To Prevent a Cybersecurity Workforce Crisis, Education is Key
As companies develop and respond to ever evolving cyber security threats, the the emerging Connected Car, Connected Home, and the Internet of Things markets will explode the number of potential vulnerabilities, while hackers continue to reinvent their attack strategies. The response requires a vibrant talent pool that can fill in the ranks of new and existing cyber security companies, but the looming pain point is an expected talent shortfall. The problem is a twist on the old baseball saying, “you can’t get the hits if you don’t have the at bats.” In this case, if you don’t have the talent, how will cyber security companies keep up with the hackers? One potential solution to this pain point sits in overhauling our education system.
The latest U.S. News/Raytheon STEM Index showed that high school students’ interest in technology and engineering grew slightly over the past year. To meet the current and future security challenges, however, more young people must see cybersecurity as a worthwhile career option.
Current estimates mark the talent shortfall at 1 million professionals. A recent study by the National Cyber Security Alliance, with support from Raytheon, explored the talent shortfall in the global cybersecurity industry and found that a fundamental problem was the lack of even a basic awareness of potential opportunities in the field.
Business, policy and technology leaders agree there will be serious implications for the world’s security, safety and economic stability if we fail to foster a cybersecurity workforce.
We must encourage early exposure to technology and cybersecurity careers within our educational systems.
Source: Op-Ed: The Time Is Now to Prevent a Cybersecurity Workforce Crisis | US News
