Mentorships are often part of the process of growing into leadership positions in cybersecurity.
U.S. companies will add nearly 550,000 new jobs in computer and IT through 2028, a rate higher than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Of those jobs, the bureau predicts a 32% growth rate for information security analysts. Women are emerging as cybersecurity experts, with the expectation of a much larger influx of women entering the field.
Women are ascending into senior or leadership positions within their companies, often through different pathways, according to the results of the Women in Cybersecurity Survey to be presented by SANS Institute in two webcasts later this month.
Some 41% of respondents credited being in the right place at the right time for their rise into senior or leadership positions. That means they had to make themselves visible to decision-makers. Others credited having varied experiences (38%) or pursuing certifications (34%) with their rise into a senior or leadership positions, both of which are within the control of the individual.
Mentorships are often part of the process of growing into leadership positions and continuing to grow once taking on such a role; however, only 7% of women in cybersecurity have been mentored by another woman, with 37% mentored by both men and women, and 31% by men alone, which leaves 25% who have never benefited from being mentored.
SANS Institute’s Heather Mahalik
Most survey respondents have done just that, with just 26% not participating in a mentorship relationship. Interestingly, the majority (57%) report mentoring both men and women, a positive sign for growing the leadership role of women in cybersecurity.
To find out more about the growing influence of women in cybersecurity, we spoke with Heather Mahalik, SANS analyst and survey author.
Channel Futures: Why is it important for more women to obtain leadership roles in cybersecurity?
Heather Mahalik: Why not? We have been in the field for quite some time and are gaining traction, so obtaining a leadership role fits the bill. Women taking more leadership roles also promotes attention to younger women who want to enter the field and have career goals to climb the so-called corporate ladder. It’s important to show that leadership in cybersecurity is gender neutral.
CF: How important is mentoring in attracting and opening more doors for women in cybersecurity?
HM: Mentoring is important to everyone. Meeting and knowing the right people can really open doors for you and someone entering the field. I have mentored many people in my life and made introductions for them that have really launched their careers. We need more mentors. Please reach out to someone new to cybersecurity and help pave the way for them.
CF: Are there fewer barriers to women becoming cybersecurity leaders? If so, how?
HM: I would say yes. In my opinion, most companies realize that your work is what matters, not your gender. I know many women who run companies and who have started their own. The days of “she is a woman and doesn’t deserve this” are over.
CF: How does getting more women involved help in the fight against cybercriminals?
HM: Bottom line — we need people, women and men included. There is always a shortage of women in cybersecurity and the focus often goes to why. We are trying to push the message to any woman wanting to get involved, learn and have a career that matters. Cybersecurity is important and there are so many facets and specialties one can dive into. I took the plunge into digital forensics 18 years ago and have never looked back.
Women can have a big impact in their organizations regardless of …
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