Abstract
The significance of cybersecurity methods, strategies, and programs in protecting computers and electronic devices is crucial throughout the technological infrastructure. Despite the considerable growth in the cybersecurity field and its expansive workforce, there exists a notable underrepresentation, specifically among Black/African American females. This study examines the barriers hindering the inclusion of Black women in the cybersecurity workforce such as socioeconomic factors, limited educational access, biases, and workplace culture. The urgency of addressing these challenges calls for solutions such as education programs, mentorship initiatives, creating inclusive workplace environments, and promoting advocacy and increased awareness within the cybersecurity field. Additionally, this paper also features insightful interviews with successful Black female cybersecurity professionals, providing real-world perspectives and valuable advice. While strides have been made in acknowledging obstacles and implementing solutions, the representation gap for Black/African American women in cybersecurity persists, underscoring the need for further research in this area. Ultimately, this study encourages collaborative efforts to dismantle barriers and foster inclusivity, ensuring a more diverse and innovative cybersecurity sector.
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Teresa Duvall
Document Type
Paper
Disciplines
Accessibility | African American Studies | Curriculum and Social Inquiry | Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research | Educational Methods | Inequality and Stratification | Information Security | Race and Ethnicity | Science and Mathematics Education | Social Justice
DOI
10.25777/xkz2-7f78
Publication Date
12-1-2023
Upload File
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Included in
Accessibility Commons, African American Studies Commons, Curriculum and Social Inquiry Commons, Educational Assessment, Evaluation, and Research Commons, Educational Methods Commons, Inequality and Stratification Commons, Information Security Commons, Race and Ethnicity Commons, Science and Mathematics Education Commons, Social Justice Commons
The Underrepresentation of Black Females in Cybersecurity
The significance of cybersecurity methods, strategies, and programs in protecting computers and electronic devices is crucial throughout the technological infrastructure. Despite the considerable growth in the cybersecurity field and its expansive workforce, there exists a notable underrepresentation, specifically among Black/African American females. This study examines the barriers hindering the inclusion of Black women in the cybersecurity workforce such as socioeconomic factors, limited educational access, biases, and workplace culture. The urgency of addressing these challenges calls for solutions such as education programs, mentorship initiatives, creating inclusive workplace environments, and promoting advocacy and increased awareness within the cybersecurity field. Additionally, this paper also features insightful interviews with successful Black female cybersecurity professionals, providing real-world perspectives and valuable advice. While strides have been made in acknowledging obstacles and implementing solutions, the representation gap for Black/African American women in cybersecurity persists, underscoring the need for further research in this area. Ultimately, this study encourages collaborative efforts to dismantle barriers and foster inclusivity, ensuring a more diverse and innovative cybersecurity sector.