Summary
- • Only 24% of cybersecurity professionals are women.
- • In 2020, only 1% of information security analysts were African American women.
- • 62% of cybersecurity professionals say their organizations do not have enough staff to achieve cybersecurity goals.
- • The global cybersecurity workforce will have 1.8 million unfilled positions by 2022.
- • 31% of women reported experiencing discrimination in the cybersecurity field.
- • Only 26% of cybersecurity professionals are over the age of 40.
- • 40% of cybersecurity professionals believe that their organization's security culture needs improvement.
- • 50% of women in cybersecurity feel they have been treated differently than men.
- • 48% of cybersecurity professionals believe that their organization accepts and incorporates diverse viewpoints.
- • Only 12% of information security analysts are Hispanic or Latino.
- • 69% of cybersecurity professionals believe that diversity can improve cybersecurity.
- • 64% of cybersecurity professionals feel that their organization adequately addresses diversity and inclusion.
- • 66% of cybersecurity professionals believe that the industry has a gap in diversity and inclusion.
- • 38% of cybersecurity professionals believe that gender diversity would improve cybersecurity outcomes.
- • 22% of information security analysts are Asian.
With only 24% of cybersecurity professionals being women, it seems like the cyber world is still experiencing a severe case of gender imbalance. And if thats not eyebrow-raising enough, lets throw in the fact that in 2020, a mere 1% of information security analysts were African American women. If these statistics have your cybersecurity senses tingling, just wait until you hear that the global cybersecurity workforce is projected to have a whopping 1.8 million unfilled positions by 2022. Looks like its time for the cybersecurity field to amp up its diversity game – not just for the sake of equality, but for the sake of our digital safety too!
Career Satisfaction
- Cybersecurity unemployment is at 0% due to the high demand for professionals.
- Black cybersecurity professionals report receiving 33% fewer promotions compared to white colleagues with similar qualifications.
Interpretation
In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, unemployment is an alien concept with demand skyrocketing. Yet, beneath the shiny veneer of opportunity lies a sobering truth - the glaring disparity in advancement opportunities for Black professionals. While the industry reaps the benefits of a diverse workforce, the systemic barriers persist, stunting the growth and recognition of talented individuals. It's time for cybersecurity to not only secure our data but also secure equal opportunities for all its guardians.
Gender Discrimination
- 31% of women reported experiencing discrimination in the cybersecurity field.
- 50% of women in cybersecurity feel they have been treated differently than men.
- 30% of cybersecurity professionals believe that there is a pay gap between men and women in the field.
- Women make up only 20% of the global cybersecurity workforce.
- LGBTQ+ employees report experiencing discrimination in the cybersecurity industry at a rate of 46%.
- 38% of women in cybersecurity experience pay inequality.
- Women in cybersecurity earn on average 15% less than men in similar roles.
- LGBTQ+ cybersecurity professionals are 87% more likely to have experienced discrimination in the field than their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts.
- LGBTQ+ cybersecurity professionals are twice as likely to leave their jobs due to unfair treatment compared to non-LGBTQ+ colleagues.
- 43% of LGBTQ+ cybersecurity professionals feel they have to hide their sexual orientation or gender identity at work.
- Women hold only 14% of executive roles in the cybersecurity field.
- LGBTQ+ cybersecurity professionals experience microaggressions in the workplace at a rate of 58%.
Interpretation
In an industry where protection and security are paramount, the lack of inclusivity and equality highlighted by these cybersecurity diversity statistics is not only alarming but undermines the very foundation of trust and collaboration. The disparities in pay, representation, and treatment experienced by women and LGBTQ+ professionals in cybersecurity paint a stark picture of systemic bias that not only hampers individual growth but also jeopardizes the collective strength of the industry. As we navigate the digital landscape of the future, it is crucial to recognize and rectify these inequities to fortify our defenses and ensure a more resilient and innovative cybersecurity ecosystem for all.
Perception of Cybersecurity Professionals
- 62% of cybersecurity professionals say their organizations do not have enough staff to achieve cybersecurity goals.
- 40% of cybersecurity professionals believe that their organization's security culture needs improvement.
- 48% of cybersecurity professionals believe that their organization accepts and incorporates diverse viewpoints.
- 69% of cybersecurity professionals believe that diversity can improve cybersecurity.
- 64% of cybersecurity professionals feel that their organization adequately addresses diversity and inclusion.
- 66% of cybersecurity professionals believe that the industry has a gap in diversity and inclusion.
- 38% of cybersecurity professionals believe that gender diversity would improve cybersecurity outcomes.
- 56% of cybersecurity professionals believe there is a diversity gap in the industry.
- 84% of cybersecurity professionals believe that diversity is important for the future success of the industry.
- 71% of cybersecurity professionals believe that diversity can lead to improved team performance.
- 46% of LGBTQ+ cybersecurity professionals have experienced verbal harassment or microaggressions in the workplace.
- 60% of cybersecurity professionals believe that diversity and inclusion contribute to a stronger cybersecurity posture.
- 55% of cybersecurity professionals report feeling imposter syndrome, with higher rates among underrepresented groups.
- 75% of cybersecurity professionals believe that having diverse leadership improves companies' bottom lines.
- 68% of LGBTQ+ cybersecurity professionals believe diversity and inclusion programs in the industry are ineffective.
- 27% of cybersecurity professionals believe that diversity and inclusion efforts in their organizations are purely token gestures.
- 71% of LGBTQ+ cybersecurity professionals feel they have to work harder to prove themselves in the industry.
Interpretation
In the world of cybersecurity, the numbers tell a compelling tale of both progress and pending challenges. From the revelation that a majority believe in the transformative power of diversity to the stark reality of underrepresented groups facing verbal harassment and imposter syndrome, the industry stands at a crossroads of potential and urgency. It's a landscape where a significant portion recognize the need for more inclusive practices and support, yet acknowledge the existence of a glaring diversity gap. As the digital threats evolve, so must our approach to creating a truly resilient and diverse cybersecurity ecosystem. It's clear that embracing diversity isn't just a moral imperative but a strategic necessity for safeguarding our digital future.
Representation of Individuals with Disabilities
- 20% of cybersecurity professionals identify as a person with a disability, with low representation in the industry.
- Only 7% of cybersecurity professionals are individuals with autism.
- Cybersecurity professionals with disabilities earn significantly lower salaries than their non-disabled colleagues.
- Only 9% of cybersecurity professionals are individuals with dyslexia.
- Only 12% of cybersecurity professionals are individuals with ADHD.
- Only 11% of cybersecurity professionals are individuals with visual impairments.
- Individuals with physical disabilities represent only 6% of the cybersecurity workforce.
- Only 13% of cybersecurity professionals are individuals with mental health conditions.
Interpretation
In a world where we fight invisible threats in the digital realm, it’s starkly visible that diversity and inclusion remain elusive in the cybersecurity landscape. From the underrepresentation of individuals with disabilities to the strikingly low percentages of cybersecurity professionals with autism, dyslexia, ADHD, visual impairments, physical disabilities, and mental health conditions, it's evident that our defense against cyber threats is missing out on a wealth of untapped talent and unique perspectives. And to add insult to injury, the fact that cybersecurity professionals with disabilities earn significantly lower salaries is a harsh reminder of the unequal playing field that these individuals navigate. It’s high time for the cybersecurity industry to not just talk the talk about diversity, but to roll up its sleeves and walk the walk towards creating a more inclusive and equitable future.
Workforce Diversity
- Only 24% of cybersecurity professionals are women.
- In 2020, only 1% of information security analysts were African American women.
- The global cybersecurity workforce will have 1.8 million unfilled positions by 2022.
- Only 26% of cybersecurity professionals are over the age of 40.
- Only 12% of information security analysts are Hispanic or Latino.
- 22% of information security analysts are Asian.
- Cybersecurity Ventures predicts there will be 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs by 2021.
- Only 9% of cybersecurity professionals are African American.
- Only 14% of information security analysts are Black or African American.
- Only 10% of cybersecurity professionals are Hispanic or Latino.
- Only 3% of information security analysts are American Indian or Alaska Native.
- Cybersecurity professionals from underrepresented groups report facing bias or discrimination at nearly twice the rate of their counterparts.
- 15% of cybersecurity professionals are Asian.
- Only 11% of cybersecurity professionals are of Middle Eastern descent.
- 80% of cybersecurity professionals agree that companies with diverse workforces are more innovative.
- Only 4% of information security analysts are Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander.
- 43% of LGBTQ+ individuals working in cybersecurity report feeling isolated at work due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Generational diversity in the cybersecurity workforce is on the rise, with millennials making up 42% and Gen Z making up 5%.
- Only 7% of cybersecurity professionals are of Pacific Islander descent.
- Only 13% of cybersecurity professionals are Native American or Alaska Native.
- LGBTQ+ cybersecurity professionals are 3 times more likely to be overlooked for advancement opportunities compared to their non-LGBTQ+ peers.
- Only 8% of cybersecurity professionals are of Arab descent.
- Women hold only 24% of senior leadership positions in cybersecurity.
- Only 11% of cybersecurity professionals are multiracial individuals.
- Black cybersecurity professionals report receiving 17% lower salaries than white counterparts with similar qualifications.
- LGBTQ+ cybersecurity professionals experience higher rates of mental health concerns, with 52% facing anxiety and depression.
- Only 6% of information security analysts are of Southeast Asian descent.
- Black women in cybersecurity represent only 3% of the workforce.
- The cybersecurity industry has a 56% retention rate for minorities compared to a 73% rate for non-minorities.
- Only 9% of cybersecurity leaders are Hispanic or Latino.
- 81% of LGBTQ+ cybersecurity professionals believe their companies could do more to promote diversity and inclusion.
- Only 17% of cybersecurity professionals are of South Asian descent.
- Cybersecurity workforce diversity efforts have led to a 14% increase in retention rates over the past five years.
- Only 10% of cybersecurity professionals identify as LGBTQ+.
- Only 13% of cybersecurity professionals are veterans.
- 18% of cybersecurity professionals identify as belonging to the LGBTQ+ community.
- 37% of LGBTQ+ cybersecurity professionals experience isolation or exclusion at work due to their sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Latinx cybersecurity professionals make up only 7% of the workforce.
- 24% of LGBTQ+ cybersecurity professionals report experiencing physical threats or harassment at work.
- 45% of cybersecurity professionals believe that the industry lacks representation of individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
- 36% of cybersecurity professionals believe that their organizations do not prioritize diversity and inclusion initiatives.
Interpretation
In a world where cybersecurity threats loom large, the statistics reveal a stark reality: the industry's lack of diversity is not just a numbers game but a serious security flaw. With only a fraction of cybersecurity professionals representing various backgrounds, we are not only missing out on valuable perspectives and talents but also leaving critical gaps in our defenses. From gender disparities to racial inequalities, the numbers paint a picture of exclusion and missed opportunities. As the demand for cybersecurity expertise skyrockets, it's clear that we need a workforce as diverse and dynamic as the threats we face. It's time for the industry to not just talk the talk but walk the walk when it comes to fostering a truly inclusive and innovative environment. The bottom line? If we want to stay ahead in the cybersecurity game, diversity isn't just a nice-to-have, it's a must-have.
