Examining the gender gap in information assurance: A study of psychological factors

Abstract

The increasing cyber attacks result in an emergent need for Information Assurance professionals in the government and private sector. Young adults’ psychological factors related to the career field of Information Assurance (IA) remain largely understudied despite Information Assurance Workforce (IAW) becoming a crucial issue. Gender disparity, in particular, is a concern for Information Assurance. The first of its kind, this study investigates the gender gap in the field of IA by examining psychological factors affecting young adults, including attitudes, interests, self-efficacy, and goals. Our findings on gender difference in IA from psychological perspectives provide insight for understanding gender disparity in the IA field and initiate studies to explore this issue further. The practical purpose of this study is to contribute information related to gender differences, understood with regard to psychological aspects, for IA recruitment strategies to inspire young adults, especially the underrepresented population of women, to join the IAW.