As per a 2019 UNESCO report, globally, women hold only 29% of science R&D positions and are 25% less likely than men to possess basic digital technology skills.
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies will impact women’s work opportunities and their roles, status, and treatment in the workplace. One field where women are notably underrepresented is cybersecurity. Capacity raises the question of how AI integration in cybersecurity will affect women and whether it will hinder inclusivity or facilitate it.
Recent data from the OECD reveals that women constitute less than 25% of the workforce in AI, highlighting a significant issue concerning the diversity of perspectives in its development. Jennifer Cox, a security engineering manager at Tenable, emphasizes the necessity for a diverse workforce and data selection to ensure that AI serves all individuals without biases.
Madeline Cheah, principal security technologist at Cambridge Consultants, warns about the risks associated with AI in cybersecurity, such as amplifying bias and discrimination. She stresses the importance of considering everyone’s needs in AI usage to eliminate unwanted biases and enhance skills among diverse groups.
Merritt Baer, field CISO at Lacework, advocates for AI’s potential to enhance inclusivity in cybersecurity, provided there is diversity in its development and programming. Baer cites examples of AI applications in security, like content moderation, that benefit vulnerable communities, including women.
Helen Masters, executive vice president at Ivanti, references research indicating that women may face disproportionate impacts from AI, particularly in roles susceptible to automation. She suggests proactive measures, such as internal task forces, to ensure that AI implementation enhances job opportunities for all individuals.
Kady Marriott, associate partner at WithYouWithMe, discusses the opportunities created for women in cybersecurity through skills-based hiring and AI integration. By prioritizing candidates’ abilities over traditional qualifications, this approach helps mitigate bias in the recruitment process.
Janet Robb, director of customer enablement at ANS, underscores the importance of mentoring and training to support women entering the field of cybersecurity. She emphasizes the need for inclusivity and equal access to opportunities in AI integration within cybersecurity.
In conclusion, the responsibility lies with all stakeholders to promote inclusivity and equal opportunities for women in the cybersecurity sector. Collaborative efforts across businesses and departments are essential to leverage AI advancements for creating a more inclusive environment in cybersecurity.
