Why Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) Should Employ New Approaches to Cybersecurity Faculty Development

Overview

Mountrouidou et al. (2019) noted that the global demand for cybersecurity experts has surged significantly recently. The United States, in particular, is experiencing remarkable job growth in this field, currently standing at an impressive 28%, three times the national average. However, the expansion of the cybersecurity domain extends far beyond technical aspects alone. It encompasses a wide spectrum of domains, including policy formulation, international law, commercial strategies, and human factors engineering, as emphasized in Mountrouidou et al.'s comprehensive research (2019).

Despite the field's rapid evolution, it is crucial to acknowledge that the cybersecurity industry has yet to keep pace with becoming more culturally diverse. According to the research findings by Mountrouidou et al. (2019), the demographic composition of the cybersecurity workforce in 2018 reflects this imbalance, with only 24.9% of professionals being women, 12.3% African Americans, and 6.8% Latino Americans. This lack of diversity in technology and cybersecurity is not merely a matter of inclusivity; it also holds strategic importance for firms aiming to maintain relevance to their clients and stay competitive in the talent market, as explained by Burrell (2020).

The imperative for fostering a more inclusive working environment goes beyond mere representation. It extends to creating opportunities for a broader spectrum of professionals to advance in their careers and unleash their full potential, as aptly articulated by Burrell (2020). Thus, the quest for diversity in the cybersecurity sector is not solely a matter of equity but also an essential strategic move for organizations seeking to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape (Lewis & Burrell, 2023).

In recent years, cybersecurity has emerged as a cornerstone of the modern economy, growing in paramount significance, as highlighted by Mountrouidou et al. (2019). The ever-expanding digital landscape has led to a surging demand for cybersecurity professionals, with estimates revealing a staggering shortfall of over 1 million unfilled cybersecurity positions (Burrell, 2020). Concurrently, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), renowned for their commitment to promoting diversity and equity in higher education, are poised to play a pivotal role in bridging the cybersecurity skills gap that looms over the United States (Burrell, 2020; Lewis & Burrell, 2023).

In an increasingly interconnected world, cybersecurity has assumed a pivotal role in safeguarding our digital infrastructure, securing sensitive data, and ensuring the safety of individuals and organizations, as articulated by Mountrouidou et al. (2019). However, despite the escalating demand for cybersecurity experts, the field remains predominantly male and requires greater diversity (Burrell, 2019). The importance of diversity in cybersecurity cannot be overstated. Firstly, diverse teams bring many perspectives and experiences, enabling them to identify and address threats that may remain concealed, as Burrell et al. (2023) noted. Secondly, diversity fosters a culture of creativity and innovation, which is indispensable in a field characterized by constant evolution (Burrell et al., 2023; Burrell, 2021). Lastly, diverse teams more accurately represent the diverse populations they serve, formulating more effective and equitable solutions (Burrell et al., 2023; Burrell, 2021). The significance of diversity in cybersecurity extends beyond mere representation; it is a strategic imperative for the field's continued growth, resilience, and effectiveness in safeguarding our digital future (Lewis & Burrell, 2023).