It’s no secret that there are fewer women in cybersecurity. Cybersecurity can be misunderstood as a career path and a field to study. In schools, they might touch on broader IT topics but not get into the field of cybersecurity specifically. This lack of exposure can be where it begins. When people hear “cybersecurity,” they either imagine a guy in a hoodie hacking or assume it is a world filled with complicated math and endless coding. That can feel intimidating, especially for people who do not see themselves fitting into those stereotypes.
This might reinforce misconceptions. Think about most movies or TV shows; the hackers are typically men who are isolated in dark rooms. Young girls watching this might personalize the idea that cybersecurity isn’t meant for them. It is not just about the movies; gaming can also be another gateway to tech for many boys. From an early age, boys are often immersed in gaming culture; this naturally sparks their curiosity about how technology works. That exposure from within the household can be a form of encouragement for boys that many girls might not receive.
Another factor can also be that not every young girl shies away from cybersecurity because it is male-dominated; some might, but others just might think it is all coding, and that might not be what they want to do. Schools and educational programs should try to be better at showing that cybersecurity is not just about coding ( yes, it can be beneficial to know it), but it can also be more than just that.
Timing is also another factor that matters. Cybersecurity is still a growing field, which means that now is a perfect time to enter the field. It is not about offering “special support” for women to succeed. It is about making sure that it is known the field even exists. Awareness can be the starting point.
At the end of the day, it might come down to personal interest. Women have made their way in many fields traditionally considered “male-dominated,” pursuing careers they are passionate about. Cybersecurity should be no different for those who might find it interesting.