In the general field of technology, women still represent only about 25% of the IT workforce, up from 10% about 12 years ago. The current increases are said to reflect companies realizing the value women bring to the table, especially in the area of leadership skills. In the specific field of cybersecurity, however, women still remain even less represented.
A report titled “POV Reimagined: Women in Cybersecurity,” published by Deloitte and The Female Quotient, indicates that the unique skills of women in the areas of collaboration, problem-solving, and critical thinking are vital to tackling today’s complex digital challenges. It emphasizes the need to attract and retain more women in cybersecurity to foster innovation, diversity, and resilience, thereby better addressing the complex challenges of this digital age.
Attracting more women to the field of cybersecurity will make the field more diverse and the community stronger. The challenge, however, is that women often feel excluded, with reportedly 51% indicating they don’t think there’s room for them in cybersecurity. Additionally, the industry typically lacks visible female role models, especially in leadership positions, which discourages younger women from considering it as a career. Countering this, according to the report, involves at least five actions to lower the perceived barriers:
- Exposure: Sparking early interest in girls by exposing them to cybersecurity concepts and opportunities starting in elementary school and through STEM programs.
- Inclusive Hiring: Encouraging companies to focus on diversity, offering family-friendly benefits, and avoiding the overemphasis on technical skills in job descriptions.
- Role Model Visibility: Highlighting successful women in cybersecurity through media, conferences, and opportunities to speak with aspiring girls and young women.
- Community Building: Creating internships, mentorship programs and networking opportunities to support women in the field and those learning the field. Additionally offering grants and scholarships or developing intentional recruitment efforts for those interested in entering the cybersecurity field.
- Demystify Cybersecurity: Emphasizing the human and creative aspects of the field to make it more accessible.
The good news is that there are non-profit organizations whose sole purpose is to advance the prevalence of women in IT in general and cybersecurity in particular. Some of these nonprofits include the following:
Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS): (https://www.wicys.org/) A nonprofit organization headquartered in Cookeville, Tennessee, dedicated to recruiting, retaining, and advancing women in cybersecurity. WiCyS operates as a global community with a strong U.S. presence, including over 300 student chapters and numerous professional affiliates across the country, such as those in San Diego and the Mid-Atlantic region. The organization hosts an annual flagship conference that attracts thousands of cybersecurity professionals and students. Through mentoring, training scholarships, career fairs, and local chapter support, WiCyS empowers women at all stages of their cybersecurity journey.
Girls Who Hack: (https://girlswhohack.com/) An initiative based in New Jersey and founded by teen cybersecurity advocate Bianca Lewis (aka BiaSciLab), when she was 12 years old. Rather than maintaining formal headquarters or brick-and-mortar locations, Girls Who Hack operates virtually and through in-person workshops held at major cybersecurity conferences like DEF CON and Hackers On Planet Earth (HOPE). The organization focuses on teaching girls ethical hacking and cybersecurity skills to inspire the next generation of cyber defenders. By leveraging online courses and event-based learning, Girls Who Hack reaches a wide audience of girls across the U.S. without the constraints of regional chapters.
Black Girls Hack (BGH): (https://www.blackgirlshack.org/) A nonprofit headquartered in Fredericksburg, Virginia, with a mission to increase diversity in cybersecurity by providing Black women and girls with training, mentorship, and access to industry certifications. Although based in Virginia, BGH has built a national and international presence through virtual programming, online bootcamps, and large-scale events like SquadCon, held in Las Vegas. The organization’s reach extends across the U.S., Africa, and Europe, connecting members to practical hands-on experiences and career development resources regardless of location.
Women’s Society of Cyberjutsu (WSC): (https://womenscyberjutsu.org/) A nonprofit started by Lisa Foreman‑Jiggetts, a service-disabled veteran, dedicated to women in cybersecurity. They provide women with the resources and support required to enter and advance as cybersecurity professionals. They operate a national network of regional chapters, including those in Southern California, Raleigh, and Baltimore, partnering with prominent institutions like SANS, Cisco, and Black Hat to deliver workshops, webinars, scholarships, and career-focused events.
These nonprofits are four dynamic organizations leading the charge to increase female representation in the cybersecurity field. From global networks and professional development to hands-on hacking workshops and virtual training for underrepresented communities, these groups are creating powerful pathways for women and girls to enter and thrive in cybersecurity. As awareness grows and opportunities expand, the future of cybersecurity looks brighter—and more secure—with more women at the forefront.
Courtesy, Karen Clay