In today’s business world, planning against cyberattacks is essential. Major employers, government agencies, health systems, and utility infrastructure have all fallen victim to cybercrime. According to the FBI’s 2021 Internet Crime Report, U.S. businesses fell victim to cybercrime last year, resulting in more than $6.9 billion in potential losses. Texas posted her $606.2 million loss, the second-most loss.
As we saw earlier this month, the threat of devastating cybersecurity attacks is also ever-present in Austin.On Dec. 5, a ransomware attack targeted the Travis Central Appraisal District, shutting down phone lines and online chat systems. Did. Fortunately, the cyberattack did not affect taxpayer information or payments, but it took authorities about a week to fully restore customer service operations.
In November, the Dallas Central District faced a similar situation, with ransomware shutting down websites, servers and email for over two weeks. These cyberattacks demonstrate the vulnerability of government systems and the importance of protecting sensitive data stored on them.
The Internet Crime Report called the rise in US cyber attacks and malicious cyber activity last year “unprecedented.” In August, his FBI field office in Dallas said it had confirmed a number of recent cyberattacks targeting private companies, critical infrastructure, and government agencies.
To combat cybercrime, organizations must protect themselves with a competent workforce trained in cybersecurity. But despite the need for more talent, he has over 700,000 cybersecurity jobs in the US, and nearly 13,000 in Austin alone.
If higher salaries could solve this problem, the shortage would not exist. One such solution is to support and encourage people who would otherwise not consider the IT field. For example, a Black, Latina, Native American (BLNA) woman makes up about 16% of the U.S. population, but only her 4% of students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computing. Training and preparing BLNA women to pursue a career in cybersecurity not only alleviates this shortage, but also introduces talented people into the workforce.
Nationally, only 25% of technical graduates are women, with a dropout rate of 37% in technical classes compared to 30% for other programs. If this trend continues, the number of underrepresented women of color earning computing degrees won’t double until her 2052, and by 2052 women’s share of all graduates will be will become smaller and smaller. To attract more BLNA women to cybersecurity, she needs to show that women are a priority and give them the support they need to pursue an IT degree.
Western Governors University (WGU) offers support to BLNA women pursuing cybersecurity early in the pipeline. The Reboot Representation Tech Coalition, a group of 21 leading technology companies pledging to double the number of BLNA women earning computing degrees by 2025, recently pledged to increase significantly. Awarded nearly $1 million to colleges to build bridges and break down barriers for women in tech. Number of her BLNA women who will complete a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology at WGU by 2025.
Cybercriminals are always looking for new ways to break into computer systems and access data. We’ve seen the devastating impact cybercrime has on Texas. This could trickle down supply chain issues in other neighboring states as well. With computer viruses, malware, and scams becoming more sophisticated every day, you need to better protect your valuable data by creating a talent pipeline that connects your organization with candidates from Texas.
If tech companies can successfully create pathways for women, especially women of color, who face the most barriers, to pursue careers in tech, the industry will benefit from a broader talent pool and create new economic opportunities. will realize the opportunity.
Linda Garza Battles is Chancellor of WGU Texas and Regional Vice Chancellor for the Southern Region at Western Governors University. Dwana Franklin-Davis is CEO of Reboot Representation.
