A recent report by Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS) and Aleria sheds light on the stark gender disparities in the cybersecurity sector. The State of Inclusion Benchmark in Cybersecurity reveals that women experience significantly worse workplace conditions compared to men, particularly in areas of respect, career growth, and access to opportunities. Despite efforts to address gender inequality, the study underscores the persistence of systemic barriers that hinder the advancement and inclusion of women in cybersecurity roles.
The findings indicate that women encounter exclusion at a rate twice as high as men across various aspects of their professional experiences. Respect emerges as the most compromised category, with women facing a 2.5 times higher exclusion index than men, followed by career growth and access to opportunities. This disparity underscores the pervasive challenges faced by women in the male-dominated cybersecurity industry, where stereotypes and biases continue to impede their progress.
Leadership plays a significant role in perpetuating exclusionary practices, with 58% of respondents attributing their negative experiences to leaders within their organizations. Direct managers also contribute to the problem, with 50% of respondents reporting managerial sources of exclusion. These findings highlight the need for organizational leaders to address systemic issues and foster inclusive environments that value and support the contributions of women in cybersecurity.
The report suggests that strategic partnerships with organizations like WiCyS can significantly mitigate experiences of exclusion and enhance job satisfaction among female cybersecurity professionals. Companies that prioritize inclusive policies demonstrate lower rates of exclusion and higher levels of employee satisfaction, underscoring the business case for diversity and inclusion in the cybersecurity sector.
