Empowering Women in Cybersecurity: How Education and Training Are Key

In a security operations center, an analyst spots unusual traffic patterns that others missed. In a penetration test, a practitioner finds a critical vulnerability by thinking differently about system interactions. In a digital forensics investigation, an examiner uncovers evidence through unique analytical approaches.

These scenarios highlight why diverse perspectives in cybersecurity aren’t just about demographics. They’re about finding and stopping threats that others might miss. Yet women make up only 24% of the cybersecurity workforce according to the 2023 (ISC)² Cybersecurity Workforce Study. More concerning still, this number has barely moved in the past decade despite countless initiatives and programs. 

The statistics tell only part of the story. While women represent nearly half of the global workforce, their representation in technical cybersecurity roles remains strikingly low. In specialized areas like penetration testing and red teaming, the numbers drop even further. This isn’t just a pipeline problem. It’s a fundamental issue with how we approach security training and skill development.

Traditional paths into cybersecurity often emphasize theory over practice. Multiple-choice exams and passive learning don’t create strong security practitioners. Real security skills are built through:

1. Hands-on lab environments working with actual vulnerable systems, not just reading about them
2. Realistic attack scenarios practicing exploitation techniques in controlled environments
3. Adversarial thinking development learning to think like an attacker to build better defenses

Industry research shows that women in technology often face higher scrutiny of their technical abilities. Traditional training models, with their emphasis on theoretical knowledge over practical skills, can amplify this challenge. The solution lies in objective, hands-on training where skills speak louder than credentials.

Effective security practitioners need:

• Live hands-on experience exploiting vulnerabilities
• Practice developing custom exploits and tools
• Experience adapting to dynamic defense scenarios
• Skills in identifying and bypassing security controls

This kind of practical experience proves particularly valuable for practitioners from non-traditional backgrounds who may not have years of prior technical experience.

The strength of hands-on security training lies in its objectivity. When practitioners tackle real-world scenarios in live environments, success is measured by concrete results: identifying vulnerabilities, executing successful exploits, and documenting findings. This focus on demonstrable skills creates a level playing field where expertise is proven through actions, not credentials.

The most effective training programs build capability through:

1. Skills-first approach: No simulations or theoretical models. Practitioners work with actual vulnerable systems.
2. Objective evaluation: Success means demonstrating real exploitation skills, not passing multiple choice tests.
3. Progressive skill building: Starting from foundational techniques and building to advanced exploitation.
4. Problem-solving emphasis: Every challenge requires creative thinking and adapting to new scenarios.

The traditional entry requirements (computer science degrees, years of IT experience, endless certifications) create particular challenges for women, who are less likely to have followed conventional technical career paths. This isn’t just speculation. Studies show that women are more likely to enter cybersecurity from non-technical backgrounds, bringing valuable diverse perspectives and problem-solving approaches.

Progressive organizations are finding success with:

• Skills-based hiring that emphasizes practical abilities
• Training programs that start with hands-on work from day one
• Mentorship focused on developing technical capabilities
• Clear paths to advanced technical roles

The global cybersecurity workforce gap of 3.4 million represents an unprecedented opportunity. Women could fill a significant portion of these roles, but only if we provide the right training. This means:

1. Emphasizing practical offensive security skills from day one
2. Developing real-world capabilities through hands-on practice
3. Building experience through progressive challenges
4. Creating true security expertise through practical application

Organizations with higher percentages of women in cybersecurity roles report several key benefits:

• Improved problem-solving approaches
• More comprehensive risk assessment
• Better team collaboration
• Increased innovation in threat detection and response

These benefits directly impact bottom-line security outcomes. Teams with gender diversity consistently demonstrate stronger performance in areas like vulnerability discovery, incident response, and threat detection.

The evidence is clear: hands-on, practical training works. When practitioners learn through real-world scenarios and hands-on exploitation, they develop stronger security skills regardless of their background. This approach particularly benefits women entering the field, as it provides objective proof of capability that transcends traditional barriers.

We need to expand access to rigorous, hands-on security training. The kind of training that builds real capabilities. The kind that creates practitioners who can find the vulnerabilities others miss and stop the attacks others don’t see coming.

Because in the end, attackers don’t care about your background or gender. They care about finding vulnerabilities. Our training needs to create practitioners who can beat them at their own game.

The future of cybersecurity depends on building a more diverse workforce. But declarations and initiatives aren’t enough. We need practical, hands-on training that gives women the tools to prove their capabilities and excel in technical security roles. That’s how we’ll build a stronger, more resilient security community.

At OffSec, we’re committed to advancing women in cybersecurity through our ShePwns initiative, an effort designed to empower, inspire, and provide opportunities for women to excel in this industry. With various events, and a chance to win a Learn One subscription, ShePwns offers a platform for women to not only gain invaluable skills but also connect with like-minded individuals passionate about making an impact. As part of this initiative, we invite you to participate in upcoming events, including our exciting ShePwns Twitch stream and LinkedIn giveaway, as we continue to promote diversity, equality, and empowerment in the cybersecurity space.Join us in celebrating Women’s History Month and International Women’s Day by supporting the next generation of women leaders in cybersecurity. Visit ShePwns for more information on how you can get involved.