Shifting the Focus: Making Diversity the Means to Cybersecurity Success

Increasing Diversity in Cybersecurity Leadership: A Path to Innovation and Success

The Importance of Diversity in Cybersecurity

In recent years, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts have become increasingly important in various industries, including cybersecurity. In 2023, the discussion around diversity in cybersecurity leadership has gained considerable attention. While some may view this push for diversity as merely a numbers game or a matter of fairness, security and workforce development experts argue that it goes beyond that. The inclusion of individuals from diverse backgrounds and thinking patterns is crucial in developing new approaches to tackling security challenges.

Deidre Diamond, CEO and founder of CyberSN, a cybersecurity staffing firm, emphasizes the importance of diversity in combating cyber threats. She argues that if organizations do not prioritize diversity for the sake of empathy and inclusivity, they should do so because their attackers are diverse. In order to protect businesses effectively, diverse perspectives are necessary. Building a diverse workforce requires investing in, caring for, and developing individuals from all backgrounds, with a particular focus on minorities.

The Pitfalls of DEI Initiatives

While organizations are addressing diversity in their cybersecurity workforce, it is crucial to navigate potential pitfalls along the path to DEI. Good intentions alone are not enough to ensure success. Organizations must be mindful of the language they use and the unintended consequences their efforts may have on the individuals they are trying to attract.

Christy Wyatt, president and CEO of Absolute Software, highlights the importance of words chosen during recruitment or after employment is established. Recruitment efforts should focus on skills and learning capacity rather than solely emphasizing diversity goals. Furthermore, organizations should avoid alienating diverse individuals by recognizing them solely for their demographic identity rather than their accomplishments.

Effective communication and engagement are vital to ensure that individuals from diverse backgrounds feel valued and included in the organization. Larry Whiteside, Jr., CISO of RegScale and co-founder of Cybersity, stresses the importance of giving diverse employees a voice within the organization. If these individuals do not feel heard or engaged, they are more likely to leave. Organizations must consistently and purposefully communicate and work with their diverse employees to foster a sense of belonging and ensure their voices are heard.

Culture and Inclusion

Christy Wyatt draws on her own experiences as a leader and a target of diversity programs to emphasize the importance of culture in fostering inclusion. She notes that “culture is a function of what you reward.” While transparency about DEI statistics is important, organizations should focus their biggest rewards on performance and the business outcomes driven by inclusivity and diversity.

At Absolute, Wyatt has implemented strategies that promote team performance rather than individual performance. Employees are paid equally for their roles, and teams are rewarded collectively when they achieve profitability and growth targets. This approach emphasizes the idea that a diverse range of perspectives and inclusive practices benefit everyone and contribute to overall success.

In addition to financial rewards, the way a company promotes and celebrates diversity successes plays a crucial role in shaping cultural values. Wyatt shares an example of how her team celebrated a cybersecurity team that was over 50% female. Instead of solely focusing on diversity, they highlighted the team’s credentials and the impactful work they were doing to protect the company. This approach emphasized the connection between diversity and business impact, rather than simply making diversity the headline.

Editorial: Embracing Diversity to Catalyze Innovation in Cybersecurity

The push for diversity in cybersecurity leadership should not be seen as a mere trend or an effort to meet quotas. It is a strategic imperative that organizations must recognize if they are to succeed in the ongoing fight against cyber threats. By embracing diversity, organizations bring together individuals with different backgrounds and perspectives, fostering an environment that encourages innovative thinking and new approaches to security challenges.

It is important to recognize that diversity goes beyond gender and racial diversity. Intersectionality, acknowledging the unique experiences and challenges faced by individuals who belong to multiple marginalized communities, is crucial. Organizations must foster an environment that is not only diverse but also inclusive and supportive of individuals from all backgrounds.

Advice for Organizations

Organizations seeking to increase diversity in their cybersecurity workforce should follow certain guidelines to avoid common pitfalls:

1. Communicate intentionally:

Be mindful of the language used during recruitment, ensuring that the focus is on skills, learning capacity, and the potential for growth.

2. Engage and develop diverse talent:

Once diverse individuals are hired, it is essential to actively include them in team discussions and engage them in decision-making processes. Provide access to professional development opportunities and foster a sense of belonging.

3. Create a culture of inclusion:

Reward team performance rather than individual achievements. Emphasize the connection between diversity, inclusivity, and business success. Celebrate diversity successes as a part of the broader impact on the organization.

4. Empower marginalized communities:

Recognize the challenges faced by individuals who belong to multiple marginalized communities. Develop targeted programs and initiatives to ensure that these individuals are represented and supported within the organization.

In conclusion, prioritizing diversity in cybersecurity leadership is not just about ticking boxes or meeting diversity quotas. It is about harnessing the power of diverse perspectives and experiences to drive innovation and improve security practices. By actively promoting diversity and inclusion, organizations can protect their business, foster a culture of collaboration and innovation, and ensure a fair and equal workforce.