In recognition of International Women’s Day (IWD), which is coming up on Friday, March 8, we celebrate women around the world, including women working in information technology and in cybersecurity. Just last year, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) announced that they had signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) in order to work to bridge the gender gap in cybersecurity.
Based on findings in the 2018 (ISC)2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, women working in cybersecurity account for only 24% of the overall workforce, and this statistic is often linked to low representation in STEM careers.
If you or someone you know is considering a career in cybersecurity:
- Check out CyberSeek’s interactive map to view the number of national and international job openings.
- Learn more on their website about pathways for cybersecurity careers and job roles.
- Visit websites for the University of Washington’s educational programs, including:
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- UW Bothell’s MS in Cybersecurity Engineering
- UW Tacoma’s Master of Cybersecurity and Leadership
- iSchool’s Information & Cybersecurity Specialization
- UW Professional & Continuing Education’s various cybersecurity certificate programs, including Cybersecurity Risk Management, Ethical Hacking, and more!
- Additionally, learn about the UW International Policy Institute’s Cybersecurity Initiative.
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- Read about Jen Easterly, Director of CISA, a role model for success in cybersecurity and public service.
And check out resources, such as countdown cards, email signatures, and meeting backgrounds, to join in the IWD celebration.
Resources
- CISA: The Future of Women in Cyber
- (ISC)2 : Women in Cybersecurity (pdf)
- Cybersecurity Ventures: Women in Cybersecurity Report (pdf)
- International Women’s Day: Inspire Inclusion