In today’s digitally-driven global economy, cyber security is an inescapable issue that deserves attention and action. Unfortunately, women are often found to be a minority in key roles in this field – a trend compounded by their underrepresentation in tech industries more broadly.
Despite these challenges, there is immense potential for women to leverage their unique experiences into success within the world of cyber security.
Women bring unique skillsets and perspectives when it comes to defending against malicious actors. In cyber security, both left brain (logic) and right brain (empathy) traits are needed for detecting patterns quickly, which allows for earlier warning signs to be noticed than with traditional approaches relying solely upon logic-based rule sets.
Diverse teams spark innovation which gives organisations advantages over adversaries who may be operating with older methods or strategies that no longer work effectively in today's ever-evolving threat landscape.
Promoting gender diversity helps foster stronger organisational cultures where diverse backgrounds lead to creative solutions and more effective problem solving strategies; ensuring businesses have access to the best talent in this often volatile sector also stands out as a major benefit.
Empowering female employees with meaningful opportunities eases cultural barriers which can often prevent tech companies from reaching new heights. It’s no coincidence that those organisations who prioritise diversity tend to enjoy higher retention rates among employees meaning greater stability overall.
Women represent not only strong contenders in cyber but powerful role models capable of inspiring others. Incentivising girls from an early age by introducing role models and necessary educational programmes such as computer science and programming can prepare future generations for careers within cybersecurity.
This helps counter the trend seen where many young girls may not be encouraged or exposed into STEM courses at school, meaning they don't understand the benefits of a career in cyber.
Growth in this area comes from exposure to the current opportunities available along with increasing visibility of successful women working in tech.
Today we are hosting our Elevating Women in Cyber Symposium where we'll hear from practitioners, experts, academics, student, members, and partners about their journey into cyber, and how women can not only excel in this field, but how we can all open doors for the women that come after.
We want to increase the number of women in the cyber security sector and events like this provide the chance to educate, collaborate, and spotlight role models for those attending and following online.