Gender Diversity in Cybersecurity Teams: Impact on Team Performance and Innovation

What Did This Cybersecurity Research Find?

This cybersecurity team composition study measured the relationship between gender diversity and security team performance across 120 organizations. Cybersecurity teams in the top quartile for gender diversity produced 19% more novel detection rule innovations and had 14% lower turnover rates than teams in the bottom quartile.

Key Findings

• 1Gender-diverse teams produced 19% more novel detection rule innovations
• 2Turnover was 14% lower in top-quartile gender-diverse teams
• 3Women represented 24% of the cybersecurity workforce in the study sample (2024)
• 4Inclusive team cultures (measured by survey) mediated the diversity-performance relationship
• 5Organizations with women in security leadership had 28% higher gender diversity at all levels

How Does This Apply to Cybersecurity Careers?

Security leaders can use performance data to support diversity hiring initiatives. Women considering cybersecurity careers can see evidence of the industry working to address gender gaps.

Who Should Read This?

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