In a significant boost to efforts promoting diversity and education in cybersecurity, Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) has been awarded a $250,000 grant from the Center for Internet Security, Inc. (CIS) through the Alan Paller Laureate Program. This initiative underscores CIS’s commitment to supporting organizations dedicated to closing the workforce gap in cybersecurity, particularly for women. WiCyS, a nonprofit organization, intends to allocate the grant towards its Security Training Scholarship program. This program aims to equip women with crucial skills necessary for success in cybersecurity roles, with a specific focus on training participants in the CIS Critical Security Controls®. These controls are pivotal in fortifying organizational defenses against cyber threats, making proficiency in them highly valuable in the industry.
The grant will enable WiCyS to expand its outreach and impact, fostering greater diversity within the cybersecurity sector. By offering educational opportunities through the Security Training Scholarship program, WiCyS aims to uncover hidden talent and empower women to pursue long-term careers in cybersecurity. This initiative not only addresses the critical shortage of cybersecurity professionals but also aligns with broader industry efforts to enhance workforce diversity and inclusivity.
Tony Sager, CIS Senior Vice President and Chief Evangelist, expressed enthusiasm about the grant’s potential impact, noting the increased diversity and quality of applications received for the Alan Paller Laureate Program. He highlighted WiCyS’s commitment to Alan Paller’s vision of cultivating cybersecurity talent and praised the organization for its proactive approach in advancing cybersecurity education and career opportunities for women. The grant reflects CIS’s ongoing dedication to advancing cybersecurity best practices and promoting the legacy of its founder in nurturing the next generation of cybersecurity leaders.
WiCyS continues to play a pivotal role in advocating for women in cybersecurity, supported by partnerships and initiatives aimed at bridging the gender gap in the industry. With the backing of CIS’s grant, WiCyS is poised to expand its educational initiatives, empower more women in cybersecurity, and contribute significantly to shaping a more diverse and resilient cybersecurity workforce for the future.
