The 2022 (ISC)² Cybersecurity Workforce Study revealed a global workforce gap of 3.4 million professionals. While 55% of respondents believe diversity will increase among their teams within two years, it is no surprise that diversity in the cybersecurity industry is still lacking. To bridge the gap and effectively secure information and assets, we need to cast a wider net and embrace greater diversity within the profession – specifically, enabling individuals from all backgrounds to join the field and equip them with the right tools to succeed in their cybersecurity career journey.

To empower individuals to continuously grow in their cybersecurity careers, this week, (ISC)² announced five global partnerships to support diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives. These partners include:

• Australian Women in Security Network (AWSN) – a not-for-profit association and network of people aimed at increasing the number of women in the security community.

• Cyversity – a diverse community of cybersecurity professionals whose mission is to achieve the consistent representation of women and underrepresented minorities in the cybersecurity industry.

• Blacks United in Leading Technology International (BUiLT) – the largest community and nonprofit professional organization that focuses on black people in the technology industry.

• Women4Cyber – an initiative that aims to address the gender gap among cybersecurity professionals in Europe.

• Chartered Institute of Information Security (CIISec) – an independent not-for-profit body committed to raising the standard of professionalism in information and cybersecurity.

Leveraging the unique expertise and perspectives of each of these organizations, the partnerships provide professionals with new and diverse pathways into the industry. To further support professionals in their career development, (ISC)² will assist in the promotion of (ISC)² Certified in Cybersecurity , DEI-focused webinars, grants for education and exams and toolkits to guide career development among leaders, organizations and professionals.

To move the needle and solve the workforce challenges impacting the cybersecurity profession, we need to encourage new individuals to join the field and lift up new and diverse voices. To discover more DEI resources, please visit: https://www.isc2.org/DEI .