Reed Women in Technology Community’s Post

Thank you, Dark Reading, for featuring my article on the Diverse Cybersecurity Workforce Act of 2024. Ensuring the cybersecurity workforce becomes more diverse isn't possible without building a talent pipeline that looks like the world around us. That pipeline must be created by tapping into underrepresented communities. What's great is that the Act offers Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency a way to create a structure that supports these efforts through intentional resources and programming designed to empower finding the hidden talent, creating accessibility and opportunity to elevate those with aptitude, grit and determination. We need to build real-world cyber skills and launch women into this space with the lucrative careers that cybersecurity offers. Article: https://lnkd.in/gJmz-J3w #womenincybersecurity #womenincyber #informationsecurity #infosec #womenintechnology #womenintech #cyber #cyberjobs #inclusionmatters

Thank you for sharing this important article and your advocacy for a more diverse cybersecurity workforce. I agree that building a robust talent pipeline from underrepresented communities is crucial to filling the growing number of cybersecurity jobs and strengthening our national security. However, as your article highlights, simply establishing programs and resources is not enough. We need to ensure that these initiatives are truly effective in reaching and empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds. This requires a multifaceted approach that goes beyond simply creating awareness and providing training opportunities. I would like to propose a few additional recommendations to complement the efforts outlined in the Diverse Cybersecurity Workforce Act of 2024: Targeted Outreach: We need to go beyond generic outreach and develop tailored programs that address the specific needs and challenges faced by different underrepresented groups. For instance, caregivers may require flexible learning options and childcare support, while individuals in rural areas may need assistance with broadband access and technical skills development. Mentorship and Support Networks: Establishing mentorship programs and support networks can be instrumental in helping individuals from underrepresented communities navigate the cybersecurity landscape, overcome imposter syndrome, and build lasting careers in the field. Accountability and Transparency: It is crucial to establish robust accountability and audit mechanisms to ensure that funding and resources are allocated effectively and that programs are achieving their intended goals. This includes setting clear metrics, conducting independent audits, and requiring regular reporting on progress towards diversity and inclusion goals. Promoting Inclusive Culture: We need to foster a culture of inclusion within the cybersecurity industry, where individuals from all backgrounds feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives and skills. By implementing these recommendations, we can create a more equitable and effective pathway for underrepresented groups to enter and thrive in the cybersecurity workforce. I look forward to collaborating with you and other stakeholders to make this vision a reality.

The #CyberSkillsAcademy aims to close the #cybersecurity gap and build an inclusive cyber community! 🛡️ With the EU facing a shortage of cybersecurity professionals, everyone is crucial for Europe's digital future. However, only 20% of cybersecurity graduates are women! Join the Women4Cyber Network, a collaboration between the European Commission and the Women4Cyber Foundation, uniting skilled women in cybersecurity, fostering the creation of role models to attract girls to cybersecurity professions and combat gender-related stereotypes. 🌟 Whether you're seeking inspiration or aiming to inspire others, be part of the movement to encourage more women to pursue cybersecurity. Check the #Home4DigitalSkills and join the Women4Cyber network: https://lnkd.in/dCAYmWnE

STEM diversity is essential for developing the next generation of cybersecurity talent and innovation. Through our partnership with Actua, Mastercard is empowering underrepresented youth with STEM and digital-safety skills to prepare them for the careers of tomorrow. Together, we are fostering diverse talent and equipping the next generation of innovators to navigate and secure the digital world. This builds on our investment in the Global Intelligence and Cyber Centre of Excellence in Vancouver, where we build cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions that help create a safer digital future. Watch this short clip and explore the full video on our newsroom, as well as all of our strategic partnerships across Canada: https://lnkd.in/ejDTAZSp.   #STEMEducation #Cybersecurity #Innovation #DigitalEconomy  

The Cyber Guild continues to move the needle by growing the field of cybersecurity professionals

Wondering how to kickstart your career in cyber security? Check out this blog featuring Dr Arathy Jose MBCS, a former medicinal chemist who successfully transitioned into a cyber security role at Cyro Cyber after completing our CAPSLOCK's training programme. Discover how Arathy overcame challenges, gained valuable skills and landed a fulfilling career in cyber security! #Cybersecurity #CybersecurityTraining #CareerTransition #WomeninTech #Blog

On every occasion where we could introduce (more) women into the team I saw great improvements on many levels. Let's motivate more of them to join, cybersecurity is a very rewarding job, potentially for life. Historically, women have been problem solvers and innovators, contributing significantly to society. In today's world, where cyber threats are evolving at an unprecedented pace, it’s clear that we cannot afford to exclude women from the cyber security equation. New research from The Female Quotient and Deloitte found that 50% of young women interested in cyber security believe they lack sufficient knowledge about the field. This misconception is a barrier that must be dismantled. #cybersecurity #womenintech

👩💻 As cyber threats become more sophisticated, tapping into unique perspectives and talents is more important than ever to strengthen our collective defences. The Women in Cyber event is designed to inspire female students and professionals to explore cybersecurity careers while highlighting the importance of fostering diversity to build a stronger digital world. 📨 Register here for your visitor pass: www.sicw.gov.sg #CyberSecurityWeek #DigitalTrust #GlobalInnovation #DigitalFuture #TechLeadership  

We’ve been keeping a secret….. Introducing the newest kid on the block: “Skadi: Threat Hunter.” When an ordinary teenager boots up her computer, she transforms into Skadi: a covert cyber threat hunter. In the digital shadows, she combats malevolent hackers and insidious malware. But a formidable new adversary emerges, pushing her skills to their limits. In this graphic novel trilogy created by Chris Cochran and Myself, and illustrated by Michael Lynn Animation Studio, we meet a new trio of heroes for todays YA audience. Poignant themes from our industry are center stage like the inclusion and training up of non-traditional talent and hackers and hunters working together; underwritten by the importance of personal growth, teamwork, and confronting one’s weaknesses and fears. And yes, there are screaming goats. As avid comic readers, nerds, sci-fi fans, and acclaimed infosec professionals Chris Cochran and I have ensured no detail was spared and created a product we’d want to read. The cyber theory is relatable, the art is beautiful, the quirks are endearing and we hid about 20 cyber pop-culture Easter eggs. We also feature villains and personalities paying homage to real people and colleagues in our industry. And a monumental thank you to our sponsors CISO XC and AKA Identity for making this dream a reality. We hope you’ll enjoy consuming it as much as we loved creating it for you. Especially if you watched Dragonball Z, Tron, or Sailor Moon as a kid. 😉 #cybersecurity #graphicnovel

We know it can be really challenging and expensive to recuirt, especially when thinking about younger talent. However the newest generation of talent that is entering the workforce right now have some fantastic ideas and were born into this technically advanced world and new tech is second nature to them. This is a real opportunity to take some of the challenge and pain out of recruiting new young talent.