WOMEN IN CYBERSECURITY

Unlocking a more resilient and secure future.

As of 2023, women make up
20-25%

OF THE CYBERSECURITY FIELD GLOBALLY*

cracking the code

The shapeshifting landscape of cybersecurity presents a wealth of opportunities, demanding diverse perspectives to combat emerging threats. As the field anticipates a surge in demand for skilled professionals, projected to reach over 85 million by 2030, now is the perfect time to tap into an underrepresented talent pool: women.

By fostering a deeper understanding of the current landscape and dismantling barriers to entry, we can unlock the potential of women in cybersecurity. We must champion initiatives that attract, retain, and empower women, inspiring future generations to join this dynamic and vital field.

It’s crucial to create a future where cybersecurity thrives on inclusivity and diverse perspectives.

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setting the scene

The Female Quotient and Deloitte joined forces on an in-depth survey investigating the state of women in cybersecurity.

To change the equation for women in cybersecurity, we’ve uncovered misconceptions, barriers, insights, and opportunities to disrupt the status quo.

Together, equipped with thought-provoking insights, context, and analysis in this report, we can identify the problems, take action, and close the cybersecurity gender gap. 

MISSION IMPOSSIBLE
A majority of women (51%) report they don’t think “there is room for someone like me” in cybersecurity. However:
0 %
of working women believe there is a lot of growth potential in cybersecurity
0 %
believe a career in cybersecurity offers the potential for a thriving career
These findings bring up more questions. Do such opposing views cancel each other out? And what are the misconceptions our research can help identify in order to create solutions? Once armed with these insights, we went to the experts for solutions – we asked the top women leaders in cybersecurity for their POV on how best to recruit and retain women. Read on for what we learned.
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DECODING UNREALIZED CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Did you know cybersecurity is one of the most relevant global industries for women?

Our study reveals that the cybersecurity industry has everything women want in a career, from job security (57%) to opportunities to learn on the job (53%) to a sense of purpose (52%). Many women just don’t realize it (yet).

Why? There’s a disconnect between what women perceive cybersecurity jobs, lifestyle, and entry and growth opportunities to be, and the reality. General lack of awareness around cybersecurity careers may also contribute to the low representation of women in cybersecurity roles.

That’s why, we must raise the visibility and voices of women in the industry to catalyze change.

0 %
of working woman want job security
0 %
want opportunities to learn on the job
0 %
want a sense of purpose
CYBERSECURITY IS NOT ONLY SECURE, IT'S ASPIRATIONAL
An emphasis on being indispensable is pivotal for working women.
% Important in a Job Description
BREAKING DOWN MISCONCEPTIONS
Did you know 70% of working women believe that to be in cybersecurity they must have proficient technical skills?
Perceived Experience Needed
Our focus groups uncovered that these perceptions don’t match the reality that many people succeed in cybersecurity without computer hardware or software expertise. Skill sets we learned are paramount for cybersecurity success include creativity, problem solving and being a team player – all skills where women excel.
WHAT WOMEN WANT
The industry and its current majority of leaders must overhaul the algorithm that changes industry culture perceptions to attract more women.
3 in 10
3 in 10 working people say the industry needs to focus on their work measures and general behaviors to be more diverse and attractive to women.
RECALIBRATING THE ALGORITHM MEANS THE INDUSTRY CAN USE WHAT WORKING WOMEN WANT TO SEE AS A STARTING POINT
Women in cybersecurity have a call to action for the industry: examine the leadership roles within organizations. Ensuring diversity and fair treatment at this level is a crucial starting point for effective, meaningful change.
% Important in a Job Description
The New Equation: Making Cybersecurity A Sought-After Career

Women in cybersecurity agree that the industry can attract and retain more women in the field in several ways: 

Squash the myth that technical skills are required.

Change the conversation by highlighting unconventional career paths to cybersecurity, and dispelling antiquated concepts about technical roles being more legitimate compared to non-technical roles. If a candidate doesn’t possess technical skills, recruiters can highlight learning opportunities and encourage them to give a job a try.
Introduce cybersecurity to women earlier.

Early exposure can spark interest and curiosity about the field, encouraging more women to pursue cybersecurity-related education and careers. This means exposing girls to cybersecurity concepts and opportunities starting in elementary school, through relevant programs and workshops.
Implement inclusive hiring practices.

Companies should show they prioritize diversity by making job descriptions more inclusive and not over-emphasize on technical skills when they’re not important. Companies can also support women by closing pay and promotion gaps, and giving equal opportunities to women. Informational interviews and job fairs are other effective ways to connect women of various backgrounds to the industry.
Create clear pathways to cybersecurity roles.

Launch internships, mentorship programs, grants, scholarships, or other targeted recruitment efforts. Companies can also offer reskilling opportunities to women who are interested in pivoting into cybersecurity, and create more entry level positions to increase access to jobs.
Raise visibility of women role models.

Girls and women can’t believe in what they can’t see. That’s why publicizing women's achievements in cybersecurity through media, conferences, industry events, and more are so important. Promoting more women to leadership positions will also help other women recognize that growth opportunities in cybersecurity exist.
Connect women to cybersecurity communities.

This offers a powerful environment for women to connect with new opportunities, resources, mentors, and peers. Companies can create mentorship and community-building initiatives in the workplace to create a space for women to support one another on their career journeys.
Bust the myth that cybersecurity is a 24/7 job.

There’s a misperception that working in cybersecurity means you have to always be working because cybersecurity attacks can happen anytime. Proactively describing a typical workday in the field to women to show that there’s work-life balance is critical, especially to non-cybersecurity professionals.
Continue to demystify the industry to make cybersecurity more accessible.

Reducing technical jargon and simplifying how cybersecurity is talked about or taught can make the industry more appealing for people without technical backgrounds.

Additionally, we must flip the narrative pigeon-holing women into functional roles and men to technical roles to show that all types of cybersecurity jobs are for everyone.
Shift the cybersecurity narrative to encompass digitalization.

Our society is more digital than ever before, and young women in particular are growing up in a digital-first world. By framing cybersecurity as an integral part of digital transformation, people can better perceive cybersecurity as less abstract and more familiar, making it easier for women to envision themselves thriving in the field.
Create a safe space for curiosity and experimentation.

The field is broad. There are so many roles to choose from, that it’s important to create a supportive environment that encourages talent to shadow different teams to learn about the industry and career options, and upskill or reskill to stay on top of the ever evolving landscape. Also, equip employees who are new to cybersecurity with training to adapt to the nature of cybersecurity work and job expectations, while helping them discover their specialization within organizations.
Help them find their confidence and voice.

That mixed feeling of excitement and vulnerability at a new job? We’ve all been there. For women just breaking into cyber, build up their confidence by emphasizing the valuable and positive impact of their work. Be their confidante and coach in carving out their space and asserting their strength to succeed.
Help them build their support system.

Introduce women employees to people, resources, forums, and communities where they can build their own network. Encourage mentorship pairings, tapping into local cybersecurity communities and more to facilitate further growth.
Help them realize there IS a place for them in cybersecurity.

There are incredible career opportunities and job security in the cybersecurity space. Emphasize the high demand for cybersecurity roles, growth trajectories, endless learning opportunities, and various ways to break into the industry. It’s not just a boy's club or exclusive industry for people with technical backgrounds.
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Working in cybersecurity has a real positive societal impact. You protect people and organizations. Plus, cybersecurity professions are so diverse. I’d encourage women around me to take up a career in cybersecurity.
WOMAN CYBERSECURITY PROFESSIONAL
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POV REIMAGINED:

WOMEN IN CYBERSECURITY

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Cyber is a team sport.
Ann Barron-DiCamillo
Managing Director, Global Head of Cybersecurity Operations, Citi
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* ISC2 Research