Cyber Wizards:

Empowering Young Girls in Cybersecurity

 

Unlocking Potential: Cyber Wizards Shows the Path for Young Girls in Cybersecurity

In a world increasingly reliant on digital infrastructure, cybersecurity stands as an important concern to take care of.

However, the field suffers from a growing lack of workforce and diversity, with females significantly underrepresented. Cyber Wizards is addressing this, an initiative that through a combination of immersive experiences, hands-on learning, and community-building activities is showing the way for a more inclusive future for young girls in cybersecurity. 

Breaking Barriers: Cyber Wizards Works for Reducing Lack of Diversity

Founded under the Estonian Information System Authority, Cyber Wizards emerged as a response to the pressing need for greater diversity in cybersecurity. Recognizing the importance of diversity in problem-solving and innovation, Cyber Wizards focuses on empowering young girls in a critical period where career decisions are often made.

Cyber Wizards Focus on Building Passion and Knowledge in Young Female Cyber Enthusiasts

The primary goals of Cyber Wizards are: 1) Introduce cybersecurity to girls in a safe and supportive environment and cultivate a community where they can thrive. By providing accessible and engaging learning opportunities, Cyber Wizards’ goal is to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to pursue careers in cybersecurity.  2) The initiative seeks to build a sense of belonging, empowering girls to embrace their “inner cyber warrior”.

The primary goals of Cyber Wizards are: 

  1. Introduce cybersecurity to girls in a safe and supportive environment and cultivate a community where they can thrive. By providing accessible and engaging learning opportunities, Cyber Wizards’ goal is to equip participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to pursue careers in cybersecurity.
  2. The initiative seeks to build a sense of belonging, empowering girls to embrace their “inner cyber warrior”.

Cyber Wizards Leads Girls on a Journey into Cybersecurity

Cyber Wizards hosts a series of events, including day camps and a flagship international summer camp. These events include workshops on various cybersecurity topics, ranging from understanding metadata and network scanning to ethical hacking using tools like Kali Linux and Metasploit. Emphasis is placed on hands-on learning and practical exercises, ensuring participants understand key concepts effectively.

Embracing Diversity: Cyber Wizards Welcomes All, Regardless of Background or Skill Level

Cyber Wizards adopts an inclusive approach, welcoming participants with diverse backgrounds and skill levels. Prior coding or cybersecurity experience is not required, with workshops designed to meet the level of beginners. The initiative ensures a safe and supportive learning environment, where participants can explore cybersecurity concepts without fear of judgment.

“these activities encourage social interaction and create connections among girls with shared interests in cybersecurity.”

Building Bonds & Breaking Boundaries: Sisterhood Among Cyber-Savvy Girls

A key element of Cyber Wizards is its focus on community building. Beyond technical learning, the initiative organizes fun and interactive activities, growing friendships and collaboration among participants. From team-building hikes to themed playboxes, these activities encourage social interaction and create connections among girls with shared interests in cybersecurity.

Cyber Wizards Empowers Girls to Shape Future of Cybersecurity Landscape

The value created by Cyber Wizards goes beyond the camp environment. Participants discover a new interest in cybersecurity with high relevance for today’s digital landscape. Many of the girls are motivated to pursue education and opportunities in cybersecurity, with their knowledge and confidence in the domain gained from the program.

Learn More about Cyber Wizards

Through initiatives like Cyber Wizards, we can grow a new generation of cybersecurity professionals who are motivated to bridge the diversity gap in cybersecurity. If you want to know more about the project and how we facilitate the international cyber camp, visit our website at https://www.ria.ee/en/cyber-security/national-coordination-center-ncc-ee/cyberwizards for more information!

Contact Person 

Tiina Pau

Expert-Coordinator, Estonian Information System Authority