(ISC)², the world’s largest nonprofit association of certified cybersecurity professionals, has announced the expansion of its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) partner network. This move solidifies the organization’s commitment to fostering greater diversity within the cybersecurity field. Building upon its initial announcement of five founding partners, (ISC)² has welcomed an additional eight organizations to join forces, all sharing a dedication to breaking down barriers and empowering underrepresented groups in cybersecurity. This emphasis on diversifying the field is not only essential for inclusivity but also helps address the current workforce gap of 3.4 million professionals worldwide.
The new partners include The Women’s Society of Cyberjutsu (WSC), Minorities in Cyber (MiC), Slamm Aid (SA), CyberSafe Foundation, Latinas in Cyber (LAIC), Hacking the Workforce (HtW), Willyama Cyber, and BlackGirlsHack Foundation. By partnering with these leading organizations, (ISC)² aims to create a robust and inclusive ecosystem that empowers underrepresented groups to thrive in the cybersecurity field. This commitment ensures that the cybersecurity workforce reflects the diversity found in global communities.
(ISC)² provides various forms of support to each partner, including partnership promotion, co-branded and DEI-focused webinars, grants for education and exams, as well as co-branded toolkits and guides. These resources aim to assist leaders, organizations, and professionals in their DEI journeys and career development. Additionally, each partnership includes an agreement to increase the number of diverse professionals entering, staying, and advancing within the cybersecurity profession by providing access to the (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) entry-level certification. This initiative is part of the One Million Certified in Cybersecurity program, which aims to provide cybersecurity career seekers with an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of cybersecurity.
Under each partnership agreement, the organizations have committed to providing access to the CC exam and training to a specified number of participants. For example, Blacks United in Leading Technology International will offer this opportunity to 250 participants, while The Women’s Society of Cyberjutsu aims to support 200 participants. The Australian Women in Security Network, BlackGirlsHack Foundation, Slamm Aid, Minorities in Cyber, CyberSafe Foundation, Latinas in Cyber, Cyversity, Hacking the Workforce, and Willyama Cyber will also provide various levels of access.
The Director of Operations of Slamm Aid, Francisca Boateng, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with (ISC)². Boateng emphasized the shared goal of reaching one million people through their respective campaigns and working together to bridge the digital divide, empower communities, and unlock the full potential of digital education. This sentiment reflects the collective passion shared by (ISC)² and its partners to create a brighter future.
Dwan Jones, the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at (ISC)², spoke about the commitment to supporting individuals throughout their career development. These partnerships help empower talented individuals from diverse backgrounds to acquire valuable skills in the cybersecurity field. By focusing on the education and professional development of underrepresented groups, (ISC)² aims to bridge the significant workforce gap and drive positive change within the industry.
To expand and strengthen these partnerships, (ISC)² is hosting its inaugural 2023 Global DEI Summit in Washington, D.C. The event brings together (ISC)² DEI partners and DEI leaders from academia, nonprofit organizations, and the public and private sectors. With a recognized lack of diversity and inclusion as a prominent barrier to entry into the cyber workforce, the summit will focus on actionable solutions to advance diversity in the cybersecurity profession.
For more information about (ISC)² and its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, visit their website at https://www.isc2.org/DEI.
About (ISC)²
(ISC)² is an international nonprofit membership association dedicated to inspiring a safe and secure cyber world. The organization is best known for the acclaimed Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP®) certification. With over 425,000 certified cyber, information, software, and infrastructure security professionals, (ISC)² strives to make a difference and advance the industry. The association’s vision is supported by its commitment to educate and reach the general public through its charitable foundation, The Center for Cyber Safety and Education™. For more information on (ISC)², visit www.isc2.org or follow them on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.