Creating a more inclusive security research field

Cybersecurity's significance has surged due to increasing high-profile breaches and its portrayal in popular media, yet there is a limited understanding of career opportunities in the field beyond technical roles. Many students at a Cornell University lecture recognized cybersecurity's importance for data protection but expressed disinterest or unawareness of potential careers outside of computer science, highlighting a need to showcase diverse roles such as those involving communication and marketing. The global cybersecurity market, valued at $150.37 billion in 2021, is projected to double in six years, with 3.5 million positions currently unfilled due to a skills gap and lack of awareness. Efforts by organizations like Microsoft aim to close this gap by promoting inclusivity and interdisciplinary teams. Highlighting roles such as product marketing, developer advocacy, and product security engineering at GitHub illustrates the varied career paths available, emphasizing the importance of both technical and non-technical skills in creating a robust cybersecurity ecosystem. This broader awareness can attract new talent and support the industry's evolving needs, fostering a more inclusive environment.