Gender Diversity: Transforming Narratives in Cybersecurity
Dr Anitha Chinnaswamy, Deputy Director, Cyber Security Innovation (CSI) Research Centre, Aston University, Birmingham
While there is a growing cyber security skills gap and high shortage in the cyber sector, it remains relatively nondiverse in terms of gender. Just 17% of the workforce across the sector is female. Those filling senior roles are particularly limited. For example, just 3% of senior roles are filled by women. In this presentation, we will explore the substantial gender diversity gap within the cyber security sector, identifying it as a grassroots issue rooted in early societal norms. The talk will cover initiatives at the Ethnic Minorities in Cyber Network that aims at encouraging interest, providing mentorship and awareness. A brief summary of Aston University Cyber Security Innovation Centre's proactive efforts to narrow the gender diversity gap will also be provided.
Diversifying Cyber; An update on the work of the UK Cyber Security Council
Vanessa Henneker, Director of Programmes & Business Development, UK Cyber Security Council
Within the diversity space, the UK Cyber Security Council’s key areas of focus is to raise awareness of the cyber security profession as a career choice to a wide range of diverse audiences as well as developing, promoting an accessible career framework to demystify routes into the cyber security profession. Vanessa will present some of the key areas of work of the Council over the last few months, bringing you up to date with developments in the Professional Standards, Careers and Learning and Diversity pillars.
Grow your own cyber team through trusted partnerships
Stew Hogg, Associated Director, Cyber and Rhianne Short, Senior Cyber Consultant, Waterstons
A competitive cyber jobs market means that it’s increasingly challenging for Universities to recruit and retain experienced talent in their cyber teams in order to keep their institutions secure in the face of a growing cyber threat.
Waterstons has partnered with a range of clients (both inside and outside HE) to augment and grow their cyber teams in order to ensure the right skills are on hand when required. This has involved identifying and training internal candidates who have the potential, drive and determination to extend their career into a cyber security role.
In this seminar Stew Hogg will provide reflections on how organisations can grow and retain a diverse cyber team through a combination of investing in your own talent coupled with strategic partnerships to ensure the right skills are always on hand. Stew will also share Waterstons work as part of the NCSC Cyber First scheme which focusses on cultivating a diverse pool of talented individuals ready to tackle the cyber challenges of the future.
Mind the Confidence Gap - Harnessing Skills to Bridge the Cyber Diversity Divide.
Zeshan Sattar, Senior Director of Learning & Skills Certification, CompTIA
In this session we will explore how CompTIA is empowering organisations and individuals to bridge the confidence gap through skills development. We will delve into how globally recognised credentials can foster inclusivity, equipping individuals with the technical prowess needed to thrive in the cyber industry and enable their employers to build and grow a diverse workforce.
