Cybersecurity needs women — and it needs to treat them better

January 27, 2025 – Published on CSO Online

Well into the 21st century, women still make up only 25% of the cybersecurity workforce — a mind-boggling issue that security leaders, cyber pros, and the industry at large must work to address.

The participation of women in cybersecurity is vital, a non-negotiable proposition. Forget any current handwringing over diversity and equity; it’s fundamental that the contribution of women to the profession has made cybersecurity better.

The proverbial door was kicked open long ago for women, who have made major contributions to the development of information security. But it’s the 21st century and there remain numerous barriers to their entry and advancement.

A wide consensus exists that the pipeline to bring women into the cybersecurity field isn’t starting soon enough. There remains a noticeable gap in how early students, particularly young women, are exposed to cybersecurity as a viable career path.

”To pave the way for the next generation of cybersecurity professionals, we need to incorporate cybersecurity into the education systems before higher education,” says Emily O’Carroll, field CISO at Guidepoint Security. “It will be critical to expose young women to cybersecurity opportunities early, get them interested, and demonstrate that they can work in this highly technical STEM field.”

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