Mind The Gap! : Explaining Gender Inequality in Cybersecurity

Abstract

There is currently significant underrepresentation of females in the cybersecurity industry caused by low numbers of women entering the field and further compounded by a high rate of women choosing to leave a highly male dominated work environment. This is a significant concern because the current skills shortage in the industry and associated crisis in dealing with cybersecurity threats, and also the inherent social injustice of inequalities in accessing a stimulating and well paid career path. In this seminar the findings of a quantitative survey will be outlined and will consider the reasons for the formation at non-STEM identities in girls, the impact of family and educational professional upon career choices, patterns in recruitment, barriers to career progression, and the causes of the high rates of attrition among female cybersecurity professionals