Women In Cybersecurity: Shattering The Myths, Once And For All

The story of the young cybersecurity magnate who spent his youth tearing apart computers has been told so many times it is almost a cliché. He got his start coding in the family garage. He graduated top of his class with a computer science degree. He launched his startup (also from the garage), and the rest is history.  

Cybersecurity career

Fortunately, this is not the only way to launch a successful cybersecurity career. Unfortunately, the persistence of this narrative tends to dissuade those who don’t feel they fit the “traditional” mold.

All too often, this applies to women and although some women do achieve titles like CTO, CIO, or CISO, the cybersecurity industry remains heavily male-dominated. The cybersecurity field still struggles to attract women, in large part because they have a hard time picturing themselves within it.

Cybersecurity myths

Cybersecurity companies also often cite diversity as a priority, with a stated goal of bringing new perspectives

Women who find success in cybersecurity should not be outliers, especially currently, at a time when the field is experiencing explosive growth and talent is in high demand.

Cybersecurity companies also often cite diversity as a priority, with a stated goal of bringing new perspectives to the table. To achieve this, it is time to dispel the myths propping up cybersecurity’s intimidating reputation and to tear down the false barriers to entry that are keeping women out. 

Myth #1:

Users need to have a computer science degree to work in cybersecurity

Despite what many people may believe, cybersecurity is something that users can potentially just fall into. Many cybersecurity professionals have undergraduate degrees in fields ranging from English to sociology.

Some might get their start as sales representatives or pharmacy technicians. Succeeding in cybersecurity indeed requires a great deal of passion for the field, but that doesn’t necessarily mean spending user formative years preparing for and following a conventional path. 

Problem-solving approach 

A computer science degree might be helpful, but it’s far from required. This isn’t to say that degrees and certifications aren’t important but skills can be taught.

Ultimately, what defines a good security professional is how they approach problem-solving. For example, a degree in mathematics or philosophy can provide a foundation for practiced logic and problem-solving that translates incredibly well to cybersecurity. 

Self-directed learning

Taking the initiative, self-training and certification can make candidates stand out as driven achievers

Dedicated self-directed learning can also help bridge any knowledge gaps impeding a cybersecurity career. One thing successful leaders tend to have in common is a willingness to keep learning. If things like programming languages, malware analysis, ethical hacking, or other relevant topics interest user, there are ways to acquire that knowledge outside of a traditional degree program.

Taking the initiative, self-training and certification can make candidates stand out as driven achievers. A growing number of job candidates are arriving with self-taught skills, a history of IT-related volunteer work, and boot camp certifications. Knowledge doesn’t just come from a university. 

Myth #2:

Cybersecurity is a field exclusive to men

Despite having the qualifications, skills, and dedication to succeed in cybersecurity, women can be held back by the idea that it’s a field for men. And while it is true that the field continues to be dominated by men, it is far from exclusive to them.

Women currently make up almost 20% of the cybersecurity workforce. That may sound low, but in 2013 women made up just 11% of the cybersecurity workforce so the trend is quickly heading in the right direction.

Imposter syndrome 

If there was ever a time to get into the field, it is current times. This is underscored by the fact that women are more likely to finish college than men, which represents a significant turning point in gender parity and a key indicator for the future of the labor force. But even armed with higher education, many women still face imposter syndrome, especially in a male-dominated field like cybersecurity. They often feel inadequate, even with a track record of demonstrated success.

Tech leaders have traditionally been touted as masculine figures, and it is easy to understand why women often wrestle internally with the problem of measuring up. Finding the right fit and the right corporate culture can make a big difference.

Support and constructive feedback

Women need to help each other, serving as mentors and cheerleaders to others as they break into the field

Companies with a strong, value-led culture that emphasize professional development, support, and constructive feedback are critical to success.

It is also important for women to help each other, serving as both mentors and cheerleaders to others as they break into the field. There are allies throughout this industry, and they will stick around, after all, two-thirds of women in cybersecurity say they plan to stay there for the remainder of their careers. 

Myth #3:

Cybersecurity requires users to code or hack

There are indeed cybersecurity roles that require coding or hacking skills. But they are far outnumbered by positions that do not.

Unfortunately, many cybersecurity job listings include requirements that seem to be designed for a mythical unicorn who can code, hack and understand every job in the industry. This can be especially daunting to women, who studies have shown are prone to underestimate their qualifications.

Flexible job descriptions

Companies need to be more flexible with their job descriptions, or many women will not even apply. On the other side, potential applicants should understand that although cybersecurity job listings may give the impression that only a select few people are qualified enough to apply, this is not the case.

The tech industry is facing an acute talent gap, and this is the most flexible time ever for candidates looking to break into the field. 

Training

Cybersecurity recruiters are looking for candidates who are closely aligned with the technical skills for the job

Currently, there are almost 600,000 unfilled cybersecurity jobs in the U.S. alone. Jobs are open at every level, and many organizations are investing in training programs to get their workers up to speed.

This is an era marked by investment in employee skillsets, particularly in the tech field. Gone are the days of traditional educational backgrounds; cybersecurity recruiters are looking for candidates who are closely aligned with the technical skills for the job and, above all, the right attitude.

Experience

In the cybersecurity world, any experience is a good experience. An entry-level job as a cyber threat analyst might focus mostly on reporting, but it can be leveraged into more hands-on technical support work.

The industry needs talent, and there will always be opportunities to expand user roles and take on new responsibilities if they want them. When those opportunities present themselves, the user simply needs to be the one to raise their hand. Sometimes, all it takes is the drive to volunteer. 

Stepping into the field

The cybersecurity field is changing rapidly. With the right dedication, skill set, and support systems, women are finding success in every corner of the industry.

Old barriers to entry like needing certain degrees, the idea that it is “a man’s field,” or recruiters with unrealistic expectations should no longer keep women up at night. Women are behind some of the most significant cybersecurity operations and innovations.

Cybersecurity career

They are slated to be behind even bigger industry advances in the next five, 10, and 20 years. From entry-level to C-suite, they are already putting in the work. There is a significant opportunity for more women to play a part in that future.

To any person unsure if she should pursue cybersecurity: it’s time to raise her hand. If a user wanted to raise their hand before but did not, raise it currently. Whether that means volunteering for a project, changing roles, or interviewing for a job, the best way to kick off users' cybersecurity careers is to jump in headfirst.