While many assume a traditional IT background is a prerequisite for a career in cybersecurity, new data shows the landscape is rapidly changing — especially for women. According to a recent ISC2 report, 37% of women in cybersecurity entered the field from non-IT or military backgrounds, challenging the long-held belief that only tech specialists can thrive in cyber roles.
What’s even more promising is that a significantly higher percentage of women, compared to men, are proactively using education, self-initiated learning, professional development, and apprenticeships to launch their cybersecurity careers. These alternative pathways are not only effective but also essential in expanding the cybersecurity talent pool.
Companies Are Embracing Non-Traditional Cyber Talent
The report reveals that 56% of women surveyed say their organizations are already adapting hiring practices to include candidates from non-cybersecurity backgrounds. This is a strategic response to the cybersecurity skills gap, as companies seek to widen the talent pool without lowering standards.
This hiring shift is echoed across the tech industry. Žydrūnė Vitaitė, co-founder of Women Go Tech and business unit manager at Monitum, explains that women from diverse backgrounds bring strong problem-solving abilities, pattern recognition skills, and transferable soft skills like creativity and curiosity — qualities that are crucial in a dynamic field like cybersecurity.
“We’ve seen adult women in their 30s and 40s successfully shift from non-tech careers into tech and cybersecurity roles,” she said.
The Value of Diverse Experience in Cyber Roles
Hiring professionals also emphasize the value of diverse perspectives. Thomas Vick, a tech hiring expert at Robert Half, points out that candidates with backgrounds in business, education, or communications often bring essential interpersonal and project management skills to cybersecurity teams — skills that boost innovation and team effectiveness.
Alyson Laderman, CEO of Akylade, adds that one challenge for women is gaining early IT experience due to the field being male-dominated. As entry-level IT roles shrink, women increasingly bypass traditional tech pathways and head directly into cybersecurity through education and certification.
Education and Certifications Drive Cybersecurity Careers for Women
Women are also more likely to leverage higher education to break into cybersecurity. The ISC2 report shows:
- 24% of women entered the field with a cybersecurity-related degree (vs. 18% of men)
- 23% had an unrelated undergraduate degree
- 18% held an advanced cybersecurity degree (vs. 12% of men)
- 16% had a non-cyber advanced degree (vs. 11% of men)
Laderman argues, “Men often get hired based on potential, but women need to prove ability.” This leads many women to pursue additional degrees or certifications to validate their competence — a trend Vitaitė notes is fueled by confidence gaps and the need to meet most or all job requirements before applying.
Cybersecurity Certifications Are a Game-Changer
Beyond formal education, women are turning to cybersecurity certifications as an accessible route into the field. In fact, 18% of women (vs. 16% of men) earned a cybersecurity certification before landing their first role.
“Certifications offer a practical path for mid-career professionals and career changers,” says Julia Toothacre, a career strategist at Resume Templates.
Industry leaders like Fortinet’s Rob Rashotte stress the importance of revising traditional hiring practices. Despite most companies valuing certifications, 71% still require a four-year degree — a barrier that could be limiting access to top talent.
According to Fortinet’s 2024 Global Cybersecurity Skills Gap Report, 91% of employers prefer certified candidates, and 89% are willing to pay for employees to earn those certifications.
Challenges Remain for Women in Cybersecurity
Despite progress, gender disparities persist in the cybersecurity field. Teresa Rothaar of Keeper Security warns that women remain underrepresented, especially in leadership and technical roles. Barriers such as gender bias, pay gaps, limited promotion opportunities, and unwelcoming workplace cultures continue to slow progress.
“The industry is improving, but we still have a long way to go in creating truly equal opportunities,” she noted.
As the demand for cybersecurity professionals grows, organizations must continue to embrace diverse entry points into the field. For women, especially those transitioning from non-technical careers, the path may be unconventional — but it’s no less valuable. Education, certifications, and strong transferable skills are reshaping what it means to be a cybersecurity professional. With more companies rethinking hiring practices, the future of cybersecurity is not just technical — it’s inclusive, dynamic, and driven by a diversity of experience.