We have a huge cybersecurity skills gap in this country. It’s not surprising, as cybersecurity is still a relatively new field, but it is alarming. Reports suggest that there will be over one and a half million unfilled cybersecurity positions by 2020. That’s a huge shortage.
How to Fix the Cybersecurity Skills Gap
Are there programs to improve the cybersecurity skills gap that can be implemented? Here are a few to consider:
1. Hire More Women
Women remain a huge untapped resource when it comes to the job force, especially in manufacturing and IT. For too long, companies have assumed women cannot do these jobs and have not encouraged them to find out if they can.
By promoting initiatives that train women in cybersecurity and actively considering and recruiting female candidates, you may be able to close your own cybersecurity openings much faster and more effectively than you might previously have imagined.
2. New Collar Job Programs
New Collar jobs are an idea developed by IBM, possibly upon noting that many IT, software and cybersecurity professionals did not come from a traditional educational background. The idea is to take a vocational approach to fields like cloud computing, database management and cybersecurity analysts, finding avenues to train people on the technical skills they need without necessarily requiring a standard for year-college degree.
Many young workers relish the opportunity to develop these relevant soft skills without having to take on a lot of expensive and time-consuming education they do not need or want.
3. Retraining Programs
Many manufacturing businesses may find themselves often facing workers who require retraining. Sometimes this is because their job has been rendered absolute for some reason, but often, it is because the worker has had a long absence, either due to a medical situation or other personal obligations.
When that employee is ready to return, taking the opportunity to train them on cybersecurity can be a great solution on both sides. The company does not need to take the time to familiarize a new cybersecurity employee with the workings of the company and the company culture, and the employee has an opportunity to find a new role to replace the one that he or she had to set aside.
4. Outside Cybersecurity Training Programs
If you currently outsource your company’s cybersecurity, you may want to find out if the company you use offers cybersecurity training programs that your employees can take advantage of. You should be able to find companies that will do this, especially if it means you will buy and use their security software.
It can often be a benefit to a company if they can simply sell you a software suite, train your employees and move on, rather than have to dedicate resources to sending you support anytime there is any kind of problem. However, this situation is often not ideal for your company.
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