As a woman in cybersecurity, I think there is a lack of diversity in my field. As you can see in the Women In Cybersecurity chart below, women only represent 20% of the cybersecurity workforce. This is a great improvement since 2013 when we only represented 11%, but I argue that this is still not good enough!
From the Women In Cybersecurity chart you can see there is a large talent gap with a projected 3.5 million cybersecurity jobs needing to be filled in 2021. I talked more about the talent gap in my post Why Are So Many Cybersecurity Jobs Not Being Filled? Since women are underrepresented in the workforce already, we could fill this job gap by improving our marketability and skills.
Women need to join together to support one another and increase our numbers in the cybersecurity workforce. We should be joining groups for several reasons.
- Networking
- Learning new skills
- Improving your marketability
And most importantly
- Giving back by inspiring other women and girls
I have provided a list of three groups that I think can help you advance as a woman in cybersecurity. I have included information on their background, what they can offer you, cost, and how to join.
1.International Consortium of Minority Cybersecurity Professionals (ICMCP)
What it is
ICMCP provides resources to minorities, both students and professionals, within the field of cybersecurity. These resources include mentor programs, job opportunities, skill assessments, and scholarships. ICMCP is a non-profit and is focused on achieving better representation of women and minorities in cybersecurity.
Why you should join
ICMCP gives its members access to multiple educational, networking, and career development tools.
What it costs
Free for students. Beginners are $15 per month, Practitioners are $30 per month, and Executives are $50 per month.
2.CybHER
What it is
CybHER works to empower, motivate, and educated girls K-12 to become cybersecurity professionals. Their mission is to increase diversity within the cybersecurity workforce and to create relationships between current industry professionals and students.
Why you should join
CybHER is a large group with a lot of major sponsors. It has many programs to support and encourage students from elementary school through college. As a professional, it is a great way to give back and build your professional network.
What it costs-
Free! If you are a student you can enter contests, apply for scholarships, summer camps, and awards through their website. If you are a professional you can apply or be nominated to be a CybHER Warrior or a CybHER Star.
3.Executive Women’s Forum (EWF)
What it is
EWF is the largest members only organization for women in the fields of information security, risk management, and privacy. Members are made up of influential female executives and emerging leaders. The first Executive Women’s Forum Conference was held in 2003 as a place for women to exchange ideas and network.
Why you should join
- EWF provides members a chance to network with over 6,000 women
- Annual EWF Conference and year-round events like regional meetings, networking dinners, and industry meet and greets
- Programs such as LIFT mentoring and Leadership Journey
- Cybersecurity Women on Capitol Hill which includes panel discussions and individual congressional meetings
What it costs
The cost of an annual membership is $395. For students and government workers, the cost is $195 a year. You can join by making an account on their website and requesting membership.