BLOG: The Female Cyber Security Revolution – How Women are Transforming the Industry

The field of cybersecurity has long been dominated by men, but in recent years, a female cybersecurity revolution has been gaining momentum. Women are increasingly entering the field and transforming the industry with their unique skills, perspectives, and experiences.
According to a current report by (ISC)², women now represent 24% of the cybersecurity workforce, up from just 11% in 2013. This is a significant increase, but there is still a long way to go before gender parity is achieved. However, the trend is encouraging and shows that women are increasingly recognizing the value of a career in cybersecurity.

One of the reasons for the increase in female cybersecurity professionals is the growing awareness of the need for diversity in the industry. Cybersecurity is facing a massive skills gap, and companies are struggling to find qualified candidates to fill open positions. By promoting diversity and inclusivity, organisations can tap into a wider talent pool and bring in fresh perspectives to tackle complex security challenges.

Another reason for the rise of female cybersecurity professionals is the increasing number of initiatives aimed at encouraging women to enter the field. These initiatives include mentoring programs, scholarships, and networking events. For example, the Women’s Society of Cyberjutsu is a non-profit organisation that provides training, networking opportunities, and resources to support women in cybersecurity.

So, what are the benefits of having more women in cybersecurity? One of the most significant advantages is the diversity of thought and perspective that women bring to the industry. Women often have a different approach to problem-solving and can provide unique insights into security challenges. This diversity can lead to more innovative solutions and more effective responses to emerging threats.

Moreover, having more women in cybersecurity can help to improve the overall security posture of organisations. Women tend to be more risk-averse and have a higher attention to detail, which can translate into more effective security practices. Additionally, research has shown that companies with more women in leadership positions tend to have better financial performance and are more innovative.

Women Do Cyber

Women Do Cyber is an upskilling and reskilling initiative for mid-career women who want to pursue a career in cybersecurity. The program has recently announced 40 scholarships for women to take part in cybersecurity career development opportunities starting in May 2023. The scholarship will include mentoring support from established women cybersecurity practitioners and technology leaders through the Cisco and Scotland Women in Technology (SWiT) networks.
The program aims to address the gender gap in the cybersecurity workforce and has successfully created more than 20 women graduates who have taken on cybersecurity jobs, apprenticeships, and further learning.

The program is designed to provide an accessible pathway to Graduate Apprenticeships in Cyber in partnership with Glasgow Caledonian University, Cisco, and SWiT, and is funded by the Scottish Funding Council and the National Transition Training Fund. The scholarship will cover tuition fees for three modules and the Cisco accredited Cyber Ops Associate qualification. The program aims to help women overcome persistent barriers in accessing male-dominated career sectors and increase the size and variety of skillsets in the cybersecurity workforce.

The female cybersecurity revolution is transforming the industry and bringing valuable contributions to the field. As more women enter the industry, we can expect to see more diversity, innovation, and improved security practices. Organisations need to support initiatives aimed at encouraging women to enter cybersecurity and to create a more inclusive and diverse industry for everyone.