Diversity & inclusion: From words to action

Numbers don’t lie – women make up only 17 percent of the cybersecurity workforce in Australia. They are predominantly employed as Cyber Security Analysts (21 percent) and Cyber Governance, Risk, and Compliance Specialists (24 percent). In contrast, women represent just 5 percent of Cyber Security Architects. Statistics on the neurodiverse workforce are less well-known, but a 2022 study estimated that 11% of Australian employees are neurodivergent, while the unemployment rate for autistic people exceeds 30%. Frequently quoted data from JP Morgan’s neurodiversity program shows that employees with autism were 92% more productive and worked 48% faster than non-autistic employees. The panel will also look into meaningful pathways for veterans to enter ICT and Cyber security careers. In Australia, between 5,500 and 6,000 Australian Defence Force (ADF) members leave the military and defence jobs each year. Unfortunately, 30.2% of these veterans are unemployed, and 19% are underemployed.

Looking at these statistics, we can see both the challenges and the opportunities. We often discuss these issues, but what are we actually doing about them?

This panel explores the initiatives, programs, and pathways that have successfully increased diversity and inclusion in the cybersecurity workforce. Panellists will unpack the challenges, explain why specific approaches have worked while others have not, and discuss key takeaways for future progress. We will also examine how different initiatives look from different perspectives – what does it mean for an employer to get involved, who is responsible for setting up programs that support inclusivity and diversity, and finally, why is it so difficult in practice, even when we all agree on the numerous benefits?