The goal of the SHE@CYBER project is to improve the security of digital Europe by promoting increased involvement of women with non-technical backgrounds in the cybersecurity sector. SHE@CYBER is seen as a crucial first step in tackling various issues highlighted in the EU’s Cybersecurity Strategy. These difficulties involve the requirement for a shared comprehension of cyber risks, the need to enhance cybersecurity and cyber defense abilities at the EU level, and the significant lack of cybersecurity skills among the workforce. SHE@CYBER combines adult education and professional certifications with expertise in specific subjects, using creative teaching techniques to achieve outcomes that meet industry requirements. 

The project goes beyond simply increasing cybersecurity professionals, as it also seeks to encourage diversity in the workforce. The project will lead new training methods, blending hybrid and online formats, to tackle the lack of females and disadvantaged groups in technology roles. Distinct features involve assessing new technologies, ethical concerns in cybersecurity, and fostering confidence in women working in cybersecurity. SHE@CYBER also aims to clarify misunderstandings, uncover important aspects of the gender gap, and evaluate biases linked to female vulnerability to cyber threats. 

By focusing on gender-specific measures, the project aims to pinpoint deficiencies across the full spectrum of the employment process, from educational and training opportunities to the dynamics of the workplace. In the end, the goal of the project is to create a systematic way to develop a diverse talent pool in cybersecurity, helping to match workforce resources with industry demands.

There are four work packages to be implemented in the project:

• Curriculum & Roadmap to a diverse workforce
• CyberSecurity Essentials & Business Resilience Training
• Interactive Learning platform
• Toolkit and train the trainer methodology

SHE@CYBER was created to address the pressing need for cybersecurity professionals and to actively engage marginalized groups, specifically women, in the industry. This seeks to address the skills gap and the gender diversity imbalance. Despite the increasing importance of cybersecurity and the rising need for professionals, the lack of women’s representation and subsequent talent shortage in this field pose vulnerabilities, particularly in small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and the overall cybersecurity industry. 

It’s crucial to consider varied viewpoints to tackle the gender gap, talent shortages, and skills gaps in cybersecurity effectively. At present, just 20% of the worldwide security workforce is made up of women, highlighting the need to promote gender diversity and bridge the gap between the demand for cybersecurity experts and the existing workforce.