The number of women in Saudi cybersecurity sector reaches 45%

The number of women in Saudi cybersecurity sector reaches 45%

Saudi Arabia’s cybersecurity has seen an increased volume of women taking up roles, as 45% of positions are held by females.

The latest statistics published by the Saudi Federation for Cyber Security, Programming and Drones (SAFCSP) have revealed the rise. The global representation of women in the cybersecurity field is about 75%.

This latest rise comes alongside the Kingdom’s efforts to develop, strengthen and diversify its economy in the light of Vision 2030. The vision is under the leadership of Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense.

As women’s roles become more visible in cybersecurity, one of the groups that support the role of women in the cyber security sector is Hemaya Association.

Abrar Alrefaei, Deputy CEO of Information Security at Hemaya, said Hemaya dates back to 2011, when a group of cyber security specialists decided to establish a voluntary group that enhances the exchange of experiences among specialists, men and women alike.

Since beginning, the association has been keen to enhance the presence of women in the field of cybersecurity. A special community was established in the association and it has been called “HameyaT” which in turn includes several women specialised in cyber security, Abrar explained.

In 2017, women constituted about 11% of the workforce in the cybersecurity field, while in 2019 the percentage increased to reach 24% globally, according to a study conducted by the International Information System Security Certification Consortium.