Fortify the Future: Finding Fighters for the Cybersecurity Frontlines
The online world is abuzz this week after a cybersecurity breach that left email accounts at two dozen or so international organizations, including some at the US government, vulnerable in an alleged Chinese espionage campaign. This, just months after the White House published its National Cybersecurity Strategy Implementation plan, which, among many recommendations, highlighted the importance of defending critical infrastructure, maintaining a national cybersecurity workforce, and protecting against assailants not unlike those who carried out the attacks of Tuesday. The full extent of the hack remains unknown, and while government officials and security teams at Microsoft seek to assess the damage, the need for qualified cybersecurity professionals is leaping to the forefront of many minds in the private sector.
Cyber attacks and other disruptions of this kind are becoming an increasingly commonplace part of life for people around the nation. According to a recent cyberthreat report from Check Point Research, companies saw a 38% increase in cyberattacks in 2022 than in 2021, prompting many companies to scramble to find security solutions and staff to deal with the growing problem. As a result, cybersecurity is becoming one of the most indispensable defense sciences of the next decade. Unfortunately, while this demand continues to grow, the supply of qualified technicians is lagging. A recent ISC(2) report calculates a 3.4 million person global deficit, making the demand for those with cybersecurity experience or proficiency in programming languages like C#, C++, Python, JavaScript, and PHP incredibly sought-after talents.
Finding practical solutions to cybersecurity issues has been at the top of company leaders' minds over the last year and will continue to be so into the future. Getting a handle on the problem will be a challenge, but here are three tips that companies can do to assist them in grappling with this critical issue.
Never Stop Learning
Staying ahead of cybersecurity threats means leaving no stone unturned. Staying educated on the state of the situation is crucial. Therefore, investing in education and training becomes paramount in developing the knowledge to understand and defend against these digital adversaries. Organizations should encourage existing employees to pursue upskilling and obtain relevant certifications through training initiatives and access to online resources. Cultivating a culture of continuous learning among employees at all stages empowers the workforce to adapt to the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape.
Share and Share Alike
Fostering collaboration and promoting knowledge sharing is essential. The old adage of a rising tide raising all ships is true here. Leaders should actively seek partnerships with government entities, private organizations, and educational institutions to establish a robust network of cybersecurity professionals. Participating in industry conferences, forums, and seminars facilitates the exchange of insights and innovative solutions. Implementing mentorship programs and internships helps bridge the experience gap, providing practical exposure and guidance for aspiring cybersecurity professionals. Collaborating with academic institutions to develop comprehensive cybersecurity curricula can also ensure the availability of well-trained professionals equipped to handle evolving cyber threats.
Open Your Mind
Lastly, leaders must prioritize diversity and inclusion in hiring practices. Embracing diversity allows organizations to tap into a broader talent pool and bring fresh perspectives to address complex cybersecurity challenges. In the grand scheme of things, cybersecurity is still a burgeoning industry, and effective practitioners can receive practical training in a relatively short period of time compared to other professions. This means your organization may be just as well served by a security professional with five years of experience as someone with twenty years, depending on your needs.
With attacks on more high-profile targets on the rise, the demand for front-line cybersecurity soldiers is likely to increase indefinitely. Finding the right people to help quell the crisis may prove difficult going forward but, organizations can rise to the challenge by embracing collaboration, knowledge sharing, and diverse recruitment practices. These strategies have the potential to foster innovation and build a robust network of new cybersecurity experts. By doing so, organizations can confidently navigate evolving cyber threats, protecting critical infrastructure with optimism and resilience. Core Group Resources specializes in finding passionate and dedicated individuals to help fortify your cybersecurity staff.