The advanced cyber threats that breach networks and wreak havoc on organizations are increasing and, at the same time, the shortfall in cybersecurity professionals equipped to address those threats with today's technologies is expanding.

The Global Information Security Workforce Study recently reported that the global IT security shortage is projected to reach 1.8 unfilled roles by 2022. This gap is even larger for women. According to a recent ESG study of tech-savvy 16-24-year-olds, 0% of the females surveyed were currently working in cybersecurity and only 7% were interested in pursuing the field.

Many factors contribute to the widening talent deficit -- lack of access to cybersecurity education, stringent recruiting requirements for people with specialized training and technical certifications, etc. However, the ESG study uncovered a pool of young candidates that are ripe for recruitment, and with females particularly well placed: They expressed a greater affinity than their male cohorts for technology, and math and sciences, which could position them as the next generation of security talent.

When I explored entering the security industry, I had no direct security experience or security certifications. Fortunately, my employer was willing to take a chance on my technical background and product management skills. My skill set, combined with a thirst for learning, helped me quickly step into the fold of directing a team to build effective cybersecurity products.

Females have a unique advantage to bring diverse thinking to the marketplace. Our strong communication skills and ability to juggle high-priority items make us ideal candidates in high pressure scenarios. Smart companies are looking for talent to help them break away from "how things have always been done." The answer continues to point toward women who can bring these skills and fresh perspective to an organization.

Employers also need to consider training on the job with candidates who have "relatable" backgrounds from elsewhere in the technology field. My experience is a good example of that. I want to encourage women who are passionate about technology to highlight their translatable skills during an interview and encourage the prospective organization to make an investment. Here are a few tips to help other young women enter the industry with confidence.

The security industry has an incredible opportunity to move forward and close the talent gap by thinking outside of the norm and taking a chance on technology-savvy women with translatable skills. We can turn the tide, but organizations need to wake up, embrace this untapped workforce and make the investments necessary to protect their businesses.

— Kacy Beitel, Director of Product Management, ProtectWise