All companies have the responsibility to keep their clients’ data secure. However, the shortage of cybersecurity workforce makes it difficult to do so.
Chances are that you’ve heard of the challenge the cybersecurity workforce currently faces – severe talent shortage. The gap keeps on widening and it seems like it won’t close soon.
In fact, experts project that there will be 1.8 million open cybersecurity jobs by 2022. Yet, this is not entirely good news. Because this just means that the cybersecurity workforce will have more weight to bear if we don’t find a way to start filling seats quickly.
There just tons of interesting reasons why you should join the cybersecurity workforce. Zero unemployment rate, competitive salary, abundant growth – those are just some. However, why is the industry still experiencing a shortage? How can companies solve this problem?
Reasons Behind Cybersecurity Workforce Shortage
Lack of Interest from Younger Generations
Millennials have grown up using tech and usually interested in computer-related careers. Yet, a career in cybersecurity is low on their list. Furthermore, a recent survey revealed that only 9% showed interest in a cybersecurity career.
One of the main reasons behind this is millennials don’t have an opportunity to learn about cybersecurity. Moreover, they don’t understand what the roles entail. 48% of millennials said that they’d be more likely to choose the field if they understood what specific jobs entailed.
Even if they are interested, they didn’t have access to learning opportunities as the majority of schools never offered cybersecurity courses.
Open more accessible classes or training to see if they enjoyed it. Furthermore, provide detailed, enticing descriptions of each role when recruiting.
Increasing Number of Attacks
Data breaches made the headlines seriously. For instance, the credit giant Equifax fall to a breach that affected an estimated 143 million people. Hackers compromised incredibly sensitive data like SSNs and credit card data.
If huge companies with strong security systems are at risk, what more of smaller businesses? No industry is safe from these attacks.
All businesses must take more caution. There is currently a whopping 350% annual increase in ransomware attacks. these attacks are becoming more complex.
Hire managed security service providers where your in-house talent is lacking. However, make sure that their expertise matches your compliance requirements.
Not Enough Skilled Defenders
Cybersecurity attacks are quickly growing both in number and complexity. How can universities and employers keep up with the pace?
Universities may create programs that give students hands-on experience, maybe as interns. Likewise, employers may offer apprenticeships programs to train entry-level employees properly. The key for both universities and employers is to teach using real-life scenarios.
Moreover, look beyond technical skills. This means consider hiring or promoting security professionals with strong characteristics.
Furthermore, employees must not rely solely on IT and cybersecurity staff on information security. Everyone plays a role in cybersecurity. Regularly conduct mandatory cybersecurity awareness training for all company members. Some of the topics you may cover are:
- how to recognize phishing scams
- create strong passwords
- use ad blockers and leverage threat detection tools
