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Importance of Women in Cybersecurity
Cyber security has become one of the fastest-growing fields in technology across the globe today. Despite the continuous growth in cyber security spending and opportunities, women in cybersecurity is also increasing.
Women hold 25 percent of cybersecurity jobs globally in 2022, up from 20 percent in 2019, and around 10 percent in 2013.
5 Ultimate Myths about “Women in cybersecurity
People have lots of wrong ideas and stories that connect to stereotypes and these ideas can make it seem like there aren’t many working in cybersecurity. But the truth is, anyone, no matter their sex assigned at birth or gender can be great at it!
Myths of interconnected stereotypes that influence the lack of women in cybersecurity are:
Myth 1: Cybersecurity is a field exclusive to men
Despite having the qualifications, skills and dedication to succeed in cybersecurity, women can be held back by the idea that it’s a field for men. That’s not true. In xIoTz cyber assurance platform, women make up equally to men with 50% contribution both in the technology and leadership.
In the global market of cybersecurity, women currently make up almost 20% of the workforce. That may sound low, but in 2013 women made up just 11% of the cybersecurity workforce, so the trend is quickly heading in the right direction. If there was ever a time to get into the field, it is now.
Myth 2: Women aren’t good with tech.
Tech skills aren’t gender-based everyone can also code, hack and stop cyber threats with various security measures. Interest is the key factor here. Study shows “In 2021, women made up 24% of the global cybersecurity industry”
Myth 3: Cybersecurity is too hard for women.
Women are growing in recognition of cybersecurity challenges. They are not afraid of the hard stuff. They are also good at keeping their sensitive data safe from security risks.
According to Cybercrime Magazine “By 2025, women will make up 30% of the global cyber security team workforce and 35% by 2031”. They show strength and flexibility.
Myth 4: Women can’t handle cybersecurity pressure.
The women handle the pressure like a pro. In a cyber crisis, they calmly and intelligently defeat threats. The fact that women’s skill sets bring a new perspective to the industry.
Myth 5: Women don’t fit in cybersecurity.
Women are redefining cybersecurity. They introduce new ideas and innovations, and in cybersecurity, in the United States they grew from 11% in 2013 to 24% by 2020. Their contributions make cybersecurity even stronger.
Top 7 Inspiring Stories of Women in Cybersecurity
Rhesa Baar: Manager Security Consulting at Avanade, Netherlands
Jenny Boneva: Vice President, ISACA Sofia Chapter and Chairwoman of Membership Committee, Bulgaria
Alexandra Waterhouse: Opened the first international branch of a Romanian cyber company in Abu Dhabi.
Julie Beck : Has over 20 years of experience in the IT Industry, holds the CEH and obtained a Master’s in Cyber Security from EC-Council in 2019. She graduated with Suma Cum Laude and was the first woman to obtain the Top Academic Award from EC-Council University.
Lisa Jiggetts: Founder of Women’s Society of Cyberjutsu
Beatriz Silveira: SVP, Cyber Intelligence Center Regional Lead APAC, Citi.
Vanessa Padua: Cyber security Executive- Director, Microsoft
Notable Winners of Women in Security Awards 2023
Security Manager: Michelle Agnew
Frontline: Julie Deeming
Business Manager: Debbie Lawmon
Technical: Emma Kay
Contribution to Industry: Sarah-Jane Cork
Special Recognition Award: Baroness Ruth Henig
How xIoTz Women contributes to Cyber Security?
xIoTz is a women lead Cyber security startup: Aradhana Rai, cyberpreneur of xIoTz Cyber Assurance Platform, The winner of prestigious National awards 2023, set a great example in promoting gender diversity through various programs and initiatives.
As a leader, she introduced equity, flexible work, mentorship, gender-neutral recruitment, family-friendly culture, and promotion policies. Her initiatives foster leadership and a supportive workplace, empowering xIoTz members to excel.
40+% workforce are women:
With 40% of its workforce being female and 89% of the company’s equity owned by women, xIoTz successfully promotes gender diversity.
Equity than equality:
Every xIoTzian stands for equal pay, equal treatment, and equal experiences for all of our people, past, present, and future. We strongly believe everyone is equal and we xIoTz ensures that everyone has equal opportunities.
Awards and Achievements:
xIoTz Private Limited is the winner of “National Technology Awards 2023”.
LGBTQ-friendly:
xIoTz Non-Discrimination Policy, Establish a clear and comprehensive workplace specifically prohibits discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression, making xIoTz LGBTQ friendly workplace.
Encourage differently abled:
xIoTz promotes and accommodates the differently abled and provides Remote, work-from-home & Differently-Abled friendly workplace.
Conclusion
The world of cybersecurity is changing, with more women entering the profession. Myths are diminishing and women are proving their presence. With inspirational events and initiatives like xIoTz, the future of cybersecurity is becoming more diverse and inclusive.
Let’s continue to support and empower women in this sector and celebrate their achievements.
Related Terms:
Related blogs:
Top 10 cyber crime against women
International day of women and girls in science
References:
Why we need more women in cybersecurity
A Guide for Women in Cybersecurity
The Importance of Women in Cybersecurity | Utica College
