In recent years, there has been a growing push to increase diversity in the field of cybersecurity, particularly when it comes to increasing the representation of women and underrepresented groups in the industry. Several initiatives and organizations have emerged to address this issue and provide support, training, and opportunities for women interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity.
One such initiative is the Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) program in the United States, which focuses on recruiting, retaining, and advancing women in the field by offering professional development programs, mentorship opportunities, and hosting conferences. The Craig Newmark Foundation has also invested in programs like Black Girls Hack, Girls Who Code, and VetsinTech, all of which are dedicated to providing training and support for women and underrepresented groups in cybersecurity.
In Canada, the Women CyberSecurity Society (WCS2) offers a range of flexible training options, scholarships, job placement services, and community support to help women enter and succeed in the cybersecurity field. Meanwhile, in the European Union, Women4Cyber is working to promote gender balance in cybersecurity by creating a registry of European women in the field, offering mentorship programs, and organizing conferences to support and elevate women in the industry.
According to experts like Mattingly, there is still work to be done to encourage more young women to pursue careers in cybersecurity. Mattingly stressed the importance of providing early support and guidance to help young women navigate the field with confidence and see cybersecurity as a promising and rewarding career path. For CISOs, CIOs, and others already working in cybersecurity, this advice serves as a reminder of the importance of mentorship and support in helping women thrive in the industry.
Overall, the push for diversity and inclusion in cybersecurity is gaining momentum, with organizations and initiatives around the world working to break down barriers and create pathways for women and underrepresented groups to succeed in the field. By providing support, training, and mentorship opportunities, these programs are helping to address the gender imbalance in cybersecurity and create a more equitable and diverse workforce for the future.