Lack of Cyber-Warriors: The Cybersecurity Workforce Shortage

blogs / May 23, 2023

Introduction

Cybersecurity has become one of the fastest-growing fields in the world due to our ever-increasing reliance on technology. With the rapid expansion of digital technology and the increased risk of cyber-attacks, the need for skilled professionals in this field has skyrocketed.
However, despite the growing demand for cybersecurity professionals, there is a significant shortage of qualified individuals in the workforce. A Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) survey concluded that 82% of employers report a shortage of individuals that possess the required skills needed to uphold their daily responsibilities.
The workforce shortage in cybersecurity is a concern for both private and public sectors. Companies and government agencies are struggling to find the talent they need to sufficiently protect their information and systems from cyber threats.
The shortage is particularly noticeable in the United States, where the demand for cybersecurity professionals is expected to increase by more than 30% by 2026.

Where are the Cyber-Warriors?

There are several reasons for the shortage of cybersecurity professionals.
One of the main reasons is the lack of awareness about cybersecurity as a career option. Many young people are not aware of the potential for a career in cybersecurity, or they may not understand the skills required to succeed in this field. As a result, they do not pursue the necessary education and training to become cybersecurity professionals.
Another reason for the lack of cyber warriors is the difficulty of finding qualified individuals. Cybersecurity is a complex field that requires a vast set of skills and knowledge. Candidates must have a solid understanding of computer systems, networks, programming languages, security protocols, and ethical hacking techniques plus skills in governance, risk, and compliance. That is just to name a few! Finding candidates with any combination of these skills can be challenging.
The shortage of cybersecurity professionals is not just a problem for companies or government agencies. It is also a threat to national security. Cyber-attacks are a growing concern for governments, companies, and healthcare institutions around the world and a lack of skilled professionals to defend against these attacks can have profound consequences.
Cybersecurity threats can include the theft of sensitive information, the disruption of critical infrastructure, and even attacks on military systems.

What Can We Do?

We can begin by increasing awareness of this field as a potential career option. This can be done through educational and outreach programs that target young people and underrepresented communities.
These programs can help students understand the skills required for a career in cybersecurity and provide them with the training and education they need to succeed in the field.
Another solution to the workforce shortage is to invest in training and development programs for existing employees. Many companies and government agencies have employees with relevant skills who could be trained to work in cybersecurity roles or take on cybersecurity related responsibilities.
By investing in training and development programs, these employees can acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to take on cybersecurity roles, helping to address the workforce shortage.
It is also important to recognize the importance of cybersecurity in our modern age. This can be done through public awareness campaigns and advocacy efforts. We can encourage more people to pursue careers in this field and address the workforce shortage by highlighting the importance of cybersecurity and the need for skilled professionals.

Conclusion

Needless to say, the workforce shortage in cybersecurity is a critical concern that must be addressed. In this blog we’ve explored various root causes, in addition to potential solutions. So, what can we do to address this issue?