While women make up half of the total U.S. workforce and a quarter of computing-related jobs, they account for just 11 percent of the information security workforce, according to ISC(2)’s Women 2017 Global Information Security Study “Women in Cybersecurity.” With more than 1 million global cybersecurity jobs unfilled, we can’t afford to let this opportunity slip away.
“At Cisco, we believe that encouraging more women to pursue cybersecurity careers will generate new and creative solutions for the field’s toughest challenges,” said Michelle Witherspoon, director and chief of staff of the Security and Trust Office at Cisco.
The Cisco Women in Cybersecurity Community fosters and develops a pipeline of women in cybersecurity that grows the community and impact of women in cybersecurity professions. The community focuses on awareness, education, and mentorship.
Cisco accomplishes this through four strategic pillars:
- Education: providing opportunities and resources to ensure community members are expanding their knowledge and skills in cybersecurity
- Outreach: developing a pipeline of women in cybersecurity at the K-12 and collegiate levels, and expanding our community industry-wide
- Leadership: preparing members for career advancement and leadership roles through mentorship and professional development training to increase their sphere of influence in the industry
- Community: providing opportunities for members to gather regularly to share knowledge, network, recognize success, and lift up women
As a founding partner of the WiCyS (Women in Cybersecurity) Conference, Cisco continues to raise awareness about the importance of cybersecurity careers and the exciting new opportunities in the field.
Cisco is a VIP Sponsor of the WiCyS Conference March 12-14 in Denver, Colorado, which will feature illuminating speakers, workshops, networking opportunities, resume clinics, and a student job fair. Make sure you visit Cisco’s reception and see them at the job fair!