for women to advance. Start with a good cyber security course today and be an asset to the industry and the world.

See Also:

Why is Cybersecurity Important?

History of Cyber Security

Who is the Father of Cyber Security?

Advantages and Disadvantages of Cyber Security?

Top Cybersecurity Threats in 2022

Is Cybersecurity A High-Demand Job?

What Is The Cyber Security Gap?

Top Cyber Security Jobs in India

What is Risk in Cyber Security?

What Is The Goal of Cyber Security?

What is Blockchain in Cyber Security?