Page 170 - Cyber Defense eMagazine Special RSA Conference Annual Edition for 2022

Now more than ever, companies are creating enticing brand statements, promoting attractive benefit
packages, and offering training and certification programs to appeal to the skilled prospects.
Cybersecurity organizations now need to prioritize eradicating the remaining false perceptions through
encouraging messages towards women, to successfully break biases and make them feel empowered
about pursuing a job in cybersecurity.

Are the perceptions fair, and justified?

We have already witnessed the growth of initiatives to help support and act as a platform for women
looking to enter the industry, including WiCys (Women in CyberSecurity) and WoSEC (Women of
Cybersecurity.) They’re aiming to unite aspiring women in cyber through collaboration, networking, and
mentoring, but how often is this same initiative being prioritized within a company?

Unconscious biases exist within every sector, as well as pretty much everywhere else in this world. The
attitude of “jobs are meant for X because of Y” is no one’s fault, but we need to work hard in ridding that
misperception. Research from tech giant Samsung last year showed that 44% of workers said they
believe certain jobs are exclusively male or female. And 17% of women have also not applied for a job
for fear of being discriminated against because of their gender.

Before entering the cybersecurity sector, my professional background was in client relations, sales,
without a drop of cyber experience. I was worried about the male-dominated industry and found myself
feeling intimidated, questioning my ability to stand out and succeed in cybersecurity. That was until I
realized the value of the transferable skills that I had developed through my previous experience as well
as my endeavor to develop industry-specific knowledge. Coupled with a strong support network around
me, these fears are long gone, and I can now see the endless opportunities for women in cybersecurity,
regardless of their background in the sector.

Leadership and management roles, advisory, and customer relations positions are paramount to
business and industry success, and create countless opportunities for new talent to take the reins and
become a huge driving force for the sector. The business of cyber is extensive, and there are countless
opportunities for newcomers, especially women, with different backgrounds who will add greater value to
a company.

How can businesses expedite the situation?

With it being such a dynamic landscape, encouraging more women to operate in the cybersecurity
industry can help introduce new perspectives and ways of thinking to help combat the ever-changing
threat landscape. It is vital that we endeavor to make women feel empowered to be part of a growing
industry – a tactic that all organizations should be encouraged to adopt. Only then will applicants of all
backgrounds gain the confidence to take steps towards cyber.

There are currently over three million unfilled positions in the cyber industry, and that number is still
growing. It’s important for companies to be inclusive and make themselves more attractive to women with

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