Cybersecurity is threatened not only by hackers and outside sources but also by the lack of talents on the market. Skilled professionals are in great demand according to a study conducted by the Capgemini Digital Transformation Institute.
Currently, companies who employ such specialists are in dire straits. 68% of them are looking to recruit talents that are not available since the gap between supply and demand has reached a score of 25%.
The senior executive of Deloitte and a recent graduate of a master’s programme in cybersecurity, has pointed out through her study, that by the year 2022 we will suffer a 1.8 million shortage in this particular area of expertise.
Is there a solution to closing the gap?
The first step consists of stimulating and attracting young talents to pursue a career in cybersecurity. This entails the following:
- Coming up with creative and forward-thinking strategies of attracting talent
- Build a story around the organization and work environment in the field
- Target groups and hotspots of already trained professionals
- Creating talent from within the company
The second step consists of efficient retention of current professionals. Ideas on how to improve the process include:
- Creating goals and motivation for them to advance in their expertise
- Coming up with a career plan system to help specialists grasp a better picture of their professional future
- Promote an unbiased acceptance environment for all genders and orientations
- Make tasks more challenging and entertaining to maintain enthusiasm by automating the dull ones
Closing the gap is not realistic, but bridging it can be an effective and progressive approach. The Human Capital Agenda for Cyber Security strongly encourage active collaboration among organizations in this sector.
Active involvement and collaboration could take the form of:
- Providing controlled training in many sections of cybersecurity. Access to education can open up opportunities for young talents who would otherwise choose differently.
- Facilitating access to extensive career plans that would emphasis on long-term benefits, quality of life, income and the sense of belonging in a close community
- Promoting cybersecurity as a viable option for future talents and young professionals
- Creating support groups and skill sharing communities among professionals to widen their expertise
- Attracting students through events, competitions, and challenges like hackathons
- Leading conferences and events to provide role models in the field and sharing stories on professional paths
- Expanding beyond universities and college degrees to people of diverse backgrounds who may have the abilities to learn and excel in the cybersecurity sector
It would be a shame to leave untapped potential dormant while the market is suffering a major deficit.