Security News > 2022 > September > Few women hold cybersecurity leadership positions.
Women comprised only 17% of Fortune 500 CISOs positions in 2021, according to a new report from the Accenture Cybersecurity Forum Women's Council.
Some 43% of respondents rated professional risk as a "Very" or "Most important" factor in declining a CISO or CSO position.
Concerns about professional risk factor into decisions about whether to accept a leadership position, the report said, adding that, while this may be the case, "Successful women CISOs encourage other women to accept the risks."
"Successful women aspirants were more likely to be recruited from another company and to apply for a CISO position directly than their male counterparts," the report said.
The Accenture research found "There are many very strong and qualified women candidates, and when they throw their hat into the ring, the market responds positively." That said, the report also notes that women need to be proactive in pursuing their career.
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