Unsecurity Episode 260: Women in Cybersecurity with Mea Yang

Episode Context

Hosts Megan Lkins and Brad Nye welcome FRSecure consultant Mia Yang for a conversation on women in cybersecurity, recorded after a publishing backlog delayed recent Unsecurity episodes. The episode opens with light hobby talk—gardening, games, and moving—before shifting to industry inclusion.

Talent Shortage Versus Identification

Mia argues the decade-long “cyber talent shortage” narrative reflects an identification problem, not missing people. Organizations seek narrow profiles, negotiate against their interests, and fail to recognize capable candidates already available, including women who have not “disappeared.”

Pipeline and Culture Drop-Off

Discussion references Heroic Hacks speakers noting strong girl participation through high school, then steep attrition afterward. The hosts frame this as cultural expectation rather than lack of interest or ability—environment and messaging matter more than raw aptitude.

Inclusive Hiring Perspective

The panel urges holistic funnel thinking: fix how roles are defined, how candidates are evaluated, and how inclusive cultures retain diverse talent instead of repeating the same shortage headlines.