Work Package 2 of the SHE@CYBER project focuses on developing a strategic roadmap and curriculum to promote diversity in the cybersecurity profession. As the digital world expands, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals continues to rise, yet the industry still struggles with a lack of diversity—particularly in terms of gender and representation from disadvantaged groups. This work package aims to address that gap by identifying barriers to inclusion and providing practical solutions to make the cybersecurity workforce more inclusive, accessible, and future-ready.
The core activities of WP2 are designed to gather insights, map out necessary competencies, and develop actionable strategies. First, the consortium will assess the needs of target groups, focusing on technical skills and the challenges faced by women and underrepresented groups in entering the cybersecurity field. Following this, a Cybersecurity Skills Framework will be created to align the required competencies with industry standards. The final outcome will be a comprehensive Workforce Strategy Report that defines the key skills, roles, and opportunities in cybersecurity and business resilience, and how to support diverse groups in pursuing these careers.
Led by Vernian RTI, with support from ISACA Europe and Exeo, the work package brings together expertise in workforce development, education, and industry standards. The consortium will also conduct both internal and external evaluations to ensure the relevance and impact of the strategy. An online survey, involving 15 professionals from each participating country, will be used to validate the roadmap and gather feedback from target audiences.
Ultimately, Work Package 2 is about creating pathways to bring more diverse talent into cybersecurity. By identifying the obstacles and offering a clear, skills-based framework, this effort will help close the workforce gap while fostering innovation and inclusivity. The expected results include increased participation of women and disadvantaged groups, improved recruitment strategies for SMEs, and a more sustainable and diverse cybersecurity ecosystem across Europe.
