On International Women in Cyber Day, we celebrate the incredible contributions of women in cybersecurity and acknowledge the strides the industry has made toward gender diversity. While there is much to celebrate, the journey is far from over, and the need for greater inclusion remains critical.
According to ISC2, the number of women in cybersecurity has remained consistent year over year, with women making up an estimated 20% to 25% of the global cybersecurity workforce. This figure aligns with the Cybersecurity Ventures’ Women in Cybersecurity Report, which reported that women held 25% of cybersecurity jobs globally in 2022. Moreover, Cybersecurity Ventures predicts that this figure will rise to 30% by 2025 and 35% by 2031, indicating a positive trend as more women enter the field. While there’s still work to be done, these numbers represent a solid foundation that continues to grow.
The Skills Shortage and the Opportunity for Inclusion
Despite these gains, the cybersecurity industry faces a severe talent shortage, with an estimated 3.5 million unfilled positions worldwide in 2023. This shortage is expected to persist through 2025, underscoring the urgent need to attract and retain diverse talent, including women.
The cybersecurity landscape is rapidly evolving, with threats becoming more sophisticated and widespread. Organisations must recruit skilled professionals to combat these challenges, and women represent a vast, underutilised pool of talent. Encouraging more women to pursue careers in cybersecurity is not just about gender equality—it’s a strategic imperative to fill critical roles and enhance the industry’s overall resilience.
Women in Leadership: A Crucial Element of Progress
While women are making inroads into cybersecurity, significant gaps remain, particularly in leadership roles. In 2022, women held only 17% of Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) positions at Fortune 500 companies, highlighting the persistent gender imbalance at the top.
Women bring unique strengths to leadership, particularly in fields like cybersecurity that are characterised by high levels of risk and uncertainty. Studies show that women often excel in risk management and decision-making, making them ideal candidates for top cybersecurity roles. Increasing the presence of women in these positions is crucial not only for fostering diversity but also for driving organisational success.
The Path Forward
The cybersecurity industry must continue to break down barriers to entry and promote inclusivity at all levels. This means not only encouraging young girls and women to pursue careers in cybersecurity but also creating supportive environments where they can thrive and advance into leadership roles.
As we look to the future, the importance of women in cybersecurity cannot be overstated. Their presence is not just beneficial—it’s essential for building a more secure digital world.
At Fortini Tech, we are committed to supporting women in cybersecurity through our training programs, mentorship opportunities, and advocacy. We believe that by fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, we can drive innovation, strengthen security, and pave the way for a brighter future.
About the Author: Abigael O. Bada is the Founder and CEO of Fortini Tech, a company delivering innovative solutions in cybersecurity, GreenTech, web and app development, and IT training. A Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA) with a passion for sustainable technology, Abigael combines technical expertise with strategic vision to help businesses navigate the digital landscape securely and sustainably. Her articles offer valuable insights on cybersecurity best practices, emerging tech trends, and eco-friendly IT solutions. Connect with Abigael on LinkedIn to request her services or learn more about Fortini Tech’s comprehensive digital services.
References:
- https://www.isc2.org/Insights/2024/04/Women-in-Cybersecurity-Report-Women-in-the-Profession
- https://cybersecurityventures.com/women-in-cybersecurity-report-2023/#:~:text=Women%20held%2025%20percent%20of,to%2035%20percent%20by%202031.#:~:text=Women%20held%2025%20percent%20of,to%2035%20percent%20by%202031.
- https://www.isc2.org/Insights/2024/04/Women-in-Cybersecurity-Report-Inclusion-Advancement-Pay-Equity
