Ten Ways Organizations Can Fill the Cybersecurity Skills Gap

The cybersecurity skills gap is throttling recruitment, but organizations can make plans and get the best of the latest crop of recruits 

Cybersecurity menaces have multiplied in recent years, as we know all too well, growing in complexity and frequency with a well-funded cadre of nation-state bad actors making things interesting for governments and organizations alike. There’s an increased dependency on technology in every sphere of our lives. Yet, while businesses are harnessing the power of technology for growth, many find themselves lacking when it comes to adequately defending their digital assets. This inadequacy is often not because of a lack of security tools or technology, but because of a pronounced skills gap in the cybersecurity domain. So, how can organizations address this challenge? Let’s dive in.  

Understanding the Cybersecurity Skills Gap  

Before addressing the gap, it’s crucial to understand its nature. Essentially, the cybersecurity skills gap refers to the disparity between the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals and the available supply. As cyber threats become more sophisticated, the need for qualified experts in this arena has surged, outpacing the number of individuals trained to fill these roles.  

Ten Strategies to Bridge the Cybersecurity Skills Gap  

1. Invest in Training and Development

   One of the most direct ways to address the skills gap is to invest in existing staff. By offering comprehensive training programs, workshops, and courses, organizations can upskill their current workforce. Online, offline, mentoring – This has the dual benefit of not only filling the skills gap but also increasing employee retention. This may even include the likes of general phishing awareness for the wider org.

2. Collaborate with Educational Institutions

   By partnering with universities and technical colleges, businesses can influence the curriculum, ensuring that students are being trained in relevant, in-demand skills. Internship and apprenticeship programs can also offer students real-world experience while providing companies with eager, up-and-coming talent.

3. Embrace Diversity

   The tech industry, including cybersecurity, has historically been male-dominated. By actively promoting and supporting diversity in hiring practices, organizations can tap into a broader talent pool. This includes gender diversity but also age, cultural, and educational background diversity. The wider the pool of prospects, the better the skillset on offer.

4. Hire Non-traditional Candidates

   While technical skills are crucial in cybersecurity, other skills, such as analytical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability, are equally essential. Organizations can consider candidates from non-traditional backgrounds—like those who’ve transitioned from fields like finance, law, or the humanities—and invest in training them in the technical specifics.

5. Focus on Retention

   Bridging the skills gap isn’t just about hiring; it’s about retaining. Organizations need to create a positive work culture where cybersecurity professionals feel valued and see clear paths for career progression.

6. Automate Where Possible

   By leveraging AI and machine learning tools, many routine tasks can be automated. This allows the existing cybersecurity staff to focus on more complex, strategic activities, maximizing their impact. 

7. Foster a Culture of Continuous Learning

   The cyber landscape is ever-evolving. Organizations need to foster a culture where continuous learning is encouraged, and staying updated isn’t just an option, but a requirement.

8. Collaborate with the Broader Industry

   Cybersecurity is a shared concern. Organizations can benefit from industry alliances, sharing threat intelligence, best practices, and strategies to collectively uplift the cybersecurity talent pool. 

9. Reevaluate Job Requirements

   Are all the requirements listed on your cybersecurity job postings truly essential? By understanding which skills are must-haves and which can be learned on the job, companies might find a wider pool of candidates qualifies for their roles. 

10. Raise Awareness from the Ground Up

    Promote cybersecurity as a viable, rewarding career path from as early as high school. By fostering interest at a young age, the future workforce will naturally incline towards filling roles in this domain.  

The Way Forward  

The cybersecurity skills gap is a pressing concern, sure, but it’s not insurmountable. By being proactive, innovative, and collaborative, organizations can bridge this gap. The digital age is rife with challenges, but with a skilled and robust cybersecurity team in place, businesses can navigate this terrain confidently. Remember, in the world of cybersecurity, an organization’s strength is not just in its technology, but in the skilled individuals who wield it.