Page 169 - Cyber Defense eMagazine Special RSA Conference Annual Edition for 2022

Barriers To Entry Must Be Brought Down If

More Women Are to Enter Cybersecurity

By Sydney Asensio, Head of Operations at 2020 Partners

As a woman who has recently entered the cybersecurity field, I can safely say that I viewed it as an
intimidating, male dominated career path. That perception needs to change if we are to see more women
build careers in cybersecurity. For an industry that is built on innovation and being fast paced, this should
be very achievable.

Every single day, businesses face new risks and threats that need to be protected against. And one of
the best ways that we as an industry can do that is by realizing that different skillsets and mindsets are
advantageous. Do I feel the industry is averse to this, or against having more women in the field?
Absolutely not. Work has already been undertaken into creating equal opportunities for both men and
women in cyber, yet it remains that only 24% of the workforce are female.

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