The partnership between N2K Networks Inc. (N2K) and Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) aims to enhance and diversify the cybersecurity workforce. The report details how N2K's expertise in analytical mapping has been used to align WiCyS members' skills with the NICE Workforce Framework, revealing their strengths and growth opportunities. By measuring strengths and growth opportunities within each WiCyS member’s role, this study gauges members’ skill sets against industry standards, compiles diagnostic information for WiCyS to develop educational content to address skill gaps, and establishes a benchmark to understand the capabilities and potential of women in cybersecurity.

Key Findings:

• Exceptional Performance: WiCyS members have excelled across multiple NICE Framework areas, showcasing the effectiveness of WiCyS’s training programs.
• Strategic Insights: The analysis provided actionable data to tailor future initiatives, focusing on areas for development and maintaining cybersecurity excellence.
• Leadership Readiness: The study highlights WiCyS members’ preparedness for leadership roles, indicating their potential to advance and shape industry standards.
• Proven Expertise: WiCyS members have outperformed in 17 of 20 assessed specialty areas, demonstrating their ability to handle complex cybersecurity challenges.

Participants Overview:

• Total Participants: 399
• Experience Levels: Junior (30%), Mid-Level (13.5%), Senior (9%), Manager (6%), Not Indicated (41.8%)

Performance Highlights:

• Strengths: WiCyS members excelled in Communications & Network Security, Cyber Workforce Training & Awareness, Cyber/IT Leadership & Management, and Cyber/IT Policy & Governance.
• Opportunities for Development: Identified areas for improvement include certain NICE Specialty Areas where WiCyS members' scores were lower compared to other participants.

Strategic Initiatives:

• Skills Development Training: To address identified gaps and enhance members' competencies.
• Mentorship Expansion: To support professional growth and leadership readiness.
• Security Training Scholarships: To further boost the skills and readiness of WiCyS members.

About N2K and WiCyS:

• N2K Networks: Provides cyber workforce intelligence and insights through various media channels and partnerships with global enterprises.
• WiCyS: A nonprofit focused on the recruitment, retention, and advancement of women in cybersecurity, offering various resources and opportunities for its members.

To read the full report, see here