The global threat landscape is experiencing a surge in cyberattacks, particularly on operational technology (OT) systems. New variations of ransomware and the emergence of Malware-as-a-Service (MaaS) have further exacerbated the cybersecurity challenges faced by organizations. In response, many firms are prioritizing the need to bridge the cybersecurity skills gap within their IT teams.
Leaders are realizing that addressing this issue requires not only technological solutions but also a focus on the human side of the equation. They are seeking to understand the necessary skills and the best way to acquire them. However, the shortage of cybersecurity professionals has led to critical IT positions remaining unfilled, leaving organizations vulnerable to cyber risks and breaches. The lack of qualified applicants has made it difficult for employers to fill these open positions.
However, in their quest to address the cybersecurity battle, organizations often overlook one of their most valuable resources – their existing employees. In many cases, organizations need to prioritize internal training and consider how they can better equip their current workforce through reskilling and upskilling opportunities.
Over the past year, cyberthreats have spread rapidly, resulting in more breaches and increased costs for organizations. Many business leaders attribute these breaches, at least in part, to the shortage of cybersecurity expertise in their IT staff. Boards of directors are also taking notice of the escalating threats and are becoming more involved in strengthening their organization’s security posture. The 2023 Cybersecurity Skills Gap Global Report by Fortinet revealed that 83% of boards advocate for hiring more IT security personnel.
While hiring new professionals with the required skills is important, it is also vital to tap into the potential of existing employees by providing them with opportunities for upskilling and reskilling. Advanced training and certification programs can enhance employees’ job satisfaction and contribute to improved employee retention. According to a survey conducted by the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) Research Institute, 86% of human resource managers agreed that ongoing training increases employee retention.
The federal government recognizes the significance of upskilling and reskilling current employees to bridge the cybersecurity skills gap. The Acting National Cyber Director is developing a plan to address this issue by offering training programs and closing the gaps in cybersecurity roles within federal agencies.
While college degree programs are important for preparing individuals for careers in cybersecurity, the urgent need for skilled professionals necessitates more immediate solutions. Cybersecurity training and certification programs are effective in addressing this skills gap. There are numerous vendor-specific and vendor-neutral programs available, many of which are of high quality. These programs often include recertification components to ensure that staff stay updated on the latest technologies.
Employers are increasingly utilizing industry certifications to assess individuals’ abilities when hiring new employees or improving the expertise of current IT security staff. Well-designed certification programs aim not only to develop technical skills but also to enhance comprehension of how these skills can be applied in specific job roles.
Cybersecurity is not the responsibility of security teams alone. Every employee within an organization, regardless of their position, plays a role in safeguarding digital assets. To achieve this, all staff members should receive ongoing cybersecurity awareness education. The training material may vary depending on the organization or industry but should cover topics such as phishing attack recognition and management, social media usage, ransomware, social engineering, passwords and authentication, and physical security.
Addressing the cybersecurity skills gap requires immediate action and a strategic approach. Boards of directors advocating for increased IT security headcounts provide much-needed support to organizations seeking to recruit and retain skilled professionals. While experienced professionals with relevant certifications or degrees are sought after, organizations should also prioritize training for existing employees. Upskilling and reskilling strategies offer numerous benefits as organizations strive to bridge the skills gap and ensure the safety of their networks.
Fortinet’s Training Advancement Agenda (TAA) and Training Institute programs offer valuable resources for organizations aiming to address the cyber skills gap and prepare the future cybersecurity workforce. These programs, which include the NSE Certification program, Academic Partner program, and Education Outreach program, facilitate the development of cybersecurity professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge.