Bid to boost women in the cyber workforce

Australian women looking for flexible work are being urged to consider a cyber security career as a skills crisis looms.

Women are the answer to Australia’s looming cyber skills shortage as those seeking more flexible hours or wanting to re-enter the workforce after time off are being enticed into the sector in a bid to sure up the nation’s security.

Only about 21 per cent of Australia’s cyber security workforce are currently women, prompting industry leader CyberCX to launch a new female-only intake at it’s training Academy.

Australian women will be offered a tailored part-time program from Monday to Thursday, with contact hours reduced to better accommodate women whose circumstances may not allow them to commit to a full-time role.

CyberCX Academy director Rosemary Driscoll said the under-representation of women in the cyber security workforce would “not be fixed by good intentions alone”.

Only 21 per cent of the cyber workforce are women.

“This intake has been designed to open doors for women who never saw themselves as cyber security professionals, those who are wondering how they will juggle the reskilling needed to enter the workforce, and those who are struggling to re-enter the workforce after time away from paid employment,” she said.

CyberCX chief John Paitaridis says women can help fill Australia’s cyber skill shortage. Picture: Mark Dadswell

CyberCX chief executive John Paitaridis said more women working in cyber security would be a positive for the safety and security of the country.

“The cyber security industry is expected to face a shortfall of roughly 30,000 professionals in the near future – a gap that cannot be closed by relying on established pathways,” he said.

The Australian Signals Director’s REDSPICE launched last year is expected to dramatically fuel demand for cyber specialists as the critical spy agency doubles its staff and strengthen its national security capability.

Originally published as Bid to boost women in the cyber workforce