Only 30% of women are employed as scientists and engineers in technology

Technology is improving and advancing. As more and more technological innovations are permeating the industry, a major concern amongst experts is the dearth of women representation in the technology world, specifically in cybersecurity. A study by the Center for Cyber Safety and Education and PwC finds that the number of women working in the US information security field is only 34%, which is less than the average women workforce. The situation outside the US becomes more alarming. A 2018 survey suggests that women representatives in Cybersecurity accounted for only 10% in the Asia-Pacific region, 9% in Africa, 8% in Latin America, 7% in Europe and 5% in the Middle East.

Most Targeted Community Online

Women are the most targeted community online. It is observed that women become the victim of sexual abuse, trolling and pornographic content on the web.

In 2014, reports states that a million US women had their identities stolen online. A safe and secure web place demands equal participation of women representatives. That's why it becomes imperative that women must be given equal education and roles to combat the dark web of hacking, fraud and online sexual abuse.

Pre-existing Perceptions and Biases

One of the major reasons behind the under-representation of women in the cyber-security is the pre-existing biases. The survey suggests that even though women represent half of the world's population, only 30% of those are employed as scientists and engineers in technology. Moreover, in this particular sector, men are often perceived as suitable for doing technical jobs. Reports suggest that in 2015, 2,09,000 cybersecurity jobs in the US were unfilled and in 2019 out of around 6 million jobs, 1.5 million job openings were left unfilled.

Lack of Awareness

Another reason behind the absence of women representatives in cybersecurity is the lack of awareness about cybersecurity as a career option. Most women are presented with opportunities in IT fields. The survey suggests that 69% of women have cited unawareness about cybersecurity as the dearth in women's participation with cybersecurity.

Biases in the Recruitment Process and Work Culture

Moreover, the recruiter's preference and bias associated with cybersecurity is another reason behind women facing challenges to make a career in cybersecurity. A survey suggests that 82% of the female cybersecurity professionals in the US and 49% of those in the UK believe that cybersecurity has a gender bias problem. Moreover, the cybersecurity gender pay gap in the US and UK is 17% and 19% respectively. Only 53% of those who were interviewed say that their organizations are doing enough to recruit women in security roles.

The Scarcity of Qualified Talent

Another reason why women are often ignored during the recruiting process in cybersecurity is the lack of technical experience, skills and education. The survey suggests that 61% of the respondents cite a lack of qualified talent as a reason for unfilled cybersecurity jobs. Almost 43% of women say that lack of clear career development paths remains another challenge at the start of their cybersecurity career, whereas 23% cites lack of female role model in cybersecurity the reason behind under-representation.

Education about Cybersecurity

As lack of education and skills are amongst the main reason for not recruiting women for cybersecurity jobs, many organizations like Israel's Shift community is educating high school girls with aptitude, desire and natural curiosity to learn about cybersecurity and assisting them in developing necessary skills.

The big Techs like IBM have launched programs for fostering women's interest in internal security careers. Microsoft has collaborated with the Data Security Council of India to launch CyberShiksha Program to develop cybersecurity skills amongst female professionals.

Many organizations are facilitating the education of female professionals in cybersecurity. It is observed that the strategies by women professionals related to cybersecurity are far more successful than men. Moreover, reports suggest that women representatives make more agile decisions compared to the opposite gender.