The InfoSec Institute estimates there is a worldwide staffing shortage of nearly three million in the ranks of cybersecurity professionals, with the number rising to 3.5 million by 2021. Expectations are that the shortage will only get worse driven by rising demand for infosec resources for the foreseeable future. 

A 2013 Frost & Sullivan study estimated that women accounted for 10-12% of the global cybersecurity workforce. In a 2019 research article from Cybercrime Magazine concluded that women accounted for 20% of the global infosec payroll.

The interesting bit is that everyone in the C-suite, including HR see the security staffing shortage and in some ways the solution – women in cybersecurity and technology. So why aren’t the positions being filled and what’s holding back women from taking up the vacancies?

In this PodChats for FutureCISO, we are joined by Vicki Batka, senior vice president, sales, APJ, Trellix, to talk about Breaking the cybersecurity glass barrier.

Vicki, welcome to PodChats for FutureCISO.

1.       It is our understanding that leadership across the C-suite recognises the skills shortage. What are they doing about it?

a.       Is this strategy sustainable?

2.       There are those that suggest outsourcing or bringing external parties as the answer to the internal skills shortage. 

a.       What are the benefits of this strategy?

b.       What are the possible issues it presents longer term?

3.       Do should industry, governments and the academia work together to establish the atmosphere conducive for women with the right disposition to pursue a career in cybersecurity/security?

4.       What are the qualities most desirable on which to build upon a career in cybersecurity/security?

5.       How can we have more women in cybersecurity? [Where should we start]

6.       For women to take on leadership roles in cybersecurity, what needs to happen today?

7.       What is your advice for women with aspirations to work in tech and security?