We all have unconscious bias. In fact, our ability to use pattern recognition and informed judgement can be a benefit in many professions, especially cybersecurity. However, unconscious biases in areas of hiring, mentoring, promoting or developing staff could hamper efforts to build the cybersecurity workforce and to diversify the individuals who make up this group.

(ISC)² has partnered with Cyversity, an organization whose mission is to achieve consistent representation of women and underrepresented minorities in the cybersecurity profession, to offer a series of free webinars addressing unconscious bias.

The first webinar in this series – Understanding Unconscious Bias – will take place on June 29 at 1:00 p.m. ET on the (ISC)² Security Briefings webinar channel. Registration is open now and (ISC)² members will earn 1 CPE credit for attending (either live or watching on-demand).

The cybersecurity workforce gap, estimated at 2.7 million globally, is a challenge facing organizations and professionals alike around the world. In 2021, (ISC)² launched its Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiative committing to redefine the image of the cybersecurity professional and the profession to accurately reflect and value the diversity of the world it protects.

Lead by Suri Surinder, CEO & DEI Leader, CTR Factor, the three webinars will offer participants an engaging mix of insights, exercises, illustrations, activities and more to enable understanding of their biases. The second webinar will be on September 21 and will focus on Identifying Bias while the third webinar in the series will be on October 29 and will guide participants on Managing Bias. Participants of this series will leave with specific strategies and tactics that they can deploy in their day-to-day work as they learn the definition, domains and impact of bias.

Cyversity and (ISC)² are working together to draw more individuals to the cybersecurity workforce who are underrepresented in the field. To meet the forces threatening our governments, corporations and communities, the profession must develop a diverse community of cyber professionals who have the skills, knowledge and abilities to offset those threats. Diversity of thought, experiences and background only make us stronger.

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