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Diverse Backgrounds are Needed in Cybersecurity

CCAW_BannerWithDate_2022_eblast

Cybersecurity Career Awareness Week

Exploring Cybersecurity Career Pathways
October 17-22, 2022
nist.gov/nice/ccaw

A key goal of Cybersecurity Career Awareness Week is to develop a highly skilled and diverse workforce by supporting successful programs and showcasing effective resources, especially those that increase participation of women, minorities, veterans, persons with disabilities, and other underserved populations. Skills are needed from a diverse range of backgrounds!

STUDENT PERSPECTIVES ON CYBERSECURITY CAREERS

Students play an important role in growing the cybersecurity workforce. Today, in recognition of Cybersecurity Career Awareness Week, three students who are entering cybersecurity post-college, during college, and pre-college share some insights on careers from the student perspective. Read more in their blog article.

OUTREACH TO UNDERSERVED COMMUNITIES

The CHIPS & Science Act of 2022 focuses on increasing the strength of American supply chains, manufacturing, and national security. “Workforce” is an essential component supporting these three aspects. In particular, as the cybersecurity workforce and its development is an integral part of supply chains and national security, there is a goal to build a more diverse and resilient cybersecurity workforce to address future demands of the public and private sectors. A large talent pool exists in underserved populations. This poster aims to describe ongoing efforts to support and reach out to these communities.

View the Poster

VETERANS IN CYBERSECURITY

Military Veterans are an important community for consideration for cybersecurity jobs. Whether they have direct military experience with information security or possibly possess a highly desirable security clearance (or ability to qualify for a clearance), our nation’s military veterans are increasingly recognized as an attractive talent candidate pool for our most critical cybersecurity roles.

Access Veteran Resources

LOW COST ONLINE CYBERSECURITY LEARNING

Looking for low cost and easy-to-access learning materials to gain skills in cybersecurity? This curated webpage offers a list of resources and educational content on topics such as information technology and cybersecurity. Some, not all, may contribute towards professional learning objectives or lead to industry-recognized certifications and online degrees. Teaching resources are also available on this page.

Access Free and Low Cost Online Learning

NEXT UP

Tune in for these key activities happening on Friday, October 21:

There are several other events and activities happening around the globe. Find one to participate in by exploring the event portal online.

View All Events and Activities


Cybersecurity Career Awareness Week is coordinated by the National Initiative for Cybersecurity (NICE) and supported by a community of government, academic, non-profit, and private industry stakeholders. Commercial entities, materials, and resources provided in support of Cybersecurity Career Awareness Week may be identified in this email or on the nist.gov/nice/ccaw web site or linked web sites. Such identification is not intended to imply recommendation or endorsement by NIST. 

Released October 20, 2022