An unsettling number was found by the UK Government’s recent examination of cybersecurity skills in the labor market: women now make up only 17% of the cyber workforce, down from 22% the year before. The persistent skills gap in the industry is exacerbated by this underrepresentation, so it is critical that we address this problem if we are to successfully stem the flow of cyberattacks.
It might be discouraging to watch women continue to fight for equality in this male-dominated industry. In the face of an increase in cyberattacks, it also makes the shortage of trained workers worse. In order to keep this world connected safely, we need to draw from a larger skill pool.