The Rise of Women in Cybersecurity: 2025 Workforce Trends

Why it’s time for you to lean in

Most people still think cybersecurity is a “boys’ club.”
But the smart women among us know better.

Because here’s the truth: by 2025, women hold nearly 30% of global cybersecurity jobs.

That’s up from 20% in 2019 and 25% just a few years ago (ISC², 2022). The growth is real.

The opportunities? Even bigger.

And respectfully?

If you keep waiting to pivot into tech… you’re going to watch everyone else build the career and income you’ve been dreaming about.

What the Latest Data Actually Shows

• Representation is rising—but unevenly. Globally, women fill around 22% of cybersecurity jobs. In Italy, that goes up to ~26.7%, while Germany lags at ~14.6%.
• US & Canada numbers are climbing, too. In the U.S., women make up under 20% of cyber roles; Canada is closer to ~21.2% 
• The wage gap is still real. On average, women in cybersecurity globally earn about USD 109,609, vs. USD 115,003 for men. In the U.S., it’s about a $7,000 difference between women and men in comparable positions.
• Senior roles are still underrepresented. Women are getting into managerial roles at higher rates than before, but top leadership spots (CISO / executive) are still rare.
• Challenges persist around inclusion and growth. Many women report feeling discriminated against, excluded, or unable to bring their full selves to work. Career growth, recognition, visibility—they’re often harder to come by.

Why This Matters in 2025(Especially Now)

• There’s a huge skills shortage — organizations are scrambling to hire more talent.
• Threats (AI, automation, cloud risks) are evolving — diverse perspectives really help in spotting blind spots and designing smarter defenses.
• Companies are placing more value on equity, inclusion, and diverse leadership — not just because it’s morally right, but because it’s becoming a business imperative.

So if you are thinking “maybe cyber,” now is not the time to wait.

What Women Moving into Cybersecurity in 2025 Should Do (Yes, You)

Here are some action steps — the kind you can start today:

1. Start with a foundation. Help desk, technical support, junior roles — they are all valid entry points.
2. Build proof of skill. Home labs, projects, certifications (oddly specific ones help: network security, cloud, threat intelligence).
3. Get a mentor or find a community. Networks for women in cybersecurity, scholarships, mentorship programs are more accessible than ever.
4. Show up in places that matter. LinkedIn posts, blogs, workshops. Be visible. Be vocal.
5. Demand fairness. Know your worth. Negotiate. Ask for pay equity. Organization transparency helps.

The market is ready. But only for women who step up now.

What to Watch for in the Next Few Years

• Will the % of women in cyber reach 30% globally by late 2025? Some reports say that’s possible.
• Will the pay gap shrink meaningfully, especially for women of color?
  
• Will senior leadership (CISO, CTO, etc.) begin to reflect closer to gender parity?
• How flexible work, remote/hybrid arrangements, and non-traditional paths into cyber will change the shape of hiring and retention.
  
  

Why Diversity = Better Security

Diverse teams catch blind spots faster. They solve problems differently. They build stronger defenses (Ashcraft & McLain, 2022). That’s why more companies are actively recruiting women into cyber roles. It’s not charity—it’s strategy.

Final Thought

If you’ve been on the fence about a tech pivot, this is your moment. Because the industry isn’t just opening doors—it’s needing people like you to walk through. The women who get started now? They’re the ones writing the next chapter.