This month, we asked women in the (ISC)² Blog Volunteers group to weigh in on a few questions from their perspective as a female working in cybersecurity. While their experiences in the industry have varied, this group unanimously responded that they currently receive equal pay to their male counterparts. These volunteers also feel that they receive the same opportunities for promotion and growth as the males on their teams. However, when asked if the ratio of women to men working around them has increased in recent years, the group was split, about 50/50, half agreeing yes, they have seen more women and half stating there is no visible change in their team’s demographic.
Here are some of our key takeaways showcasing the scope of women’s experiences working in cybersecurity:
What has your experience been like as a woman in a male-dominated industry?
Unfortunately, in some companies, there is a lot more that needs to be done to ensure women are given an equal footing. In some cases, there is apprehension about having a woman telling men what to do. It’s easy to market a gender-balanced workforce and say there are targets in place, but changing attitudes still have a way to go. - Satnam Farina (Gill), CISSP,CCSP
I have been in the security field professionally for six years and my biggest issue has not been so much that I am a woman, it's security and teaching people the importance of security in their product that has been the biggest uphill battle. The fact that I am a woman security professional has not impeded my ability to do my job, and in fact, it's has been seen as a positive. - Danelle Mattison, CISSP
Why is it important to see women in leadership?
It is important for women engineers to know that they are represented in leadership, that they can become leaders in the company, and the company values their ideas and voices. It is great for the company because diversity in leadership helps the companies grow and mature over the years. - Jean Tam, CISSP
The world cannot have enough positive female role models in general, but specifically in STEM. With any cultural diversity, you look to see yourself reflected in the jobs and opportunities you are interested in. Seeing women in leadership may inspire young women to relate to and pursue a career, whereas if they only saw male leaders, they may decide that career isn't for them. - Sarah Hendrickson, CISSP
What advice would you give women interested in the field of cyber?
You need to be tenacious and you need to have the love to learn new things. It’s good to be curious and it’s okay to be yourself. What makes others “great” is not what will make you great. Find your niche and keep at it. The cybersecurity realm is huge, and there is a niche for everyone. - Jean Tam, CISSP
Any woman interested in the field of cyber should take the bold step to enroll for the (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) online instructor-led course. You should not relax on getting this certification alone, you must keep learning, developing and advancing. Ensure you collaborate and network with like-minded professionals such as your local (ISC)² Chapter and join the various study groups online. Finally, remember to mentor and carry others along as you develop yourself. - Chinatu Uzuegbu, CISSP
What is your favorite thing about working in cybersecurity?
Sometimes I hear the little gears click in someone's head when I'm explaining a concept or a path to take, and they are on board with a good plan. I love that feeling because it usually leads to moving ahead a little to be more secure. - Kate McDonald, CISSP
On the job, I get to support national security assets and treat them like puzzle pieces. Off the job, it's like a cat and mouse game, always evolving and figuring out ways to improve my strategies and tactics. - Danelle Mattison, CISSP
What do you consider to be one of your greatest professional accomplishments?
I was a Department of Defense contractor when 9-11 occurred. Due to my security clearance, I was immediately repurposed to help secure data and networks that were being stood up to prepare for war. I am grateful for the crash course in security that I received which provided me with a foundation to build a career on. Most of all, I am proud that I was able to support the United States in Operation Iraqi Freedom. - Sarah Hendrickson, CISSP
What is one professional objective that you hope to achieve this year?
I hope to add cloud security architecture as part of my cybersecurity continuing education this year. I started my studies and research around cloud computing over a year ago and I am hoping to apply the knowledge extensively this year alongside earning the CCSP. This certification being vendor neutral and AWS Cloud Security Architect being a vendor-focused certification. I am working hard on it and hope it would be a seamless accomplishment. - Chinatu Uzuegbu, CISSP
If you are interested in participating in future blog surveys, please let us know by completing an (ISC)² Volunteer Application.