The neurodiverse advantage: plugging the cybersecurity skills gap

Aerospace and defence industries companies are actively recruiting neurodivergent individuals to join the sector. BAE Systems said they are specifically looking to hire neurodivergent individuals because of their skilful abilities to think outside of the box.  

Neurodiversity as an ability  

It’s no secret that diversity is crucial for the success of an organisation. However, when the term diversity is mentioned, cultural, religious and gender differences may be what most often comes to mind. But an often-overlooked group are neurodivergent individuals, who make up close to 20% of the global population – approximately 1.6 billion people.  

Neurodiversity is when the brain functions and processes information in a different way to a neurotypical brain. For example, there is a direct link between people with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder possessing exceptional skills in 360-visuospatial reasoning and creative thinking; furthermore, people with Autism prevail at memory and attention to detail, as well as often unique skills of expertise.  

Adopting a “360-degree view” 

This why companies like BAE Systems have gone out and announced that they are actively seeking neurodivergent employees due to their ability to see things from different angles, and find solutions that others might overlook.

With our world’s ever-developing technological advancements, cyber security is of utter importance. Companies like BAE Systems find that diverse ways of thinking help us stay ahead of cyber attacks. Or as BAE Systems calls it, “adopting a 360-degree view” which entails an emphasis on hiring neurodivergent people as they have unique skill sets that could help plug the cyber skills gap.

BAE Systems also recognises the need to adapt the work environments to neurodivergent individuals to ensure that everyone thrives and are able to do their best work.

Being neurodivergent means that the brain works differently from a neurotypical brain, it works in a unique way, by harnessing this uniqueness and channelling it; one can achieve the unachievable. This is why the aerospace and defence industries look for diversity as it is the key to success for the industry that connects and protects.  

Source: Victoria Knight, BAE - "Neurodiversity Celebration Week: Taking a 360-degree view of diversity and inclusion".