Why Cyber Has Become the Next Big Career Boom for Women
As Operations Program Manager for Forge Institute, Crystal Hartman is one among the roughly 25% of women serving in the cyber industry. According to Hartman, that percentage is very much likely to grow, as cyber and infosec present an opportunity for women to choose a career path that is in high demand and actively looking to diversify.
“The cyber field is in tremendous need of diverse talent,” says Hartman. “As a woman in cyber security, you would also have the opportunity to help break down barriers and challenge the status quo.”
Breaking down barriers is important, but Hartman also acknowledges that cyber presents a number of practicalities that women find appealing – including high pay and a step-up career path. Cailin Robbins, an instructor for Starbase Arkansas, agrees. “Cyber opens the door to many opportunities,” she says. But there are obstacles women face when building a successful career in cyber, which is a legitimate detriment to the industry across the board. Diverse threat-hunting teams generally locate threats in a more comprehensive fashion. “The cyberindustry could prioritize inclusivity as well as equal compensation for all,” says Robbins.
The statistics underscore Robbins’ concerns. According to a study from Pew Research Center, women make up roughly 25% of the cybersecurity workforce, globally earning less than three-quarters (72%) of their male counterparts. For Kimberly Blackmon, also an instructor at Starbase Arkansas, her advice to employers is simple: “Pay women an equitable salary and make sure you have a female-friendly benefits package.”
Making cyber careers appeal to women is more than just an exercise in equality. According to Cybersecurity Ventures data, in the U.S. alone, there are more than 700,000 unfilled cybersecurity jobs. Because cyber defense is only as good as its weakest link, so many open positions in cyber and infosec could be considered a national security issue.
Not surprisingly, providing safety and security has its appeals to women. “The opportunity to learn what I can do to help others implement secure measures to prevent cyber attacks,” says Blackmon.
Hartman agrees. “Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, and I was immediately intrigued by the challenge of staying on top of the latest vulnerabilities, tech solutions and workforce opportunities.”
Since its founding, Forge Institute has recognized that cyber and infosec presents a good opportunity for women to build a career and develop highly sought skills. Forge training has been instrumental in helping place women in key cyber positions. “I've been able to gain more marketable skills for the evolving workforce,” says Kalia Foster, a Cyber Analyst for the Arkansas Cyber Defense Center.
Robbins echoed the sentiment. “Through Forge’s cyber training program I was able to form the necessary connections and develop the baseline qualifications needed to work in the STEM field.”
While organizations like Forge are important to bringing more women into the cyber community, there are ways we can better pave this career path for women:
Engage girls in STEM early. “I think more empowerment/inspiration would come from tech classes and training that involved girl themes,” suggests Jacquie Burke.
Make cybersecurity more visible to women. “So much of what women are doing in other industries can be applied to cyber,” says Hartman. Women need to know that cyber is a viable option.
More role models. According to a recent study, 70% of those who have some or a lot of knowledge of cybersecurity said that they had a role model who encouraged them to learn more about the field.“STEM focused curriculum could empower women if it taught more about the women who made history,” says Robbins.
In the meantime, the need for more cybersecurity and infosec professionals grows. Organizations such as Forge Institute are key to bringing more women into the fold, but bad actors on the world wide web aren’t slowing down. We’re inspired by the women standing up to take on these threats.
