In an effort to bridge the gender diversity gap within the cybersecurity industry, major players such as BAE Systems, DarkTrace, and GCHQ have come together to recruit more female coders during Cyber Awareness Month. Despite cybersecurity being one of the fastest-growing tech industries, recent analysis of the ONS Annual Population Survey indicates that women only represent 19% of cyber professionals in the UK. This underrepresentation raises concerns, particularly considering the estimated 1.8 million cybersecurity job vacancies expected by the end of 2023, which highlights a significant skills gap in the industry.
To combat this issue, BAE Systems, DarkTrace, and GCHQ have joined forces with Code First Girls (CFG), the largest provider of free coding courses for women in the UK. Together, these companies have sponsored nearly 200 women to participate in coding courses to help them develop the necessary skills. Additionally, the companies are actively seeking to recruit female coders for various roles such as cyber analysts and junior software engineers through the CFG degree, a free 16-week course designed to empower women in the cybersecurity field.
A recent survey conducted by Code First Girls involving over 1,200 women revealed that more women are exploring opportunities in the tech industry. However, 80% of respondents shared that a career in tech was neither mentioned nor encouraged during their school years. Despite this lack of exposure, there has been significant interest in cybersecurity roles, leading to a 300% oversubscription in applications for opportunities with GCHQ and a 420% oversubscription for positions within BAE Systems.
Code First Girls CEO, Anna Brailsford, emphasized the importance of diversity in the cybersecurity industry, stating that it is crucial to employ more diverse teams to effectively address the security threats faced today and in the future. Brailsford further emphasized the need for a wide range of voices and insights to strengthen UK security and protect against threats.
Theresa Palmer, Global Head of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at BAE Systems Digital Intelligence, highlighted the significance of a diverse workforce in contributing to high-performing businesses. In light of the rapidly evolving cyber threat landscape, Palmer emphasized the importance of embracing diversity and inclusion within the UK’s cybersecurity industry. By doing so, the industry can ensure a range of skills and experiences necessary to stay ahead of cyber criminals.
Similarly, Hanah-Marie Darley, Head of Threat Research at Darktrace, stressed the need for diverse perspectives and talent to develop solutions for the ever-growing and complex threats faced in today’s cyber landscape. The increasing adoption of artificial intelligence by malicious actors adds to the urgency of fostering diversity within the industry. Darley expressed excitement about partnering with Code First Girls to provide women with the skills and opportunities to succeed in the cybersecurity field during this pivotal time.
In conclusion, the collaboration between BAE Systems, DarkTrace, GCHQ, and Code First Girls aims to address the gender diversity gap within the cybersecurity industry. By sponsoring women to learn coding skills and actively recruiting female coders, these industry leaders demonstrate their commitment to building a more diverse and inclusive workforce. It is imperative for the industry to draw on a wide range of voices, experiences, and insights to effectively protect against cyber threats and ensure a secure future for businesses and society as a whole.