Fostering Inclusion: A Path to Cybersecurity Resilience

In today’s digital age, cybersecurity is essential for the integrity and functionality of businesses and infrastructure. Malaysia faces a significant shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals, needing 12,000 more experts to tackle rising cyber threats. Currently, the country has only 15,000 professionals, while 27,000 are needed. Globally, women represent just 25% of the cybersecurity workforce, expected to rise to 30% by 2025 and 35% by 2031, according to the ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study and Cybersecurity Ventures’ Women in Cybersecurity Report.

This shortage poses substantial risks to both the public and private sectors, potentially compromising economic growth and national security. Addressing this gap requires not only increasing the number of professionals but also fostering gender diversity within the field. A more diverse workforce can bring varied perspectives and innovative solutions, enhancing the nation’s cyber resiliency.

To explore these challenges and solutions, we have Christine Gadsby, Chief Information Security Officer at BlackBerry, and Dr. Carrine Teoh, President of Cybersecurity and Governance at the ASEAN CIO Association, discussing how fostering gender diversity and inclusion can help close Malaysia's cyber skills gap, strengthen national security, and ultimately boost the economy.