In this post, I will talk about closing the cybersecurity skills gap. Also, I will reveal why Women are essential to the industry’s future.
Cybersecurity has become one of the defining challenges of the digital era. As organisations accelerate cloud adoption, remote work, and AI-driven operations, attackers are exploiting expanded attack surfaces with unprecedented speed and scale. From ransomware campaigns to AI-assisted phishing and supply-chain compromises, the threat landscape is evolving faster than most security teams can adapt.
At the same time, the industry is facing a critical shortage of skilled professionals. This talent gap represents one of the most significant operational risks in cybersecurity today and it also presents a major opportunity. Increasing women’s participation in cybersecurity is no longer just a diversity goal; it is a strategic necessity. Institutions like Effat University are helping address this challenge by preparing women to enter and lead in high-impact cybersecurity roles.
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A Growing Threat Landscape, a Shrinking Workforce
Cybercrime is no longer driven solely by individual actors or small groups. Automation, artificial intelligence, and cybercrime marketplaces have transformed attacks into scalable, repeatable operations. Defenders must now contend with machine-driven threats that operate continuously and adapt in real time.
Industry estimates show that the global cybersecurity workforce shortage has reached approximately 4.8 million unfilled roles. As a result, 67% of organizations report being understaffed, limiting their ability to monitor threats, respond to incidents, and implement proactive security strategies.
Ryan Flores, Lead of Forward-Looking Threat Research at Trend, highlights the urgency of the situation:
“2026 will be remembered as the year cybercrime stopped being a service industry and became a fully automated one. AI agents will discover, exploit, and monetise vulnerabilities without human input. The challenge for defenders is no longer simply detection it’s matching the speed and scale of automated attacks.”
This shift places enormous pressure on security teams. Addressing it requires not only better tools, but a broader, more resilient talent pipeline that brings diverse perspectives into threat analysis, risk management, and defensive strategy.
Women Remain Under-represented in Cybersecurity
Despite the growing demand for talent, women continue to be significantly under-represented across cybersecurity roles.
According to ISC² workforce data, women account for only 22% of the global cybersecurity workforce. Representation drops further at senior levels, with women holding just 7% of C-suite cybersecurity positions. Research also indicates that female CISOs experience shorter average tenures, remaining in their roles nearly 19 months less than their male counterparts.
These gaps are not the result of a lack of capability. Instead, they reflect systemic issues limited early exposure to cybersecurity careers, misconceptions about the field being overly technical or inaccessible, and a lack of visible female leaders in security.
Sohail Khan, Assistant Professor and Chair of the Computer Science Department at Effat University, emphasises the value women bring to the field:
“When women enter cybersecurity, they don’t just increase headcount, they change how organisations approach security. Their perspectives help uncover blind spots and encourage more holistic defence strategies.”
Why Gender Diversity Strengthens Cyber Defence
Modern cybersecurity requires more than technical proficiency. Effective defence depends on critical thinking, collaboration, ethical judgement, and clear communication especially when translating technical risk to business leaders.
Multiple studies have shown that diverse teams outperform homogeneous ones in problem-solving and decision-making. A McKinsey & Company analysis found that companies with strong gender diversity were 21% more likely to outperform peers financially, reinforcing the link between diversity and organisational resilience.
In cybersecurity, these advantages manifest in more comprehensive threat modeling, improved incident response coordination, and stronger alignment between security teams and executive leadership.
As Sohail Khan explains:
“Diverse teams are more resilient teams. Women contribute analytical depth, collaborative leadership, and alternative problem-solving approaches that are critical when defending against sophisticated and evolving threats.”
Cybersecurity Careers Are Becoming More Accessible
One of the most important shifts in the cybersecurity job market is the move away from rigid career pathways. Today, employers are prioritising practical experience, certifications, and soft skills over traditional academic credentials alone.
The 2025 ISC² Cybersecurity Hiring Trends Report highlights this change:
- 90% of hiring managers would consider candidates with prior IT experience
- 89% would hire candidates with entry-level cybersecurity certifications
- Only 81% would prioritise candidates with academic qualifications but no hands-on experience
In addition, employers are placing increasing emphasis on skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, adaptability, and communication capabilities that are essential in real-world security operations.
Effat University has aligned its cybersecurity programs with these market realities, integrating applied learning, industry exposure, and professional skills development.
“Effat embeds work placements and soft-skills training throughout the program,” says Sohail Khan. “Students graduate with not only technical knowledge, but the communication and collaboration skills that employers consistently rank among their top hiring priorities.”
Strengthening Cybersecurity Through Inclusion
As cyber threats continue to scale, organisations can no longer afford to overlook half of the potential talent pool. Expanding women’s participation in cybersecurity strengthens defensive capabilities, improves decision-making, and helps close the global skills gap that leaves systems exposed.
Cybersecurity needs more professionals, more perspectives, and more leaders prepared to navigate an increasingly complex risk environment. Women belong in cybersecurity not only as participants, but as architects of its future.
Effat University is contributing to this mission by empowering women with the skills, confidence, and opportunities needed to succeed in one of the world’s most critical industries.
To learn more about why women are essential to the future of cybersecurity and how Effat University is supporting this transformation, read the full article here: https://www.effatuniversity.edu.sa/English/knowledge-center/Pages/women-cybersecurity.aspx
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About the Author:
Meet Angela Daniel, an esteemed cybersecurity expert and the Associate Editor at SecureBlitz. With a profound understanding of the digital security landscape, Angela is dedicated to sharing her wealth of knowledge with readers. Her insightful articles delve into the intricacies of cybersecurity, offering a beacon of understanding in the ever-evolving realm of online safety.
Angela's expertise is grounded in a passion for staying at the forefront of emerging threats and protective measures. Her commitment to empowering individuals and organizations with the tools and insights to safeguard their digital presence is unwavering.
