Happy International Women’s Day!
“You’ll never make it in technology!” commented the computer science professor when a female student contacted him to clarify a few topics. That single sentence devastated her to the point where she chose to switch departments. The social stigma around women in technology didn’t help either to convince her to continue pursuing her dreams.
The technology industry lost another wonderful female contributor due to the prevailing misogyny. Therefore, on this special occasion of International Women’s Day, we aim to fight against these gender misconceptions, and inspire and empower girls and women dreaming of forging a career in cybersecurity.
The Common Gender Misconceptions in Technology
The prevalence of gender misconceptions in technology is one of the biggest roadblocks to increasing women’s representation in the field. Therefore, we must understand and tear down these false beliefs to assure every girl that technology is a field for them too.
Women are less capable in technical subjects and roles.
The common fallacy that limits women from venturing out of dark places into the bright technology field is that women are inherently less capable in technical fields like computer science. But this is an outdated misconception rooted in historical societal norms rather than actual ability.
Historically, women were relegated to domestic roles, limiting their access to education and, therefore, the skills needed for technical careers. This societal structure made it appear as though women were less capable when, in reality, it was the lack of opportunities, not innate ability, that was the barrier.
With advancements in women’s rights and equality, women now have greater access to education and careers. Given equal opportunities, they have demonstrated that they can achieve the same level of technical expertise as men. Therefore, the stereotype that women are less capable in technology is a historical one and should be left in the past. Instead, we should recognize that ability is not gender-dependent but rather dependent on access to education and opportunities.
Women are not interested in technical jobs.
This misconception finds its roots in childhood. Traditionally, girls are encouraged to play with dolls and creative toys, steering them away from construction sets or science kits that evoke interest in science and technology. This early socialization can influence career choices and be misinterpreted as women showing no interest in technology.
According to a research paper by Keio University, children assume roles based on their gender at an early age and prefer to act suitably for their sex to fit into society. Other factors, such as the lack of role models, discouraging remarks, and gender stereotypes growing up, compel girls to take up safe career choices despite having an interest in technology.
Fortunately, this false narrative is changing with efforts to gender-neutralize toys in the form of digital gadgets, thereby equally stimulating girls’ and boys’ interest in science and technology. Many women are now passionately working in technology, making significant contributions to the industry.
Promoting women in cybersecurity is solely for diversity purposes.
While there have been genuine efforts to improve women's representation in technology, some dismiss it as simply being for the sake of pushing gender equality rather than women being qualified for the job. This misconception severely scars the young women who aim to work in the field when, in fact, it's not true.
This misconception is gracefully challenged by talented women whose achievements shine brighter than those who question their abilities. Today, women occupy more leadership roles in cybersecurity than men, according to the ISC2 report. The next section of the article also highlights several prominent women who skillfully broke barriers and overcame obstacles to become the stars of the field.
Moreover, employers can address this mistaken belief by improving transparency in recruitment and promotion criteria, efforts to overcome unconscious bias, and working towards creating an inclusive culture open to honest discussions about sensitive issues such as gender diversity, equity, and inclusion.
The Growing Representation of Women in Cybersecurity
According to a survey reported by ISC2, women account for only about 24% of the total workforce in cybersecurity. Things, however, are not as bleak as they were for women interested in this field. In recent years, the representation of women in cybersecurity has been growing driven by various factors such as:
1. Increased Awareness and Advocacy
A major driving force that is helping combat gender imbalance in the cybersecurity landscape is the rising awareness of the gender gap in the field. Worldwide, educational institutions, organizations such as WiCyS, advertising agencies, and industry associations have been actively working to raise awareness of the importance of gender diversity in cybersecurity and to create more inclusive environments.
This heightened awareness, in conjunction with advocacy efforts to promote diversity and inclusion, has contributed to increased representation of women in the field.
2. Educational Initiatives
Educational intuitions have been at the forefront in encouraging young women and girls to pursue careers in STEM careers, including cybersecurity. These efforts have led to a greater number of women entering the field. Educational initiatives such as coding camps, cybersecurity competitions, and mentorship programs specifically targeted at girls and women have helped to bridge the gender gap in cybersecurity.
3. Industry Recognition of Team Diversity Benefits
Research has shown that diverse teams are more innovative, productive, and better equipped to address complex challenges. Recognizing this, many organizations in the cybersecurity industry are actively working to increase the representation of women in their workforce. A broader team with varying experiences and skills, different thinking and interpretation styles, will aid in better understanding the cyberthreat landscapes and create better solutions.
4. Supportive Networks and Communities
One crucial factor for thriving in both professional and personal life among women is their support circle. Because these supportive networks and communities encourage, motivate, and guide girls and women in a way that most common groups fail to do. These networks help to connect women in the field, share knowledge and experiences, and provide support and encouragement to overcome challenges.
Some of the leading cybersecurity support groups for women include the Women’s Society of Cyberjutsu (WSC), CybHER, The Diana Initiative, and so on.
Prominent Women in Cybersecurity
Despite the grueling obstacles, some women bravely marched forward and rose to be influential figures in the field. Some of them include:
Parisa Tabriz
When one of the websites she made in college was hacked, Parisa Tabriz wanted to know why it happened and that led to her interest in web security. Fast forward, she is now popularly known as Google’s ‘Security Princess’, leading a team of white hat hackers to weed out vulnerabilities or weaknesses in the Google Chrome Brower before bad actors can exploit them. By overseeing the security of the Chrome browser, Parisa is ensuring the safety and security of billions of users worldwide. In addition to her significant contributions to Chrome security, Parisa is also known for her advocacy for improving internet security and privacy.
Katie Moussouris
Katie Moussouris is a well-known figure in cybersecurity, recognized for her work in establishing and promoting bug bounty programs. She played a key role in creating some of the first bug bounty programs for Microsoft and the Pentagon, significantly impacting how organizations approach vulnerability disclosure and engage with the hacker community. Katie founded Luta Security, a company specializing in designing and implementing vulnerability coordination and bug bounty programs. Her efforts have not only helped organizations secure their systems but also legitimized ethical hacking as a valuable component of cybersecurity.
Eva Chen
The co-founder and CEO of cybersecurity company Trend Micro, Eva Chen is one of the three most powerful Taiwanese women in technology. Under her leadership, the company has grown into one of the largest cybersecurity firms in the world, quickly pioneering new products and solutions. Chen advocates strongly for diversity in the IT industry through initiatives like ‘Close the Gap’, which was launched in 2018 to help women find more opportunities in technology.
Lorrie Faith Cranor
When privacy was becoming a big issue while she was in graduate school, Lorrie Cranor became interested in internet policy issues. She then worked her way up to become a cybersecurity researcher and privacy expert known for her work in usable privacy and security. Cranor describes herself as a ‘cyber-feminist’ and has served as the Chief Technologist at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and is currently a professor at Carnegie Mellon University. So far, she has authored over 150 research papers on online privacy, usable privacy and security, and other key topics.
Jane Frankland
Jane Frankland started her journey in cybersecurity by starting Corsaire company in 1997, and now is an entrepreneur, author, and advocate for women in cybersecurity. She is the founder of the IN Security Movement, which aims to empower women to pursue careers in cybersecurity and support diversity and inclusion efforts within the industry. With the same title, she authored a book that explores the gender gap in cybersecurity and provides insights and strategies for addressing it.
Thoughts from our Female Cybersecurity Colleague
To celebrate the representation of women in cybersecurity, we conducted an exclusive interview with one of our female colleagues in a cybersecurity role. She shared her career journey and insights, providing a firsthand look at the experience of being a woman in the field.
Could you tell us about yourself and your current role in cybersecurity?
My name is Cal, and I’m a Product Marketing Manager at Sangfor Technologies, responsible for two product lines – NDR and XDR. As a PMM, my role goes beyond simply marketing our products; it's about creating a connection between our solutions and the practical needs of our customers. To do this, I translate complex technical features into clear, compelling messages and strategies that resonate with our market audience. I also feed back customers’ pain points to our R&D teams to guide them in developing new features and capabilities to address customer challenges.
Could you share your journey into the cybersecurity field? What inspired you to choose this career path?
My entry into cybersecurity was a progression from my time in the telecommunications and networking sector. It was in the networking industry that I first got a glimpse into the world of cybersecurity. What really drew me in was the dynamic, ever-changing nature of cybersecurity. The idea of being in a constant battle against cyber criminals and formulating new technologies and strategies to outwit them inspired me to specialize in this domain.
What do you enjoy most about working in cybersecurity?
The most fulfilling part of my role is the sense of impact. It's incredibly fulfilling to know that the products and solutions I’m in charge of play a crucial part in protecting businesses from cyber threats. This is especially true when each piece of content I create resonates emotionally with our users, making complex cybersecurity concepts more relatable and understandable to them to guide their decisions. What’s more, the constant need for innovation in this field keeps me engaged and always learning.
What have been some of the biggest challenges you have faced in the cybersecurity industry as a woman, and how have you overcome them?
One of the significant challenges has been overcoming stereotypes and biases. Initially, it was tough to establish credibility in a male-dominated industry. I've overcome these challenges by focusing on continuous learning and demonstrating expertise through results, allowing me to strive with confidence and resilience.
On International Women's Day, what message would you like to share with women worldwide aspiring to enter the field of cybersecurity?
To women aspiring to enter cybersecurity: your unique perspectives and skills are invaluable in this field. Be vocal, never shy away from asking questions, no matter how insignificant they may seem. Embrace the challenges and opportunities; your contributions can lead to a more secure digital world. Remember, diversity strengthens cybersecurity. Never underestimate the power of your potential to make a significant impact.
Join the Cybersecurity Field!
Now is the time to break through all the barriers and enter the growing field of cybersecurity – an industry with a shortage of 4 million professionals needed to adequately secure digital assets worldwide. Here are some of the avenues for females to better understand and join the cybersecurity field:
Women in Cybersecurity (WiCyS)
Started by Dr. Ambareen Siraj, WiCyS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to recruiting, retaining, and advancing women in cybersecurity. It offers networking opportunities, mentorship programs, scholarships, and conferences focused on supporting women in the field.
National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT)
NCWIT provides resources, programs, and initiatives to encourage women's participation in computing fields, including cybersecurity. It offers scholarships, awards, and networking opportunities for female students and professionals.
Women's Society of Cyberjutsu (WSC)
Another popular nonprofit organization that is dedicated to empowering women to succeed in cybersecurity careers is WSC. It offers training, certification preparation, mentorship programs, and networking events tailored to the needs of women in the industry.
Join Us!
Sangfor prides itself on fostering a diverse and meritocratic work environment. We are always on the lookout for talented individuals across a broad range of technical positions in cybersecurity and cloud computing. Explore the latest job openings on our careers page and start your journey with Sangfor today!
Scholarships for Women in Cybersecurity
WSC’s CyberVista Scholarship Program
SANS Women's Cyber Academy Scholarship
Center for Cyber Safety and Education Women's Scholarships
Executive Women's Forum (EWF) Scholarship Program
Final Thoughts
This International Women’s Day, let us renew our commitment to dismantling gender misconceptions in technology, particularly in cybersecurity. Despite the challenges presented by societal stereotypes and the underrepresentation of women, there’s a growing momentum to change the narrative. Through increased awareness, educational initiatives, and supportive networks, we are witnessing a positive shift towards a more inclusive and diverse cybersecurity workforce. Empowering women to pursue their interests in this dynamic field is not just a matter of equity; it enhances innovation and security for all. Let’s continue to support and celebrate the contributions of women in technology, shaping a more equitable future for the next generation.
Happy International Women’s Day Once Again!
