Diversity is a key weapon against growing cybersecurity threats
Women are needed to strengthen our defences not just fill vacancies
As the world becomes increasingly reliant on digital, cybersecurity is now no longer just a concern for the big players. It is a critical challenge that affects every facet of our society, from national defence to personal privacy.
Yet, despite the ever-growing threats posed by cyberattacks, the UK faces a significant skills gap that leaves our most sensitive sectors vulnerable. According to the latest UK Government research into the UK cyber security labour market, 44% of UK businesses are lacking the most basic cybersecurity skills, even as global cybercrime costs are projected to reach £8.3 trillion annually by 2025.
This latest research on cyber skills sheds further light on the extent of the problem. Only 17% of the UK’s cyber workforce are women. At a time when demand for cybersecurity talent has never been higher, this underrepresentation is not just an issue of diversity, but a critical economic and national security concern.
To protect our businesses, infrastructure, and citizens from the increasing threat of cyber-attacks, we must significantly broaden the talent pool in cybersecurity. And to do that, we must prioritise recruiting more women into the sector.
The Cost of Inaction
The statistics speak for themselves. Cybercrime is not only a growing threat but also an increasingly expensive one. The average cost of a data breach in the UK has risen to £3.4 million. This isn't just a matter for large corporations—small and medium-sized businesses are also in the crosshairs of cybercriminals. Critical industries such as finance, energy, and defence, which underpin the UK’s economy and national security, are at particular risk.
The UK is not alone in facing this challenge. Globally, the cybersecurity skills shortage has reached nearly 3 million, and it is estimated that 53% of UK businesses are struggling to fill cybersecurity roles. With the threat landscape rapidly evolving - the status quo is unsustainable.
The good news is that increasing the number of women in cybersecurity could play a significant role in solving this crisis. Historically, cybersecurity has been perceived as a male-dominated field, with men currently outnumbering women by three to one.
However, once women do break through the glass ceiling, they excel. A high percentage of women in cybersecurity go on to reach leadership positions, with many serving as role models and mentors for the next generation of aspiring women.
This highlights an important point: while the pipeline of female talent is thin, those women who do enter the industry often thrive.
Building the pipeline
Increasing the number of women in cybersecurity isn’t just about filling roles; it’s about strengthening the industry’s overall capability. A more diverse workforce leads to a broader range of perspectives, more innovative problem-solving, and ultimately, better protection against cyber threats.
At Code First Girls, we understand that accessible education is a fundamental starting point. We’ve seen first-hand how the current modal of coding education, along with the UK education system, fails to effectively support women into the tech industry.
We know this because 80% of our students come from non-computer science, mathematics or engineering backgrounds. A clear indicator that girls are not being encouraged into tech careers and pathways early in their education.
So, how do we fix this?
Early intervention, ideally around the ages of 12-13, is crucial. There must be more of an emphasis on coding, cryptology, online research, and critical thinking early on in children’s education.
We must also remove the financial barriers to entry and provide learners with the flexibility and autonomy they need to enter the sector. Our coding education is free, virtual and accessible, which means our learners can fit their studies flexibly around their lives – removing barriers for those in full-time education, work, or with caring responsibilities. Additionally, offering women the opportunity to career switch, reskill and upskill later in life.
Furthermore, we need more industry-wide collaboration between governments, businesses, and educational institutions to promote cybersecurity as an inclusive, rewarding, and meaningful career choice.
To truly bridge the cyber skills gap, the industry must prioritise inclusion. It's not enough to merely welcome more women into the field; we must create an environment where they can thrive, develop, and lead. Women need to see role models, they need access to mentorship, and they need clear pathways to leadership positions. We must also create policies and workplace cultures that support women, from offering flexible work arrangements to closing the gender pay gap.
The cybersecurity threats of tomorrow are growing, and we are only as strong as the teams we build today. If we are to protect ourselves against the evolving landscape of digital threats, we cannot afford to leave half the population behind. By bringing more women into cybersecurity, we will not only address the skills gap but also strengthen our defences with the diverse, innovative, and resilient teams we need to safeguard our digital future.
Women curious about a career in cybersecurity will find lots of information, career advice and inspiration at the Women and Diversity in Tech Festival which takes place on the 5th November in Central London. Click here for further details and ticket info.