How Can We Solve The Cybersecurity Crisis?
As increasing numbers of services and businesses leverage the web and IoT, there are more opportunities for cybercrime. For instance, in the past five years most banks have created apps to give customers access to their secure accounts- not only online, but on their mobile phones. As a result, cyber criminals have new opportunities to gain illegal access to people’s bank accounts. This is why cybersecurity is an essential and growing need. It also makes the shortage of cybersecurity professionals a crisis.
The State of Cybersecurity Today
A study has shown that there is a gap in the cybersecurity field- with about 3 million cybersecurity jobs globally left unfilled. It is projected at this rate that there will be 3.5 million left unfilled by 2021. One of the challenges is that companies are posting cybersecurity job listings that there are simply not enough people qualified for- yet the roles are vital. Since cybersecurity is a new and rapidly evolving field, companies are also having difficulties supporting cybersecurity staff in their professional development. Web experts suggest 2019 is bound to have a new wave of cyberattacks, making this an alarming gap.
Why The Cybersecurity Shortage Exists
One of the reasons the cybersecurity industry is in crisis is because the field is relatively new. This means formal training for cybersecurity has not been offered for very long. In fact, very few IT professionals over the age of 30 had access to cybersecurity degrees while in school. Universities offering training, certifications, and education in cybersecurity have also been notably poor at marketing their programs, perpetuating a stigma that IT jobs are unexciting, unfulfilling, and undercompensated.
Potential Solutions to Improve the Cybersecurity Industry Shortage
Several solutions have been proposed to help reduce the shortage of skilled cybersecurity professionals. An obvious solution is to make cybersecurity training more plentiful and accessible.
Fortinet CEO Ken Xie specifically suggests:
- Creating hands-on learning experiences in cybersecurity for IT professionals, including certifications helping professionals advance from their current level in IT to cybersecurity specialty.
- Garnering more support for college, universities, and other institutions to be able to offer formal degrees and training more regularly. Sponsored labs, for example, could make degree programs easier to implement.
- AI, machine learning, and other technological developments need to integrate into cybersecurity more to support the human talent needed in the industry.
- Military personnel are exposed to the latest technology and should be leveraged as the next wave of cybersecurity specialists.
Another solution, which is currently being implemented, is for the government to get more involved in cybersecurity. New updates to the National Cyber Strategy are aimed at warding off would-be attackers with more laws and seeking new ways to support and encourage growth in the cybersecurity industry.
For the latest news, videos, and podcasts in the Software & Electronics Industry, be sure to subscribe to our industry publication.
Follow us on social media for the latest updates in B2B!
Twitter – @TechMKSL
Facebook – facebook.com/marketscale
LinkedIn – linkedin.com/company/marketscale
Latest
Mastering AV Sales Strategies: A Diverse Market Requires Understanding Individual Needs
Mastering AV sales strategies in a global professional audio-visual (Pro AV) market, poised to reach $79.2 billion by 2028, requires much attention to detail. The surge in demand from corporate, government, and institutional sectors, driven by the need for enhanced productivity and efficient working environments, gives AV sales pros a lot of opportunity. In […]
Cybersecurity in Healthcare: Addressing the Growing Threat
To keep up with the growing threats, cybersecurity in healthcare is a high-level priority. The recent ransomware attack on Ardent Health underscores a stark reality for the healthcare industry: cyber threats are a significant and ongoing challenge. Mike Saylor, the CEO of Blackswan Cybersecurity, LLC, sheds light on the complexities of cybersecurity in healthcare. […]
Effective Debt Management Holds the Keys to Small Business Cash Flow and Growth
Effective debt management through a robust accounts receivable system is essential for small business cash flow and growth, necessitating automated payment schedules and strategic policy adjustments. Collaborating with a collection agency as a strategic partner can enhance revenue recovery while preserving positive customer relationships. How critical is effective debt management for the financial health […]
