The rise in cyber attacks on critical infrastructure over the past year has become a growing concern for the federal government, particularly in sectors such as healthcare and the US Department of Health and Human Services. Despite this increasing threat, there is a significant gap in available cyber professionals to address the issue, with 71% of organizations having unfilled cybersecurity positions. The reasons behind this gap include outdated training, expensive certifications, and the perception that the industry is difficult to enter, all of which deter potential talent from pursuing careers in cybersecurity.

To bridge this gap and make the industry more accessible, the White House has announced a commitment to skill-based hiring for recruiting cybersecurity talent for both the private sector and federal positions. This is a significant step forward, as the government has traditionally struggled with recruiting cybersecurity professionals due to its reliance on outdated methods and technology.

However, federal agencies are currently grappling with maintaining legacy security systems, which hinders their ability to implement modern security strategies and attract new cybersecurity talent. Limited funding and resources are often allocated to maintaining these outdated systems, leaving agencies at a disadvantage compared to the private sector in recruiting top talent.

To address this issue, the government needs to offer more competitive incentives to prospective cybersecurity professionals, including short-term financial rewards, remote working policies, and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) matching. Additionally, there should be a focus on providing ongoing training and development opportunities to keep employees informed on the latest cybersecurity developments and threats.

Partnering with the private sector to develop security talent and offering employees the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in cutting-edge technologies will also help attract and retain top cybersecurity professionals. By creating pathways for professionals to move between the private sector and government, the industry can benefit from a more diverse and skilled workforce.

Ultimately, the federal government must take proactive steps to recruit and retain cybersecurity talent in order to effectively combat the increasing threats posed by cyber attacks. By offering competitive incentives, investing in training and development, and fostering partnerships with the private sector, the government can enhance its cybersecurity capabilities and better protect critical infrastructure from malicious actors.

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