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Cybersecurity threats are increasing right at a time when the number of people trained to deal with these challenges has leveled off. According to Deloitte, 66% of organizations were hit by ransomware attacks in 2023, the same year when there was a 400% increase in Internet of Things (IoT) malware attacks across various industries. Manufacturers were the biggest target for the latter, and abuse of valid credentials accounted for nearly half (45%) of all data breaches.
As cybersecurity threats continue to proliferate, the industry is grappling with a global shortage of about 4 million cyber-professionals, according to the World Economic Forum, which reports:
- 52% of public organizations state that a lack of resources and skills is their biggest challenge when designing for cyber resilience.
- 71% of organizations have unfilled cybersecurity positions.
- 95% of cyber leaders find that greater effort should be dedicated to recruitment of talent into the cybersecurity workforce.
“Organizations across industries and geographies are increasingly relying on digital technologies. With this reliance comes the need for a robust cybersecurity workforce to protect networks and data from emerging cyber threats,” WEF says. “However, challenges such as lack of distinct career paths, outdated training, costly certifications and job stress discourage individuals from pursuing a professional career in cybersecurity.”
Service for America Makes its Debut
With the Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasting a 32% increase in cybersecurity job opportunities between 2022 and 2032, the White House recently introduced a new initiative focused on filling the hundreds of thousands of cybersecurity job vacancies in the U.S. alone.
“Service for America” the initiative is focused on preparing the U.S. for a “digitally-enabled future” by connecting Americans to good-paying, meaningful jobs in cyber, technology and artificial intelligence (AI).
“These jobs offer an opportunity to serve our country by protecting our national security, while also offering a personal path to prosperity,” said National Cyber Director Harry Coker, Jr., in a statement.
A Career that’s Very Much Within Reach
Many Americans view cybersecurity careers as being “out of reach” and too overly technical for their own skillsets. Coker says there’s also a perception that you need a computer science degree and a deeply technical background to get a job in cyber. “The truth is, cyber jobs are available to anyone who wants to pursue them,” he points out. “Cyber professionals are part of a dynamic and diverse modern workforce and individuals from all backgrounds and disciplines have a place.”
As part of the National Cyber Workforce and Education Strategy (NCWES), the government is promoting best practices that make cyber jobs more accessible to individuals from all backgrounds in any part of the country. Some of its efforts include:
- Removing unnecessary degree requirements, moving toward a skills-based approach that emphasizes candidates’ ability to perform a job, rather than where they acquired their skills. The federal government is also transitioning information technology positions to skills-based practices.
- Expanding work-based learning, such as through registered apprenticeships, which allow Americans to continue earning income while they learn new skills. Earlier this summer, for example, the White House announced an additional $244 million investment for registered apprenticeships in growing industries, including cybersecurity.
- Supporting locally-driven efforts, which bring together employers, academia, local governments and nonprofits to best meet the specific training, education and workforce needs in their communities.
“Since January of this year, we have traveled to 11 states and visited 14 community colleges, universities, and cyber centers,” Coker says, “to hear about the incredible work already being done, learn and share best practices, and understand how the Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD) and its federal partners can best support their efforts.”
