WiCyS
Cyber Talent Study
This 2025 study provides updates to the original 2023 analysis. It further highlights the cybersecurity skills across WiCyS membership by utilizing N2K’s framework and skillrex’ analysis. The study provides insight into member strengths, areas for growth and trend analysis for future planning.
WICYS CYBER TALENT STUDY
This Cyber Talent Study began as a joint effort between Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS) and N2K Networks in 2023, with an initial cohort of 399 participants completing a cybersecurity skills diagnostic designed to assess knowledge and proficiency across the NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework. In 2025, the study was expanded to include an additional 205 WiCyS members, significantly enhancing the depth and breadth of the dataset.
Strategic partner, skillrex, led the updated analysis and development of this report. Leveraging its workforce intelligence methodology and proprietary functional group taxonomy, skillrex evaluated participant performance across key cybersecurity domains to uncover patterns of excellence and areas for targeted growth. The resulting analysis highlights high performance across technical and leadership domains and provides actionable insights to guide WiCyS’ future programming, training strategies and member development initiatives.
Key Findings Show:
- The WiCyS Edge: WiCyS members outperformed peers in 16 of 20 NICE Framework areas, achieving an overall composite score 4 points higher—equivalent to nearly a 10% overall performance advantage—demonstrating standout technical and leadership strength.
- Strategic & Actionable Insights: Analysis revealed remarkable strengths and areas for development, providing WiCyS with actionable data to tailor future programs and ensure its members remain at the forefront of cybersecurity excellence. Since the initial 2023 cohort, additional WiCyS training programs have produced measurable improvements in two NICE Specialty Areas—demonstrating that targeted efforts to close skills gaps deliver positive results.
- Leadership Readiness: The study highlights that WiCyS members are highly skilled and uniquely prepared for leadership roles. Their exceptional performance demonstrates their readiness to lead and influence at high levels.
CYBER TALENT STUDY IN THE NEWS
Read News Release HERE
Jeff Welgan
Chief Strategist & CEO
“Skillrex’s research partnership with WiCyS underscores the power of combining data-driven workforce intelligence with a mission-driven community. Together, we’re identifying strengths and areas of opportunity, and equipping WiCyS with actionable insights that inform and elevate their programming. By focusing development where it’s needed most, WiCyS empowers its members and ensures the entire cybersecurity field moves forward with greater intentionality.”
Simone Petrella
N2K President
“This partnership between N2K and WiCyS is the demonstration of our shared commitment to empower cybersecurity professionals through enhanced knowledge and understanding,” said Simone Petrella, President of N2K Networks. “WiCyS brings a wealth of expertise and community building to the field, and by embracing the data-driven approaches we use at N2K, we can unlock hidden potentials, identify skill gaps, and illuminate the unique skills and talent that women bring to the forefront of cybersecurity.”
Lynn Dohm
WiCyS Executive Director
“This assessment allows members to deepen their understanding of their capabilities in the cybersecurity workforce to determine their strengths and weaknesses in the role they currently have and also in alignment with the industry expectations of that role.”