GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Diversity In The Cybersecurity Industry Statistics

The cybersecurity industry lacks diversity with women representing only 24% of the workforce and minority groups accounting for less than 25% of professionals.

Highlights: Diversity In The Cybersecurity Industry Statistics

  • Women make up 24% of the cybersecurity workforce.
  • 9% of cybersecurity workers are African-American.
  • Around 10% of the cybersecurity positions are held by Hispanic or Latino workers.
  • Only 1% of cybersecurity professionals are Native American.
  • Asian individuals make up around 9% of the cybersecurity industry.
  • Over 50% of professionals in the cybersecurity industry are aged 30-44.
  • Only about 23% of the workforce in cybersecurity has more than 10 years of experience.
  • Roughly 42% of organizations say they have a “somewhat high” or “very high” need to increase diversity.
  • 44% of industry professionals report that their organization does not have a formal diversity program.
  • Only 11% of cybersecurity positions are filled by Women in Asia.
  • In Europe, 7% of the cybersecurity workforce is female.
  • 21% of women have C-level positions in cybersecurity worldwide.
  • The representation gap in cybersecurity is the smallest among Generation Z, with 32% of positions filled by women.
  • Roughly 16% of cybersecurity roles in the Middle East and Africa are filled by women.
  • Number of African American Women in Cybersecurity Roles has doubled from 9% in 2017 to 18% in 2020.
  • In North America, 17% of organizations say increasing diversity is a "very high priority."
  • 45% of cybersecurity organizations are promoting or considering the promotion of inclusion recruiting.
  • Less than 20% of cybersecurity leadership roles in organizations are filled by women.
  • Nearly 51% of non-white cybersecurity professionals hold a certification, compared to 45% of their white counterparts.

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The Latest Diversity In The Cybersecurity Industry Statistics Explained

Women make up 24% of the cybersecurity workforce.

The statistic ‘Women make up 24% of the cybersecurity workforce’ indicates that women account for approximately one-fourth of the total employees working in the cybersecurity field. This statistic reflects an underrepresentation of women in the industry compared to men. The lack of gender diversity in cybersecurity may be attributed to various factors such as gender stereotypes, limited opportunities for women in STEM fields, and workplace biases. Addressing this gender disparity in the cybersecurity workforce is crucial for promoting diversity, inclusivity, and innovation in the field. Organizations and educational institutions can work towards creating a more equitable and welcoming environment to attract and retain talented women in cybersecurity roles.

9% of cybersecurity workers are African-American.

The statistic that 9% of cybersecurity workers are African-American suggests that African-Americans make up a small portion of the workforce in this field. This information sheds light on the lack of diversity within the cybersecurity industry, indicating potential disparities in representation and opportunities for African-Americans. Understanding and addressing the reasons behind this underrepresentation is essential to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the cybersecurity sector. By actively working towards a more diverse workforce, organizations can benefit from a wider range of perspectives, experiences, and talents, ultimately leading to stronger and more innovative cybersecurity practices.

Around 10% of the cybersecurity positions are held by Hispanic or Latino workers.

The statistic ‘Around 10% of the cybersecurity positions are held by Hispanic or Latino workers’ indicates that approximately one out of every ten cybersecurity positions is occupied by individuals of Hispanic or Latino descent. This proportion suggests a somewhat lower representation of Hispanic and Latino workers in the cybersecurity field compared to their overall presence in the U.S. population. Understanding the demographic composition of the workforce in cybersecurity is crucial for promoting diversity and inclusion in the industry, as well as for addressing any disparities in opportunities and representation among different racial and ethnic groups. Efforts to increase diversity and equity in cybersecurity can help foster innovation, enhance problem-solving capabilities, and improve overall outcomes in the field.

Only 1% of cybersecurity professionals are Native American.

The statistic “Only 1% of cybersecurity professionals are Native American” indicates that a very small proportion of individuals working in the cybersecurity field identify as Native American. This suggests a significant underrepresentation of Native American professionals within the cybersecurity workforce compared to the general population. This lack of diversity may contribute to a narrower range of perspectives and experiences in addressing cyber threats and developing security solutions. It highlights the importance of promoting diversity and inclusion initiatives within the cybersecurity industry to increase representation and enhance the overall effectiveness of cybersecurity practices.

Asian individuals make up around 9% of the cybersecurity industry.

The statistic “Asian individuals make up around 9% of the cybersecurity industry” indicates the proportion of workforce diversity within the cybersecurity sector attributable to individuals of Asian descent. This statistic suggests that Asian individuals constitute a meaningful but somewhat underrepresented segment of the cybersecurity workforce, accounting for approximately 9% of the total industry. The representation of Asian individuals in cybersecurity may vary across different organizations and regions, and understanding these demographics can help inform efforts to promote diversity and inclusivity within the industry. It also highlights the importance of encouraging and supporting diverse talent from all backgrounds to contribute to the field of cybersecurity.

Over 50% of professionals in the cybersecurity industry are aged 30-44.

The statistic “Over 50% of professionals in the cybersecurity industry are aged 30-44” indicates that a significant majority of professionals in the cybersecurity field fall within the age range of 30 to 44 years old. This trend suggests that there is a concentration of individuals in their prime working years within the industry, which may have implications for workforce development, knowledge transfer, and career advancement opportunities within the field. Additionally, the statistic highlights the importance of attracting and retaining talent within this age group to sustain and further grow the cybersecurity industry.

Only about 23% of the workforce in cybersecurity has more than 10 years of experience.

This statistic suggests that the majority of individuals working in the field of cybersecurity have less than 10 years of professional experience, with only approximately 23% having accumulated over a decade of work experience in the industry. Given the rapidly evolving nature of cybersecurity threats and technologies, having a substantial number of employees with limited experience may indicate a potential gap in expertise that could impact the overall readiness of cybersecurity professionals to effectively address and mitigate cyber threats. It also underscores the importance of continued training, professional development, and knowledge sharing within the cybersecurity workforce to ensure that practitioners possess the necessary skills and expertise to safeguard against emerging threats in the digital landscape.

Roughly 42% of organizations say they have a “somewhat high” or “very high” need to increase diversity.

The statistic ‘Roughly 42% of organizations say they have a “somewhat high” or “very high” need to increase diversity’ indicates that a significant portion of organizations recognize the importance of promoting diversity within their workforce. This suggests that these organizations acknowledge the benefits of having a diverse and inclusive workplace in terms of innovation, productivity, and overall success. By highlighting the perceived need to increase diversity, these organizations are likely considering strategies and initiatives to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion within their teams to better reflect the diverse perspectives and backgrounds of their employees and customers. This statistic underscores a growing awareness and commitment among organizations to prioritize diversity and inclusivity as key components of their business strategy.

44% of industry professionals report that their organization does not have a formal diversity program.

This statistic indicates that a significant portion, specifically 44%, of industry professionals surveyed do not have a formal diversity program established within their organization. This suggests a lack of structured initiatives and strategies aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace. Without a defined diversity program in place, organizations may be missing out on opportunities to foster a more inclusive environment, harness diverse perspectives, and ultimately enhance performance and innovation. It highlights the need for organizations to prioritize diversity and consider implementing formal programs to address and improve diversity and inclusion within their workforce.

Only 11% of cybersecurity positions are filled by Women in Asia.

The statistic “Only 11% of cybersecurity positions are filled by women in Asia” indicates that there is a significant gender disparity within the cybersecurity industry in the region. This highlights a lack of gender diversity and representation in a field that is crucial for protecting digital assets and information. Such a low percentage suggests potential barriers or challenges that women may face in pursuing or advancing in cybersecurity careers in Asia, which could be attributed to various factors including societal norms, access to relevant education and training, and workplace biases. Addressing this gender imbalance is essential for fostering a more inclusive and diverse workforce in the cybersecurity sector to leverage a wider talent pool and perspectives for addressing the increasingly complex digital threats and challenges faced by organizations in the region.

In Europe, 7% of the cybersecurity workforce is female.

The statistic indicates that only 7% of the cybersecurity workforce in Europe is comprised of females, highlighting a significant gender imbalance within the industry. This low representation of women suggests that there are systemic barriers or challenges that may be deterring or limiting women from entering and thriving in the cybersecurity field. Addressing this imbalance is crucial not only for promoting diversity and gender equality in the workforce but also for improving the overall effectiveness and innovative capacity of the cybersecurity industry through the inclusion of diverse perspectives and talents. Efforts to increase female participation in cybersecurity, such as targeted recruitment, mentorship programs, and initiatives to promote STEM education for girls, are essential in addressing this issue and creating a more inclusive and representative workforce.

21% of women have C-level positions in cybersecurity worldwide.

This statistic states that 21% of women currently hold high-level executive positions, specifically C-level positions, in the cybersecurity industry on a global scale. This means that women are underrepresented in leadership roles within the cybersecurity field, with the majority of these top positions being held by men. The statistic highlights a gender disparity within the industry, indicating a lack of female representation at the highest levels of decision-making and strategic management in cybersecurity organizations worldwide. Efforts to increase diversity and promote gender equality in cybersecurity leadership roles may be necessary to address this imbalance and harness the full potential of diverse perspectives in shaping the future of cybersecurity.

The representation gap in cybersecurity is the smallest among Generation Z, with 32% of positions filled by women.

The statistic indicates that among Generation Z individuals working in cybersecurity, 32% of positions are filled by women, reflecting a relatively small representation gap between genders compared to other age groups. This suggests that Generation Z, those born in the mid-1990s and later, may be more inclusive and diverse in terms of gender representation within the cybersecurity field. The fact that nearly one-third of cybersecurity positions in this age group are held by women is a positive sign of progress towards greater gender equality in a traditionally male-dominated industry. It could also indicate changing societal norms and increased opportunities for young women pursuing careers in cybersecurity within this particular generation.

Roughly 16% of cybersecurity roles in the Middle East and Africa are filled by women.

The statistic that roughly 16% of cybersecurity roles in the Middle East and Africa are filled by women indicates a significant gender disparity within this industry in the region. The low percentage suggests that there is a notable underrepresentation of women in cybersecurity roles, reflecting potential challenges or barriers that may exist for women entering or advancing in this field. This statistic highlights the need for increased efforts to promote gender diversity and inclusion in the cybersecurity sector in the Middle East and Africa, as well as the importance of addressing factors contributing to the gender imbalance in order to create a more inclusive and equitable workforce.

Number of African American Women in Cybersecurity Roles has doubled from 9% in 2017 to 18% in 2020.

The statistic indicates a significant positive trend in the representation of African American women in cybersecurity roles over the three-year period from 2017 to 2020. Specifically, the proportion of African American women in cybersecurity roles has doubled from 9% in 2017 to 18% in 2020. This increase suggests a notable improvement in diversity and inclusion within the cybersecurity field, potentially showcasing efforts to address existing disparities and create more opportunities for underrepresented groups. Such progress is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and representative workforce in the cybersecurity industry, ultimately contributing to broader perspectives, innovative solutions, and a stronger, more resilient cybersecurity landscape.

In North America, 17% of organizations say increasing diversity is a “very high priority.”

The statistic “In North America, 17% of organizations say increasing diversity is a ‘very high priority'” indicates the level of emphasis placed by a subset of organizations in the region on promoting diversity within their workforce. The percentage suggests that while a notable proportion of organizations recognize the importance of diversity, there is still room for improvement in terms of prioritizing diversity initiatives. This statistic highlights the varying degrees of commitment among organizations towards fostering inclusivity and equity in the workplace, which is critical for driving organizational success and creating a more diverse and representative workforce reflective of the broader population.

45% of cybersecurity organizations are promoting or considering the promotion of inclusion recruiting.

This statistic indicates that a significant portion, specifically 45%, of cybersecurity organizations are actively engaged in or contemplating initiatives related to promoting inclusion in their recruiting practices. Inclusion recruiting involves intentionally seeking out and creating opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds and underrepresented groups. By incorporating inclusion strategies in their recruitment processes, these organizations are striving to build a more diverse workforce that reflects a broader range of perspectives and experiences. This statistic underscores a growing recognition within the cybersecurity industry of the importance of fostering inclusivity and diversity to enhance innovation, problem-solving, and overall organizational success.

Less than 20% of cybersecurity leadership roles in organizations are filled by women.

The statistic “Less than 20% of cybersecurity leadership roles in organizations are filled by women” highlights a significant gender disparity within the field of cybersecurity. This imbalance suggests that women are underrepresented in leadership positions within this industry, which can have wide-ranging implications for diversity, equality, and innovation. Addressing this issue is important not only to promote gender equality and inclusivity but also to capitalize on the diverse perspectives and skills that can positively impact the field of cybersecurity. Efforts to increase representation of women in leadership roles in cybersecurity are essential for fostering a more inclusive and dynamic industry moving forward.

Nearly 51% of non-white cybersecurity professionals hold a certification, compared to 45% of their white counterparts.

The statistic indicates that a higher percentage of non-white cybersecurity professionals (51%) hold a certification compared to their white counterparts (45%). This suggests that certification attainment is slightly more prevalent among non-white individuals in the cybersecurity industry. This disparity could be attributed to various factors such as differing access to certification programs, career motivations, or institutional support. While the difference of 6 percentage points may seem relatively small, it still highlights a notable variation in certification attainment between these demographic groups within the cybersecurity field. Understanding and addressing these disparities can be crucial for promoting diversity and inclusivity within the industry and ensuring equal access to opportunities for all professionals regardless of their racial background.

References

0. – https://www.www.forbes.com

1. – https://www.www.cyberseek.org

2. – https://www.www.securitymagazine.com

3. – https://www.www.infosecinstitute.com

4. – https://www.www.cybersecurity-insiders.com

5. – https://www.www.ibm.com

6. – https://www.www.csoonline.com

7. – https://www.resources.infosecinstitute.com

8. – https://www.iamcybersafe.org

9. – https://www.www.isc2.org

10. – https://www.cybersecurityventures.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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