Cyber security
Why the Skills Gap in IT Security Might Get Wider
Schools aren’t adequately preparing young adults, particularly females in that age group, to pursue cyber-security careers, new research shows.
Knowledge Gap
Globally, 47% of men say they are aware of the job responsibilities involved in cyber-security careers, compared with only 33% of women. In the U.S., the gap is larger: 51% of men and 33% of women know what a cyber-security career entails.
No Guidance
Globally, 62% of men and 75% of women said no secondary or high school computer classes offered the skills to help them pursue a cyber-security career. In the U.S., 57% of men and 74% of women said schools did not offer the skills needed.
Low Awareness
Globally, 57% of men and 66% of women said no teacher or career counselor mentioned cyber-security as a career. In the U.S., 55% of men, versus 69% of women said teachers and career counselors never mentioned cyber-security as a career.
No Qualifications
Globally, 25% of women and 23% of men said they haven’t sought out cyber-security programs because they did not think they were qualified. In the U.S., 33% of women felt they were not qualified versus 24% of men.
Career Choices
Globally, men are more likely (33%) than women (24%) to consider cyber-security as a career than they were a year ago. In the U.S., the gap is wider, with 40% of men and 23% of women choosing security as a career.
Gender Gap Widens
The gap between U.S. young men and women who would consider a career in Internet security is five times what it was a year ago.
Lack of Programs
Globally, 52% of women and 39% of men said no cyber-security programs or activities were available to them.
Bright Spot
28% of young adults globally are more likely to choose a career in cyber-security versus one year ago, while 16% are less likely.
No Interest
Of those who are less likely to pursue cyber-security jobs, 25% of females and 17% of males cited a lack of interest as the reason. In the U.S., the gap is higher: 36% of females, versus 12% of males.
Making a Difference or Making Money
50% of global respondents said believing in their employers’ missions is important to them, and 63% said salary is important.
More Info Needed
38% of millennials globally and 41% of millennials in the U.S. would like more information on what a cyber-security career entails.
Preconceived Barriers
Global respondents cited stress (21%) and the futility of fighting inevitable cyber-attacks (21%) as downsides of cyber-security careers. Other negatives included boring job tasks (18%) and inadequate salaries (15%).