GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Diversity In The Security Industry Statistics

Increasing diversity in the security industry can lead to improved innovation, problem-solving, and overall performance.

Highlights: Diversity In The Security Industry Statistics

  • By 2020, The Security Industry Association (SIA) found that only 20% of security industry professionals surveyed were women.
  • In a survey conducted by the International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO), nearly 75% of security professionals identified as White.
  • The same IFPO survey found that almost 90% of executive-level security professionals were men.
  • Only 34.5% of professionals within the UK security industry are from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.
  • Only 25% of security industry professionals feel their employer has an inclusive culture according to the ‘Secure Futures’ program managed by Axis Communications.
  • The Security Industry Authority in the UK reports that only 11% of those working in private security are women.
  • According to a 2020 study, only 38% of cybersecurity professionals believe their organization reflects the demographic makeup of their society.
  • About 6.3% of cybersecurity professionals in the U.S. are African American, well below the country’s distribution of African Americans overall (13.4%).
  • In the U.S, only 24% of cybersecurity professionals were women according to ISC2's 2019 report.
  • Only 15% of chief information security officers (CISOs) are women.
  • The proportion of female professionals in the European cybersecurity sector is just 7%, lower than the global rate.
  • Only 18% of Latin-American women see themselves fitting in the cybersecurity culture.
  • According to a study, only 1% of security professionals in the North America region identify as non-binary.
  • In a study by the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA), 23% of respondents were female, a slight increase from 20% in 2016.
  • The US National Institutes of Standards and Technology's National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education reports that women hold only 14% of the cybersecurity positions in the U.S.
  • A 2019 (ISC)² Cybersecurity Workforce Study states that the percentage of women in the cybersecurity workforce has increased from 11% in 2013 to 24% in 2019.

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The Latest Diversity In The Security Industry Statistics Explained

By 2020, The Security Industry Association (SIA) found that only 20% of security industry professionals surveyed were women.

The statistic provided by the Security Industry Association (SIA) indicates that, as of 2020, only 20% of professionals in the security industry were women according to their survey data. This figure suggests a significant gender disparity within the sector, with women comprising a minority of the workforce. The low representation of women in the security industry may have implications for diversity and inclusion efforts within the field, potentially impacting perspectives, experiences, and opportunities for female professionals. Further investigation into the factors contributing to this imbalance could inform strategies to promote gender equity and create a more inclusive and diverse security industry workforce.

In a survey conducted by the International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO), nearly 75% of security professionals identified as White.

The statistic from the survey conducted by the International Foundation for Protection Officers (IFPO) indicates that approximately 75% of security professionals self-identified as White. This suggests a significant majority of individuals working in the security industry are of White ethnicity. This information sheds light on the demographic makeup of security professionals and highlights a potential lack of diversity within the field. Understanding the racial composition of security professionals is essential for addressing issues related to representation, inclusion, and equity in the industry, and may prompt the development of initiatives to increase diversity and promote a more inclusive work environment.

The same IFPO survey found that almost 90% of executive-level security professionals were men.

The statistic indicates that nearly 90% of executive-level security professionals, based on the IFPO survey, are male. This finding suggests a significant gender disparity within the field of security, with men overwhelmingly dominating the executive positions. Such a high percentage of male representation may reflect underlying systemic barriers or biases that limit the advancement of women within the security industry. The lack of gender diversity at the executive level not only points to potential inequalities in opportunity but also highlights the importance of promoting greater inclusivity and gender equality initiatives within the sector.

Only 34.5% of professionals within the UK security industry are from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds.

The statistic suggests that a significant majority (65.5%) of professionals within the UK security industry are not from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, highlighting a lack of diversity within the industry. This imbalance may indicate potential issues related to representation, inclusivity, and equal opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds within the sector. Addressing this disparity is crucial for promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the UK security industry, as well as ensuring that the workforce better reflects the diversity of the population it serves.

Only 25% of security industry professionals feel their employer has an inclusive culture according to the ‘Secure Futures’ program managed by Axis Communications.

Based on the statistic provided by the ‘Secure Futures’ program managed by Axis Communications, it is revealed that only a quarter (25%) of security industry professionals believe that their employer cultivates an inclusive culture within the workplace. This suggests that a majority of security professionals do not feel that their employer promotes an environment of diversity and inclusion. These findings highlight potential opportunities for organizations within the security industry to improve their cultural inclusivity initiatives to create a more welcoming and supportive work environment for their employees. Addressing these concerns may lead to increased job satisfaction, productivity, and overall employee well-being within the security sector.

The Security Industry Authority in the UK reports that only 11% of those working in private security are women.

The statistic from the Security Industry Authority in the UK indicating that only 11% of individuals employed in private security are women suggests a significant gender disparity within the industry. This figure highlights the underrepresentation of women in security-related roles and points to potential barriers or challenges preventing women from entering or advancing in this field. The statistic may raise concerns about gender diversity, equality, and inclusivity within the private security sector, prompting further examination of the underlying factors contributing to this imbalance and the implementation of strategies to address and rectify this issue.

According to a 2020 study, only 38% of cybersecurity professionals believe their organization reflects the demographic makeup of their society.

The statistic suggests that there is a disparity between the demographic makeup of societies and the representation within cybersecurity organizations, as reported by 38% of cybersecurity professionals in a 2020 study. This indicates a lack of diversity within the cybersecurity field compared to the general population. The findings imply that the industry may not be adequately reflecting the diverse backgrounds and perspectives present in society, which could have implications for innovation, problem-solving approaches, and overall effectiveness. The discrepancy in representation may also highlight potential barriers to entry or advancement for individuals from underrepresented groups within cybersecurity, pointing towards the importance of fostering diversity and inclusion initiatives in the field.

About 6.3% of cybersecurity professionals in the U.S. are African American, well below the country’s distribution of African Americans overall (13.4%).

The statistic indicates that only 6.3% of cybersecurity professionals in the U.S. identify as African American, which falls significantly below the overall percentage of African Americans in the country at 13.4%. This underrepresentation suggests a discrepancy in the diversity of the cybersecurity field compared to the general population. Possible reasons for this disparity could include systemic barriers to entry, lack of access to educational and career advancement opportunities, unconscious biases in hiring practices, and limited diversity and inclusion initiatives within the cybersecurity industry. Addressing these disparities is crucial not only to promote equity and diversity but also to enhance the effectiveness and innovation within the cybersecurity sector by leveraging a more diverse range of perspectives and talents.

In the U.S, only 24% of cybersecurity professionals were women according to ISC2’s 2019 report.

In the United States, only 24% of cybersecurity professionals are women, as reported by ISC2 in 2019. This statistic highlights a significant gender disparity in the cybersecurity field, with men far outnumbering women in this profession. This imbalance not only reflects a lack of gender diversity in the industry but also points to potential disparities in opportunities and representation for women in cybersecurity careers. Addressing this issue is important not only for promoting gender equity but also for harnessing the full range of talents and perspectives that women can bring to the cybersecurity field.

Only 15% of chief information security officers (CISOs) are women.

The statistic that only 15% of chief information security officers (CISOs) are women reveals a significant gender disparity within the field of cybersecurity leadership. This statistic indicates that the majority of CISO positions are held by men, highlighting an underrepresentation of women in higher-ranking cybersecurity roles. The lack of gender diversity in CISO positions may result from various factors such as historical gender biases, limited access to opportunities for women in the field, and existing gender stereotypes. Addressing and rectifying this gender imbalance is crucial for promoting inclusivity, diversity, and equality within the cybersecurity industry, ultimately contributing to a more innovative and effective workforce.

The proportion of female professionals in the European cybersecurity sector is just 7%, lower than the global rate.

The statistic indicates that only 7% of professionals working in the cybersecurity sector in Europe are female, a proportion that falls below the global average. This low representation of women in the industry suggests a gender imbalance and highlights the need for greater diversity and inclusion efforts within the European cybersecurity sector. It may also point to potential barriers or challenges faced by women pursuing careers in cybersecurity in Europe. Addressing this disparity and encouraging more women to enter and thrive in the field is important not just for achieving gender equity, but also for fostering innovation and diversity of perspectives within the industry.

Only 18% of Latin-American women see themselves fitting in the cybersecurity culture.

The statistic that only 18% of Latin-American women see themselves fitting in the cybersecurity culture indicates a significant underrepresentation of women in this male-dominated field. The low percentage suggests that there are perceived barriers or challenges that may be deterring Latin-American women from pursuing or feeling welcome in cybersecurity careers. This lack of representation could lead to missed opportunities for diverse perspectives and talents within the industry. Addressing these barriers and promoting inclusivity and diversity in cybersecurity could help tap into a broader talent pool and create a more representative and innovative workforce.

According to a study, only 1% of security professionals in the North America region identify as non-binary.

The statistic indicates that a very small proportion, specifically 1%, of security professionals in the North America region identify as non-binary. This suggests that non-binary individuals are significantly underrepresented within the security profession in this particular geographic area. The statistic highlights a potential lack of diversity and inclusion within the industry, with the majority of security professionals likely identifying as binary genders. Further research and efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within the security field may be warranted based on this finding.

In a study by the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA), 23% of respondents were female, a slight increase from 20% in 2016.

In a study conducted by the Information Systems Security Association (ISSA), it was found that 23% of the respondents were female, marking a slight increase from the 20% recorded in the previous study conducted in 2016. This statistic indicates a positive trend towards greater gender diversity within the field of information systems security. The increase in female representation may suggest improving opportunities and inclusivity within the industry, potentially leading to a more balanced and diverse workforce. The data highlights the importance of monitoring and addressing gender disparities in the field of information systems security to promote equality and foster a more inclusive environment for all individuals.

The US National Institutes of Standards and Technology’s National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education reports that women hold only 14% of the cybersecurity positions in the U.S.

The statistic from the US National Institutes of Standards and Technology’s National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education revealing that women currently occupy only 14% of cybersecurity positions in the United States sheds light on the significant gender disparity within the field. This underrepresentation of women in cybersecurity can have far-reaching implications for diversity, innovation, and overall effectiveness of the industry. Addressing this gender gap is crucial not only for promoting inclusivity and equality but also for tapping into a broader pool of talent and perspectives to bolster cybersecurity efforts. Efforts to attract and retain more women in cybersecurity roles through targeted initiatives and support are essential for advancing the field and enhancing its impact on addressing cyber threats and safeguarding critical infrastructure.

A 2019 (ISC)² Cybersecurity Workforce Study states that the percentage of women in the cybersecurity workforce has increased from 11% in 2013 to 24% in 2019.

The statistic from the 2019 (ISC)² Cybersecurity Workforce Study highlights a notable trend in the representation of women within the cybersecurity workforce. It indicates that the percentage of women in cybersecurity has more than doubled over a six-year period, rising from 11% in 2013 to 24% in 2019. This increase suggests a positive shift towards greater gender diversity in the industry, potentially attributed to increased efforts in recruitment, retention, and support for women in cybersecurity roles. While there is still progress to be made in achieving gender equality in this field, this data signifies an encouraging development towards creating a more inclusive and diverse cybersecurity workforce.

References

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

1. – https://www.ifpo.org

2. – https://www.www.nist.gov

3. – https://www.www.sia.homeoffice.gov.uk

4. – https://www.www.zdnet.com

5. – https://www.www.forbes.com

6. – https://www.www.isc2.org

7. – https://www.www.securityindustry.org

8. – https://www.careermap.co.uk

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

10. – https://www.issa.org

11. – https://www.www.axis.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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