Skillable: Cybersecurity must tackle its gender disparity issues

The cybersecurity industry continues to grapple with significant gender disparities, as highlighted by senior executives at Skillable, a company focused on cybersecurity training and skills development. Lori Cummings, Senior Vice President of People and Culture, and Katie O'Zey, Vice President of Professional Services, have shared insights into the ongoing efforts to enhance gender equity and professional growth for women in this critical field.

Cummings acknowledges progress, albeit gradual, in increasing female representation within cybersecurity. She notes, "Efforts to encourage more women into cybersecurity roles are working, albeit slowly. More women are joining the field to counteract the current three-men-to-every-woman ratio."

This shift is regarded as positive for improving cyber-resilience and addressing the noticeable skills gap in the sector. Organisations with a workforce comprising at least 30% women reportedly experience 40% fewer security incidents, suggesting tangible benefits to gender diversity.

According to Cummings, adopting a skills-based approach can significantly contribute to bridging this gap. "A skills-based approach to upskilling, rewarding, and recognising cyber talent can go a long way in addressing potential disparities," she explains. By making workforce decisions grounded in verified skills rather than assumptions or subjective measures, companies can foster a more equitable workplace and encourage more women to consider and continue in cybersecurity careers.

Katie O'Zey adds perspective on the state of female participation in the cybersecurity workforce. Despite women being outnumbered three-to-one, O'Zey remains optimistic about the future. "The good news is there is no lack of talent and desire from women keen to progress in the industry and hone their skills," she asserts. The increasing number of women earning cybersecurity qualifications and aspiring to senior roles such as C-Suite and Vice President positions is echoed as a positive trend.

O'Zey also highlights the critical role of continuous skills enhancement and diversity expansion. Organisations that invest in developing their cybersecurity teams and promoting skill mastery and diversity will be better equipped to tackle an evolving threat landscape. Emphasising practical training environments,

O'Zey states, "Labs that provide scenario-based training to test someone in the heat of the moment and enable them to practice in a safe space is a key part of this training toolkit." Such initiatives are vital for preparing cybersecurity professionals to effectively apply their knowledge to new and emerging threats.

The commentary from Cummings and O'Zey underscores a broader industry movement towards gender equity. By fostering environments that validate skills and offer equal opportunities alongside tailored training programmes, the cybersecurity industry aims to not only close the gender gap but also to fortify its defence capabilities against the rising tide of cyber threats.

While challenges remain, the commitment to gender equity and skills development is positioned as a critical strategy for sustaining and advancing the industry's resilience and efficacy.