A Shortage Of Cybersecurity Professionals Results In Cuts

In a Fast Company article, Blair Cohen writes that a shortage of cybersecurity professionals forces organizations to cobble together effective defensive strategies even while operating with an industry-wide talent shortage.

Suggested strategies include implementing programs based on “the human element” and making the most of AI as it becomes available.

“Promote a security-conscious culture through regular training, simulated phishing exercises, and awareness campaigns,” Cohen writes. Teamwork and collaboration among employees and pursuing relevant certifications should be encouraged.

Cohen’s description of the problem is based on data from the ISC2  Cybersecurity Workforce Study, 2023, which is linked in the Fast Company article.

The need for more professionals in this field is dramatic. Even though the estimated number of professionals reached 5.5 million in 2023—an 8.7 percent increase from 2022—the demand far outpaced the supply. The gap is estimated to be four million professionals.

Even in the context of the tech worker shortage, Cohen maintains that careful screening in the hiring process is essential. He advocates including specific skill assessments through simulated cybersecurity incidents and problem-solving exercises.

The article advocates increasing the use of AI in addition to programs that promote employee cybersecurity awareness (“the human factor”).

“Integrating AI into your cybersecurity practices can improve the identification of threats that may be overlooked due to training and resource limitations,” Cohen says. “AI acts proactively, learning from emerging threat patterns and swiftly adapting to changes in the cyber landscape.”