Diversity in Cyber Security: Why It’s Important and How WiCyS Integrates It

Workplace diversity is a game-changer for any society, classroom, or workplace. Over the past several years, many industries and corporate leaders have aspired to provide employee diversity while also implementing diversity of thought, known as cognitive diversity. By offering opportunities that were not available to employees before, employers and managers primarily create a positive atmosphere that motivates the entire team, ultimately increasing the organization’s productivity and financial benefit. Uniform treatment of all employees, regardless of their gender, cultural background, and religion, is the foundation of a company that genuinely cares for its employees. Each employee is unique and distinct, and needs to be treated as such.

Diversity of thought is equally important, and it is a potentially powerful tool that can provide substantial change and become a driving force in a company. It is crucial to implement diversity properly in the workplace environment to avoid potential issues, such as when employees “think creatively” without offering realistic solutions and efficiently finishing their work.

Why Cybersecurity Needs a More Diverse and Inclusive Workforce

People display their preferred method of thinking and demonstrate their skills and knowledge in different ways. This process is scientifically called ‘diversity of thought’ or ‘cognitive diversity’. Through experience, employees upgrade their knowledge and improve their skills, thereby developing their way of thinking. The preference on how each individual thinks is the process of a diversity of thought. When it is adequately implemented, diversity of thought has proven to create a substantially creative environment in the team and can spark ideas and solutions for predictable outcomes.

As one of the newest sectors on the market, the information security sector has a long way to go. In the process of learning and enhancing protection, this industry should not focus only on employees who are skilled and specially trained for that purpose. While information security teams are focused on finding new ways to defend, building cybersecurity teams with different backgrounds will open many possibilities and can improve online defenses. Fresh ideas and concepts for attack techniques are an advanced way of thinking, opening new points of view and reflecting the opinion of the general population.

Innovation Through Inclusion

Innovation doesn’t happen when the mind is closed to new ideas. When the inputs are limited, so too are the outcomes. The process of finding creative solutions and deciding on the best approach for solving critical problems is called inclusivity.

Today, the unpredictable business environment seeks innovative methods, techniques, and ideas. Sometimes, a storm of ideas comes from seemingly unrelated places. It is essential that employees of all levels, genders, backgrounds, geographies, and areas of expertise participate in the process of creating. Businesses with inclusive workplaces have better results since innovation unlocks potential that often remains undiscovered. Diverse, unique, and collaborative individuals share their ideas, points of view, and explain their perspectives on the problems.

Undeniably, like-minded individuals often create like-minded solutions. Still, innovation depends on creativity. Inclusion in the workplace can be beneficial in discovering new products, markets, and ways of solving existing problems with security. Cybersecurity can ensure visibility for innovative ideas by boosting the diversity of thought and uplifting the overall result. Cybersecurity threats are a global challenge that requires a solution at a worldwide scale.

Experts from different fields have different experiences that may contribute to achieving a shared ultimate goal. Inclusion allows cybersecurity experts to hear ideas and implement solutions from various spheres. Experts from different fields might not otherwise interact, but inclusion plays a crucial role in combining experiences and expertise.

Improving Work Environments for Underrepresented Groups

Diversity and inclusivity in organizations have proven to be beneficial for making better decisions, seizing new solutions, and creating new products that improve overall outcomes. Ultimately, when there is diversity, employees are motivated and strive towards beating the average financial returns.

Statistics show that people of color and women are part of the underrepresented groups in nearly all sectors, including cyber security. Daily, these groups face daunting barriers in the workplace, including stereotyping, lack of role models and sponsors, and difficulties with work-life integration.

Organizations need to make substantial structural and behavior improvements to prevent practices, processes, and cultures which suppress the progress of underrepresented groups. Changes start from the top. Leaders need to ensure that employees are treated equally and with respect, so that everyone’s voice is heard and every opinion is considered and valued. Identifying the needs and complaints of underrepresented groups and providing support is a great example of inclusivity and improving the work environment. Creating a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable working and expressing their opinions, and valuing the differences are critical aspects of the organization’s culture.

Prioritizing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Leaders in cybersecurity need to care for employees who have much-needed education, skills, and experience. The future of this sector and the safety of people worldwide directly depends on the dedication of IT employees and their desire to improve their skills. Professional development of employees in the cyber industry, upskilling, education, seminars, and improvement courses are vital to enhance employees and motivate them to upgrade their knowledge.

WiCyS, as a socially responsible company, has an everlasting mission to recruit, retain, and advance women in cybersecurity. The highlighted term is ‘leadership development’ instead of ‘advance’. With a clear goal to engage senior leaders on how to prepare the next generation of women cybersecurity leaders for their advancement, WiCyS offers their Leadership Series, Leadership Summit, and Invite-Only Senior Leaders Networking opportunities and workshops.

#ShareTheMicInCyber is a project that highlights the proficiency of professionals already in the IT industry. Lynn Dohm, the Executive Director of Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS), participated in the #sharethemicincyber initiative as a white practitioner amplifying black practitioners' voices in cyber.

Other initiatives, such as CyberBase and #MakingSpace from the R Street Institute, boost diversity in cybersecurity events and encourage and support Women in Security. With action and support, companies can empower underrepresented groups and prioritize egalitarianism and break down such frequent barriers.