The role of women in cybersecurity

In one of the largest studies of the information security profession ever conducted, (ISC)2 takes a closer look at the makeup of the cybersecurity workforce.

The 2017 Global Information Security Workforce Study took place June-September 2016 through a web-based survey with over 19,000 information security professionals from 170 nations responding.¹

Since its first release in 2004, the study gauges the opinions of information security professionals, and provides detailed insight into important trends and opportunities within the profession. The findings of the study are released in a series of dedicated reports, including the Women in Cybersecurity report.

10 key takeaways from the Women in Cybersecurity report:²

• Females are approximately 50 percent of the global population, yet only 11 percent are represented globally in the cybersecurity profession.
• Fifty one percent of women versus 45 percent of men hold graduate level degrees, yet hold significantly fewer positions in executive management.
• Globally, men are four times more likely to hold C- and executive-level positions, and nine times more likely to hold managerial positions than women.
• In 2016, women in cybersecurity earned less than men at every level.
• Women who receive sponsorship and mentorship are more likely to be successful.
• Women who have been mentored, sponsored, and offered participation in leadership development programs have higher levels of job satisfaction.
• Fifty one percent of women experienced various forms of discrimination in the workplace.
• Women who report higher levels of access to sponsorship feel most valued in their organization.
• Women who feel valued in the workplace also benefitted from leadership development programs in greater numbers that women who feel undervalued.
• Women in management roles have a wider variety of undergraduate degrees than their male counterparts.

Learn more about Capella’s information cybersecurity degree programs.