WiCyS 

Cyber Talent Study

This study highlights the cybersecurity skills across WiCyS membership by utilizing N2K’s framework. The study provides insight into member strengths, areas for growth and trend analysis for future planning. 

Download Executive Summary

WICYS CYBER TALENT STUDY

Conducted in partnership with N2K, our study provides valuable insights into cybersecurity competencies by assessing the skills of 399 WiCyS members. N2K’s analytical strengths were leveraged to map WiCyS members’ skills directly to the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Workforce Framework, developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), categorizing capabilities into function areas.

By measuring strengths and growth opportunities within each WiCyS member’s role, this study gauges members’ skill sets against industry standards, compiles diagnostic information for WiCyS to develop educational content to address skill gaps, and establishes a benchmark to understand the capabilities and potential of women in cybersecurity.

Key Findings Show:

  • Outstanding Performance: WiCyS members demonstrated exceptional performance in 17 of 20 specialty areas and outperformed in every NICE category assessed, illustrating readiness to tackle complex challenges and lead innovations within the cybersecurity field.
  • Strategic & Actionable Insights: While WiCyS members outperformed their peers across many areas, the findings indicated an opportunity for potential growth in Software Development, Incident Response, and Systems Analysis. 
  • Leadership Readiness: Exceptional performance across critical NICE Framework functional areas demonstrates that WiCyS members are highly skilled and uniquely positioned for advanced roles in cyber.

CYBER TALENT STUDY IN THE NEWS

Read News Release HERE

Simone Petrella

N2K President

“This partnership between N2K and WiCyS is the demonstration of our shared commitment to empower cybersecurity professionals through enhanced knowledge and understanding,” said Simone Petrella, President of N2K Networks. “WiCyS brings a wealth of expertise and community building to the field, and by embracing the data-driven approaches we use at N2K, we can unlock hidden potentials, identify skill gaps, and illuminate the unique skills and talent that women bring to the forefront of cybersecurity.”

Lynn Dohm

WiCyS Executive Director

“This assessment allows members to deepen their understanding of their capabilities in the cybersecurity workforce to determine their strengths and weaknesses in the role they currently have and also in alignment with the industry expectations of that role.”