The cybersecurity sector in the United States is facing a shortage of professionals, with more than 750,000 open cybersecurity roles across the country. However, according to a report by (ISC)², women made up only about 24% of the global cybersecurity workforce in 2018, which highlights a significant gender gap in cyber roles. Given that cyberattacks are becoming more frequent and severe, the lack of a skilled cybersecurity workforce could pose a significant threat to America’s security.
To address the gender gap in cybersecurity, the Biden administration has included a National Cybersecurity Strategy as part of its agenda for science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). However, cybersecurity educators and universities can also play a critical role in building the next generation of female cybersecurity talent and strengthening the workforce.
One effective way to appeal to female students is by targeting them as early as middle school. Studies show that girls tend to lose interest in STEM subjects as they get older, with many having already decided whether a career in STEM is right for them by the time they reach high school. Therefore, universities need to change the way they approach STEM education and emphasize the high-paying job opportunities and the technology’s exciting aspects. By framing the conversation in a more friendly way, girls who may not have considered a career in cybersecurity can perceive themselves as potential people in the industry.
Another effective strategy for universities to support young women in pursuing cybersecurity careers is by fostering peer mentorship programs. Peer mentorship has proven successful in inspiring young women and girls and increasing their confidence in their ability to achieve their career goals in the industry. For instance, IF/THEN, a nonprofit organization focused on advancing women in STEM, has paired high-profile STEM professionals across fields with girls to serve as peer mentors to young women, bringing a cultural change to the industry.
Cybersecurity educators also need to adopt an experiential learning approach to promoting the field and encourage students, especially girls, to develop an interest in cybersecurity at an early age. Classroom teachings like the importance of dual-factor authentication may not excite middle schoolers, but a class on cracking passwords can provide useful insight into the field’s real-world applications. This approach can help students understand that they can contribute to cybersecurity as professionals, no matter their age or gender.
To support outreach programs that engage young women in cybersecurity early and provide them with the skills needed to build a career in the field, universities must prioritize diversity and inclusion. By focusing on building a pipeline of talented and skilled professionals, America can strengthen its cybersecurity workforce’s adaptability and responsiveness to combat the growing threats facing the country.
In conclusion, the cybersecurity gender gap can pose significant threats to America’s security. The country needs to invest in initiatives that engage young women in cybersecurity early and provide them with the skills needed to build a career in the field. Universities and educators should prioritize diversity and inclusion and take practical steps like fostering peer mentorship programs, adopting experiential learning, and appealing to female students as early as middle school to close the cybersecurity gender gap. Building a pipeline of diverse and skillful cybersecurity professionals is crucial for America’s security and well-being.