Why We Need More Cybersecurity Experts and How to Fix the Shortage

 Why We Need More Cybersecurity Experts and How to Fix the Shortage 

Picture this: your social media accounts vanish overnight, your bank account is drained, and your private life is exposed. Scary, but it is today’s reality. With each passing day, cyber criminals are growing rapidly but the growth in the number of experts who can stop these attacks has been sluggish in comparison.

What is the Cybersecurity Skills Shortage?

Cybersecurity skills shortage is a popular term in the industry, which refers to the surplus of jobs in the market but only a handful of individuals to fill those vacancies. In an industry that requires constant learning to stay ahead of emerging threats and technologies, this cybersecurity expert shortage poses a significant risk. Unlike other industries where job surpluses can be seen as opportunities, in cybersecurity, this gap allows cyber attackers to evolve their technique and tactics faster than experts can respond, leaving systems and data increasingly vulnerable to attacks.

70% of respondents agree that the cybersecurity skills shortage creates additional risks for their organizations (Fortinet, 2024).

Why is There a Shortage of Cybersecurity Experts?

The cyber skills shortage can be attributed to the rapid evolution of cybersecurity technologies, that outpace the ability of educators and employers to prepare talent for emerging trends. This constant need for upskilling and adapting has made cybersecurity a challenging and competitive field, deterring many from pursuing it. There is a gap in comprehensive cybersecurity education and training programs. Most schools and colleges do not include cybersecurity management software or techniques in their curriculum, limiting early exposure and interest in the field. This lack of foundational education not only hinders skill development but also prevents individuals from fully understanding the significance and impact of a career in cybersecurity. As a result, fewer people are motivated to enter the profession.

How does the shortage affect everyone?

The cybersecurity expert shortage directly impacts everyone by increasing the frequency and severity of cyberattacks. Think of it like traffic: when there’s no police presence, people are more likely to flout traffic rules. Similarly, in the absence of skilled cybersecurity experts, cybercriminals would be encouraged to exploit vulnerabilities in defenses. This leads to a rise in data breaches, financial fraud, and cybercrimes.

Only 71% of organizations require four-year degrees and 66% of them only hire candidates with traditional training backgrounds (Fortinet, 2024).

Without adequate cybersecurity measures, the digital world becomes a dangerous place, affecting not just businesses but also the everyday lives of people who are dependent on technology and the internet for their day-to-day activities like communication, profession, and financial transactions. The shortage of skilled professionals renders critical and sensitive systems exposed, amplifying risk for everyone.

How to Fix the Shortage?

Addressing the need for more cybersecurity experts requires a multi-pronged approach, starting at the grass root level.

• Education and Training: An effort is required by schools and colleges to introduce courses that will not only equip students with essential skills but also spark interest in the field. Flexible online training programs and boot camps can make learning accessible for individuals of all ages, enabling them to upskill conveniently and constantly.

• Awareness Campaigns: Governing bodies and academic institutions need to raise awareness about the critical role of cybersecurity. Highlighting the rewarding career opportunities in the field can inspire young talent to consider it as a viable and exciting career path.

• Diversity in Cybersecurity: Like any thriving industry, cybersecurity needs a diverse workforce. When people from diverse communities come together, it builds a powerhouse of ideas, enhances creativity and innovation, and supports in developing unique solutions to tack threats effectively.

• Leveraging Technology: With the increase in the usage of evolving technologies in all areas, integration of automation and AI can significantly reduce the workload of cybersecurity professionals. These tools can handle routine tasks, allowing experts to focus on more complex challenges, thus improving overall efficiency.

Explore our skill-enhancing initiatives like the Indo-Dutch Cybersecurity School, Privsec Spotlight, the Great Appsec Hackathon, Chapter Meets and more that help students and young professionals to build their profile in the cybersecurity space.

Conclusion

The cybersecurity expert shortage poses a significant threat to everyone’s safety in an increasingly digital world. The lack of skilled professionals to enforce safety systems leads to an increase in data breaches. This gap stems from the rapidly evolving nature of cybersecurity technologies and a lack of foundational education. By taking measures to fix this shortage is significant in protecting sensitive data, critical systems and day-to-day transactions.

Become a virtual safety guard who keeps our data and sensitive information safe. Bridge the gap of the need for cybersecurity experts and build a digital world that is safe for all.