Women still face challenges in cybersecurity despite rising numbers

While women make up a larger percentage of new entrants to the cybersecurity industry, they are still face challenges such as pay disparity and discrimination.

Research by non-profit cybersecurity member organisation ISC2, reveals that 29 per cent of women have felt discriminated against in the workplace, compared to 19 per cent of men.

The study, which gathered responses from 2,400 women, also shows that women have a lower average salary of $109,609 compared to $115,003 for men.

According to the organisation, women make up roughly 23 per cent of security teams around the world. ISC2 predicts that women will represent 30 per cent of the global cybersecurity workforce by 2025, rising to 35 per cent by 2031.

“It’s great to see incremental progress of younger women entering cybersecurity, however, it’s not enough and more needs to be done,” said Clar Rosso, chief executive at ISC2. “We must continue to build a culture for all women that creates a sense of belonging that results in the retention of women in cybersecurity careers.”

The report demonstrates that a higher proportion of women acknowledge the importance of diversity on their security team than men, while 78 per cent of women feel that an inclusive environment is essential for their team’s success.

However, 11 per cent of the study participants said they have no women on their security teams, while a fifth of men don’t know the proportion of women on their security team compared to 13 per cent of women.

Rosso continued: “Research reveals that the most engaged women in cybersecurity work at organisations that invest time and resources into diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives such as offering competitive pay, hosting mentorship programs and establishing an inclusive culture that fosters professional development opportunities.”