Most Women Decide Against a Cybersecurity Career Before Age 16
A new study by Kaspersky Lab reveals that before the age of 16, most young women in the U.S., Europe and Israel have already decided against a career in cybersecurity. This trend is a major factor contributing to the industry’s continued struggle to attract female recruits, as it attempts to both narrow the gender gap in IT security and address the growing skills shortage.
The Global Information Security Workforce Study, conducted by (ISC)² and its Centre for Cyber Safety and Education, found that women comprise only 11 percent of the current cybersecurity workforce. If the industry is going to start encouraging more women into its ranks, Kaspersky Lab claims that cybersecurity’s image among young people needs a revamp. The study found the terminology generally associated with cybersecurity roles – such as ‘hacker’ – is considered to have negative connotations and is unlikely to appeal to young women, two in three of whom say they want to pursue a career they are passionate about instead.