Closing the Cybersecurity Gender Gap: South African Women Awarded Scholarships

Center for Cyber Safety and Education to Offer Scholarship to Women of Color in South Africa

The Center for Cyber Safety and Education, in partnership with KnowBe4, has recently announced the establishment of a scholarship for women of color in South Africa to pursue qualifications in cybersecurity and related fields. The scholarship amounts to $5,876 (110,000 ZAR) and is to be applied to tuition, fees, books, and required electronics. This initiative is a part of the efforts to diversify the cybersecurity workforce in South Africa among women and support the academic needs and goals of deserving students.

Gender Gap in Cybersecurity

The gender gap in cybersecurity is a well-known issue, with women comprising just 20% of the cybersecurity workforce globally. Furthermore, women of color are severely underrepresented in the industry. The lack of diversity in the field not only perpetuates inequality but also hinders the industry’s ability to solve complex security challenges. Diversifying the workforce is key to improving the field’s problem-solving capabilities, fostering innovation, and addressing the critical shortage of cybersecurity professionals.

The Need for Scholarships

Scholarships play a crucial role in enabling students with limited financial resources to pursue their academic goals. For women of color, the financial burden of higher education is often compounded by the inequities they face in the job market. The scholarship offered by the Center for Cyber Safety and Education is a much-needed initiative that can help break down some of the barriers women of color face.

The Application Process

To be eligible for the scholarship, women of color must be residents of South Africa and either pursuing or planning to pursue a degree in cybersecurity, information assurance, or a related field at a college or university in South Africa. Full-time and part-time students are eligible to apply. Applicants will be evaluated based on three categories: passion, merit, and financial need.

Internet Security for Applicants

It is crucial for applicants to be cautious when sharing personal information during the application process. Cybercriminals often target scholarship applications and financial aid websites to steal personal information. Therefore, applicants should ensure that the website is secure before submitting any personal information. A secure website will have a padlock icon next to the URL in the address bar, indicating that the website has an SSL certificate.

Editorial

The scholarship initiative by the Center for Cyber Safety and Education and KnowBe4 is commendable. The shortage of cybersecurity professionals and the lack of diversity in the industry are pressing issues that need to be addressed urgently. Diversifying the cybersecurity workforce in South Africa among women of color is a step towards ensuring that the industry’s problem-solving capabilities are maximized. This scholarship has the potential to inspire and support women of color to pursue a career in cybersecurity, paving the way for their inclusion in the industry.

Advice

For women of color in South Africa interested in pursuing a career in cybersecurity, this scholarship opportunity is an excellent way to start. The field of cybersecurity offers immense potential for growth and career opportunities. Women have unique skills that can be applied to the field and diversify the workforce. However, as with any online application process, it is crucial to remain vigilant when sharing personal information and ensure that the website is secure.