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How to Benefit from the Cyber Security Staffing Shortage

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We’re seeing a lull in major cyber attacks right now, but since they tend to come in waves, the next one could be just around the corner. In fact, 2019 can lead to an increase in attacks as companys become more digital, potentially leaving them vulnerable to hackers.

Additionally, there are not enough cybersecurity professionals to properly respond to all the threats. Although the current cyber workforce consists of 714,000 individuals, a recent study conducted by (ISC)2, one of the largest nonprofit associations of certified cybersecurity professionals, shows that there’s a gap of almost 3 million cybersecurity jobs globally. From September 2017 through August 2018 there were nearly 314,000 cybersecurity job postings in the United States. Cybersecurity job openings can linger almost indefinitely and companies are getting desperate for help.

Here’s Your Opportunity

Hone your cyber skills to meet today’s demand for talent. The ideal cyber security candidate has:

  • A bachelor’s degree in programming, computer science, or computer engineering
  • An academic background with courses in statistics and math
  • Has certifications in cybersecurity
  • Experience in short-handed specialties such as intrusion detection, secure software development, and network monitoring

But that isn’t all necessarily required.

The cyber security field has a reputation for embracing people with nontraditional backgrounds. When you think about it, any cyber security professional over 30 years old is unlikely to have a degree in cyber security or computer science. What they do have is:

  • Formal training with essential tools and technologies
  • An interest in the landscape and is passionate about research
  • Experience as a programmer, systems administrator, or network engineer

What Can Organizations Do?

Technology companies that are working toward broadening their range of potential cybersecurity candidates will make out the best in the long run. The point is to seek qualified individuals who would be good teammates and are willing to learn hands-on while on the job.

A handful of tech giants have taken steps to embrace this tactic. IBM offers “new collar” jobs that focus on a person’s desire to learn as opposed to their technical skills. They learn about the job through experience, certifications, and community college courses. This type of employee are now 20% of IBMs new hires since implementation in 2015.

Organizations that offer opportunities for existing cybersecurity staff members to stay technically current are also going thrive in this cyber security shortage era. It’s the best way to help ensure your organization stays protected from harmful threats.

corporate cyber attack cyber security ethical hackingOn Demand Training

Designed to help organizations like yours improve their security techniques, IEEE’s Cyber Security Tools for Today’s Environment is an 11-course training program available 24/7, allowing professionals to learn at their own pace, at a time that’s most convenient. This program is ideal for technical professionals in IT, computer science, and related fields who want to enhance their knowledge and stay current in the cyber security field. Upon successful completion of the program, participants receive CEUs/PDHs that can be used to maintain their engineering licenses. Connect with an IEEE Content Specialist to find out how to bring this program to your organization today!

 

Resources

Ackerman, Robert. (27 Jan 2019). Too few cybersecurity professionals is a gigantic problem for 2019. TechCrunch.

Trackbacks/Pingbacks

  1. Global Cyber Security Threat Combined with a Severe Talent Shortage Presents Enormous Opportunity - IEEE Innovation at Work - July 26, 2019

    […] jobs forecasts have been unable to keep pace with this dramatic rise in cyber crime. The global shortage of cyber security professionals has reduced society’s capability to successfully combat the […]

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