Women are entering Cybersecurity in more than expected large numbers, and making waves by emerging as experts. They are rising to leadership or senior positions within their companies, and recent data suggests the trend will continue. With a projected 546,200 new jobs in computer and information technology between 2018 and 2028, the field is wide-open for skilled females skilled to get involved.
This information comes from a survey conducted by SANS Institute, known as the Women in Cybersecurity Survey. It also revealed the women who are seeking leadership were making themselves visible to decision makers, rather than relying on time or titles within the field. Other key avenue to success include a variety of experiences along with the pursuit of certifications; each at the control of the individual.
But even with this success in the field there is still inequality in mentorships. Only 7% of women in cybersecurity technology have been mentored by another woman, and 25% never had a mentor at all. However, women within the field are likely to become mentors themselves. And of those that do, 57% report mentoring a mixture of men and women.
Heather Mahalik, the survey’s author and SANS analyst, stressed that, “Women can have a tremendous amount of impact in their organizations regardless of their title… The future of cybersecurity is the responsibility of everyone.”
Full results will be shared via a WebCast on March 17, 2020
