By Samantha Leeman, Bright Purple Resourcing. Original article available here.

At Girl Geek Scotland our aim is to grow a community of professionals and entrepreneurs who are able to support each other at entry-level and throughout their careers in computing, creativity, and enterprise. A big part of this is ensuring that there are role models for everyone to learn from and aspire to.

The skills shortage in Cybersecurity is something that is and continues to be well documented; by 2018 there will be a global shortage of 4.2 million people who work in the sector. And according to (ISC)2’s latest study, only 6% of those working in the sector are women, a drop of 4% after the figure remained unchanged for 2 years at 10%.

Keen to address the lack of role models for women in Cybersecurity, Samantha Leeman from Bright Purple Resourcing, also one of our Event Managers at Girl Geek Scotland, is running an event in Edinburgh on the 22nd September at Codebase on Castle Terrace, 6pm, until 9pm.

We would encourage anyone reading this to join us on the 22nd; if you are currently working in, or interested in learning more about Cybersecurity. The event is FREE and a great opportunity for you to network, learn more about the sector, and of course meet some role models!

Speakers at the event include Alison McAlroy – Information Security Manager – Tesco Bank, Chelsea Sievewright – Information, Risk and Security Consultant – Prudential, Jamie Graves – CEO – ZoneFox, and Laura Johnston – Associate Consultant – PwC.

The world of Cybersecurity has moved from how the media depicts a Cybersecurity expert; typically; a nerdy male sat alone on his laptop in-front of a black screen with green coding.

One of the key skills that employers are looking for is “communication”. Some of the biggest challenges people working in the sector currently face are; communicating with multiple stakeholders; and delivering business objectives whilst ensuring risk management continues to be prioritised.

Studies over the last 30 years have consistently indicated that women are better communicators than men; and these skills are important than ever, as the Cybersecurity sector continues to adapt to changing technologies.

Chelsea Sievewright – Information Risk and Security Consultant at Prudential said, “I’m delighted to be speaking at Girl Geek Scotland’s even on the 22nd of September, it’s great to have the opportunity to pass on my knowledge in a supportive and relaxed environment. Samantha is doing a brilliant job organising this event in Edinburgh, and I’m really looking forward to it. It is a wonderful opportunity to network with other women working in Information Security and also showcase the great talent we have in Scotland. It’s no secret that women are severely underrepresented in the sector and I’m always looking for ways to help promote it to younger women.

Events like these provide a channel for collaborations and new ideas on how we can help bridge the skills gap in the future.”

So come and join Girl Geek Scotland for FREE on the 22nd September at Codebase 6pm – 9pm, you are all welcome. Event link here. (This is event is sold out as of 1 September, but there is an active waiting list so do put your name down and you will be notified if tickets become available).