The Need for Diversity in the Cybersecurity Workforce

By 2021, there will be 3.5 million cybersecurity job openings. This may be a good time to go back to school to be trained in IT. It’s also a good idea to read everything you can get your hands on about cybercrime, particularly the latest breaches and why companies ended up so exposed.

With the major shortage of cybersecurity professionals today, companies may rush to fill in the gap as quickly as possible. However, it’s best if employers think about diversity as they’re hiring the best candidates, even if that means hiring at a slower pace. Historically, certain demographics, like women, have been underrepresented in the field of cybersecurity. Adding variety to your team means diversity in experience, leadership, and perspectives — all traits that are beneficial for business.

For employers, this growth represents an opportunity: By embracing people of all demographics and backgrounds, we can shape the future of this burgeoning field through diverse perspectives and skill sets. Whether you want to work in the field or you’re a business owner who needs to expand your team, consider today’s pressing diversity issues before taking the next step.

Cyber Risk Is Growing

The internet of things has brought with it an influx of risk. Every time an individual or a business uses another device to connect to the internet, they create new potential vulnerabilities, putting their information at risk. Here’s what can happen if those cybersecurity roles aren’t filled:

• Credit card information can be stolen and used to make purchases under your name.

• Security systems can be hacked, allowing criminals to enter your home without your security alarm going off.

• Internet-connected devices, like home security cameras or smoke detectors, can be breached.

Cybersecurity experts do much more than simply monitor networks and systems to offer help when a risk or breach has been detected. They can also teach management and employees useful cybersecurity tips so that data can be kept safe internally.

The Gender Gap

Right now, women represent 20 percent of the cybersecurity workforce, and they will exceed that number by the end of the year. While that number seems low, it’s actually proof that the number of women in the field is rising. In 2013, that number was only 11 percent.

A large reason why there are so few women in cybersecurity positions is perception. Historically, these jobs have felt “masculine” — women may have believed that they couldn’t or shouldn’t get a cybersecurity position because it was a sort of boy’s club. This is a belief that is instilled in women at a young age, and that belief can persist even as some women opt to gain IT training or work. As a result, women are seriously underrepresented in the field.

Underrepresented Minorities

While there’s a pressing need for more women in the cybersecurity field, minority groups are greatly underrepresented as well. Right now, Caucasians are the most represented ethnicity in tech fields. It’s often harder for minorities to attain the same positions as Caucasians. Even in companies where an ethnic minority secure a managerial job, they were often more qualified for the position than their white counterparts. Minorities are also often paid less than Caucasians in equivalent positions.

Whether we’re discussing the need for more women or people of color, the call for diversity is not simply a way of saying, “Look, we’re a company that believes in diversity — here’s our workforce.” Instead, the goal is to expand how much intelligence can be gleaned from a cybersecurity team.

The more people, experiences and backgrounds, the better chance there is of defending networks. Varied skill sets are becoming increasingly important in cybersecurity. While strong technical skills will always be a boon to candidates in the field, employers are looking for diverse candidates to expand the overall perspective of their workforce.

How Businesses Can Encourage Diversity

Modern companies recognize the importance of having a more diverse workplace. To encourage diversity in the workplace and make it part of the business’ culture, those hiring can take a number of steps:

• Create an executive leadership program and encourage all employees to learn more about it and apply.

• Offer training programs so that employees can develop professionally. Training programs can help employees develop more confidence in their job and their future at the company, which can lead to a stronger commitment to the job.

• Create a mentorship program so that employees who are struggling or need advice have an ally to turn to. Mentors may also learn about diversity issues and offer management advice on what needs to change.

Ultimately, creating a diverse workplace is about ensuring everyone knows they have a voice and that it’s taken seriously, regardless of who is speaking up to make suggestions, voice concerns, or discuss their career path.

Final Thoughts

Cybersecurity is a complex and diverse field. To foresee problems and create innovative ways to change with ever-evolving threats, an equally diverse team needs to be working together. Without hiring the best people for the job, regardless of their gender or ethnicity, you won’t know if you’ve truly put together the best, most skilled team possible.