Technical Careers in Cybersecurity: Don’t Avoid Technical Roles
Where do women belong in the global cybersecurity community? Anywhere they damn please. Their contributions are valuable and needed to protect us all from cybercrime.
You may know that women in cybersecurity manage risk, protect confidential data, and ensure compliance with laws. These are meaningful contributions, and you may have had your eye on jobs that support these areas.
Women in cybersecurity also secure cloud systems, understand multiple programming languages, develop automated systems, carry out digital forensic investigations, and design and implement complex technical security programs.
Surprised? We’re not, but these aren’t necessarily what people picture when they think of women working in cybersecurity. It’s clear that while some women target less technical areas of the industry, others want to dig deep into how it all works and have always had a laser focus on more technical roles.
The bottom line: you don’t need to know how to code to work in cybersecurity.
BUT if you know how, or are itching to learn other technical concepts, exciting pathways are open. And good news—over 90% of organizations are willing to pay for the training and certification of their employees.
In this blog post about tech careers in cybersecurity, we’ll explore:
How women end up in less technical cybersecurity roles
Why women are well-suited to both technical and non-technical roles
Four reasons you might want to pursue a tech career in cybersecurity
Why a tech career in cybersecurity could be within your reach
How do women end up in less technical cybersecurity roles?
For starters, feeling like you’re breaking in where you aren’t welcome can be intimidating. There’s been a gender gap in both the current distribution of cybersecurity jobs and hiring, which can make some communities and organizations harder to break into for women.
The reality is you’re likely not getting a gold-engraved invitation, and you may have to nudge (or shove) open a door or two. That said, three out of four organizations now have formal processes in place to hire more women, according to Fortinet.
Many women come to cybersecurity from other fields and disciplines, and you may be no different. It can feel safe to stay where you feel you have demonstrable expertise, and there’s no denying your resume is still weighted toward leadership skills such as organization and collaboration.
While transferable skills may have gotten you in the door, you’re also not new to the game. Maybe you came in with engineering chops, built up your knowledge and skills, and have solid credentials to carry you into something more technical.
Why are women well-suited to both technical and non-technical roles?
It’s important to recognize and value the diverse skills and strengths women bring to tech careers in cybersecurity.
Here are some key qualities women often bring to the table, some of which may have even helped you get your career off the ground. These are solid strengths you’ll lean on your entire career.
Attention to detail
Communication
Collaboration
Emotional intelligence and empathy
But let’s dig deeper into some of the competencies you may have honed since entering the industry. You’ve learned a few things, maybe taken a few courses, and have set your sights a few rungs up a different ladder.
These strengths work to your advantage in less technical roles, but also could make you an excellent fit for the learning required for complex technical challenges.
Analytical thinking
Adaptability and problem-solving
Systems design
Ability to pick up new languages
Recognizing these strengths in yourself can give you the confidence you need to pursue a more challenging technical career in cybersecurity, or tackle a new certification you can’t stop thinking about.
The industry needs women across all types of roles and specializations. And remember, the more women who advance into highly technical roles, the more resilient and effective the cybersecurity landscape will be.
4 reasons to pursue a tech career in cybersecurity
There aren’t any cybersecurity roles that women can’t handle. Let’s get that out of the way before we even dig in.
Will there be room for you if you pursue a more technical role? We say yes. After all, when asked which skill set areas were in the shortest supply, respondents to a global survey about cybersecurity careers say cloud computing security, security analysis and investigations, and application security.
Four valid reasons for pursuing tech roles:
You have a passion for tech and the desire to be at the forefront of what’s happening in the industry—and that includes coding, developing, and knowing how everything works.
You want to specialize in a technical field or eventually have influence within the cybersecurity community in an area that would benefit from more technical experience.
You love the idea of challenging stereotypes and mentoring other women entering the industry.
You want to. Full stop.
Plus, while the global cybersecurity workforce is estimated to be 4.7 million people, the global shortage of cybersecurity professionals is estimated at 3.4 million, according to a 2022 Cybersecurity Workforce Study.
If you’re curious, love knowing how something works, and aren’t easily overwhelmed by strings of code and the back end of complicated systems, this could be your time to shine. (And we need more women in the spotlight!)
A tech career in cybersecurity could be within reach
Every woman working in cybersecurity is unique, with her own motivations and decisions about how she wants her career to take shape. One of the most appealing aspects of cybersecurity is that there is room for everyone, and there’s not one path intended to fit all.
If you find yourself energized by new challenges that could lead to more technical roles, pursue those feelings! Build from your unique strengths and expertise, and add skills that will help unlock new paths.
Don’t shy away from the tech roles that could unlock new chapters of your cybersecurity career. Talk to other women in the industry with highly technical jobs that inspire you or who have hit milestones you’d love to meet one day.
These are critical responsibilities that make a significant impact on organizations and the global cybersecurity industry, and they’re perfectly aligned with the strengths many women offer.
Chase what makes you curious. Isn’t that how you got here in the first place?
Ready for a new perspective on what women can do in cybersecurity? Join our exclusive Insiders community for connection, community, and study programs to help you achieve your next cybersecurity certification.
