Solving IT security challenges requires new ideas and innovation. Key to achieving this is tapping into the diverse experiences and culture of our broader workforce.
Morris Plains, New Jersey (PRWEB) June 03, 2015
The International Consortium of Minority Cybersecurity Professionals (ICMCP), today announced its inaugural National Conference will be held in Washington, D.C. March of 2016.
The conference will focus on the public, private and academic imperatives necessary to closing the growing underrepresentation of women and minorities in cybersecurity through diversification of the workforce. Despite the increasing demand for cybersecurity professionals globally it remains an area where there is a significant shortage of skilled security professionals. The conference will facilitate a national dialogue toward enhancing opportunities in cybersecurity education and increase employment opportunities for minorities.
During the 1 1/2 day conference, attendees will:
- Engage thought leaders from industry, government and academia
- Network with security luminaries
- Gain insight from women and minority cybersecurity practitioners
- Interact with cutting-edge security vendors
- Attend professional development workshops
- Explore career paths in cybersecurity
- Learn about scholarship and internship opportunities
According to the National Science Foundation (NSF), women are underrepresented in Information Technology (IT) and cybersecurity, comprising only 29% of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) workforce despite making up 48% of the US professional workforce. Specifically, according to various studies including research from the International Information Systems Security Certification Consortium (ISC2) women comprise only 10% of the cybersecurity workforce. Similarly, minorities are grossly underrepresented with African Americans and Hispanics combined representing less than 11% of the cybersecurity workforce.
“Cybersecurity has never been more important to the economy and security of our nation than it is today and it is only increasing in significance,” said Devon Bryan, ICMCP Co-founder and President, and Vice President, Global Technical Security Services (CISO) at ADP LLC. “As the need for cybersecurity professionals continues to grow it is critical that we have a skilled workforce to meet these demands. In order to do that and to protect our national critical infrastructures, we need to create more opportunities for women and major minority groups grossly underrepresented in cybersecurity professions."
Already committed to supporting this landmark event as Platinum Sponsors are Rapid7 and CyberPoint Risk Analytics.
Regarding Rapid7’s support and sponsorship its President and CEO Corey Thomas said: “Solving IT security challenges requires new ideas and innovation. Key to achieving this is tapping into the diverse experiences and culture of our broader workforce. We need to engage all great minds to find sustainable solutions and keep innovation thriving.”
CyberPoint Risk Analytics President and CEO, and Chairman of the ICMCP Strategic Advisory Board Julian Waits, said: “Cyber Security is no longer a nascent idea, or niche space, it’s the unfortunate reality of the state of our connected world. As there are not enough cyber-educated individuals in our current workforce, broadening the message to be inclusive of groups that generally would not participate is paramount. That’s why ICMCP exists.”
SAVE THE DATE
WHEN: March 23 – 24, 2016 (tentative)
WHO: Cybersecurity Executives, Cybersecurity Professionals, Exhibitors, Students, and Aspiring Practitioners
WHERE: Washington, DC (venue to be announced)
For more information on sponsorship please contact: sponsors(at)icmcp(dot)org
To receive updates on the conference please contact us: https://icmcp.org/save-the-date/
About ICMCP
The ICMCP is a volunteer-led 501©3 non-profit organization. Launched in 2014, the ICMCP is working to bridge the gap in the cybersecurity sector by providing scholarship opportunities, technical training programs, innovative outreach, mentoring and networking programs targeting women and minority cybersecurity professionals worldwide and by promoting academic and technical excellence in the industry.
Rapid 7
Rapid7's security data and analytics software and services help organizations reduce the risk of a breach, detect and investigate attacks, and build more effective IT security programs. http://www.rapid7.com/
Cyberpoint
CyberPoint Risk Analytics delivers analytic tools, technologies and processes that enable collaboration between business and technical leaders in order to continually quantify cyber risks, prioritize cyber investments, and protect what’s invaluable. http://cyberpointllc.com/
Sources cited:
ISC2 Global Information Security Workforce Study 2015
https://www.isc2cares.org/uploadedFiles/wwwisc2caresorg/Content/GISWS/FrostSullivan-%28ISC%29²-Global-Information-Security-Workforce-Study-2015.pdf
Women, Minorities, and Persons with Disabilities in Science and Engineering 2015
http://www.nsf.gov/statistics/2015/nsf15311/