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March is Women’s History Month—a time to celebrate the contributions of women across all industries, including cybersecurity. Over the past decade, the representation of women in cybersecurity has steadily increased, but there is still more work to be done. While progress is being made, work must be done to ensure equitable opportunities, leadership representation, and pay parity. Let’s explore the current state of women in cybersecurity, the challenges they face, and how we can collectively support their continued advancement.
The Growth of Women in Cybersecurity
The presence of women in cybersecurity has grown significantly in recent years. In 2013, women constituted just 10% of the global cybersecurity workforce. By 2019, that number had doubled to 20%, and by 2022, women held 25% of cybersecurity jobs globally. As of 2024, estimates suggest that women comprise between 20% to 25% of the global cybersecurity workforce. In uplifting news, younger generations are showing a stronger presence—26% of cybersecurity professionals under the age of 30 are women, highlighting a positive trend for the future.
Gender Pay Gap Continues
More women are stepping into leadership positions within cybersecurity. While women hold executive titles at rates comparable to men, salary disparities persist. In the U.S., the average salary for women in cybersecurity is $109,609, compared to $115,003 for men. Among cybersecurity practitioners of color, the wage gap is even more pronounced, with men earning an average of $143,610, while women earn $135,630. Addressing these disparities is crucial for fostering an equitable industry.
The Workforce Gap and Underrepresentation
Despite progress, cybersecurity continues to face a significant workforce gap, and women remain underrepresented. Societal stereotypes, a lack of role models, and educational disparities contribute to this imbalance. Notably, in 2024, only 23% of security teams globally will be composed of women, and 11% of teams will have no women at all. Encouraging more women to enter the field through education, mentorship, and advocacy is essential for narrowing this gap.
The Role of Education, Mentorship, and Networking
One of the most effective ways to attract and retain women in cybersecurity is through education and mentorship. In 2024, women in cybersecurity will enter the field at higher rates through academic channels (14%) and mentorship or family encouragement (14%) than men (10% and 11%, respectively). Building strong support networks and providing mentorship opportunities can empower more women to thrive in the industry.
What is the Future of Women in Cybersecurity?
The future looks promising, with projections indicating that women could represent 30% of the global cybersecurity workforce by 2025 and 35% by 2031. Continued efforts to foster inclusion, advancement, and pay equity will be key to sustaining this growth. Additionally, initiatives such as International Women in Cyber Day (September 1st) provide opportunities to recognize and celebrate women's achievements in the field.
How We Can Make a Difference
To support and elevate women in cybersecurity, organizations and individuals can:
- Promote pay equity by addressing wage gaps and ensuring fair compensation.
- Encourage mentorship and sponsorship to help women advance in their careers.
- Foster inclusive hiring practices to build more diverse teams.
- Highlight success stories to provide visibility and inspire future generations.
- Support educational initiatives that encourage more women to enter the field.
During Women’s History Month, we will release features focusing on women within our Cobalt organization. Each feature will highlight the unique cybersecurity journeys and lessons learned by these individuals.
Let’s commit to fostering an inclusive and equitable cybersecurity industry. By continuing to support women in cybersecurity, we can strengthen the industry, close workforce gaps, and build a more secure digital future for all.
