In a recent interview, Simone Petrella, the CEO of cybersecurity company CyberVista, sat down with Diane Janosek, the Executive Director of Capitol Technology University’s Center for Women in Cyber, to discuss the various career paths in the field of cybersecurity and how education can address the ongoing challenges in building a robust cybersecurity workforce.
The conversation revolved around the growing need for skilled cybersecurity professionals and the strategies employed by educational institutions to bridge the talent gap. Janosek emphasized the importance of creating diverse pathways to enter the field, particularly for women who are often underrepresented in the industry.
Janosek pointed out that cybersecurity is a rapidly evolving field, and it is essential to offer flexible educational programs that can cater to the varying backgrounds and interests of aspiring professionals. Capitol Technology University’s Center for Women in Cyber has designed a curriculum that focuses on developing practical skills and providing hands-on experience to its students.
Janosek highlighted the significance of early exposure to cybersecurity concepts, particularly in high schools and community colleges, to ignite interest and encourage students to pursue careers in the field. By introducing cybersecurity as a viable and exciting option at an early stage, educational institutions can cultivate a larger pool of talented individuals who can contribute to the cybersecurity workforce.
Furthermore, Janosek discussed the importance of industry partnerships in shaping cybersecurity education and bridging the gap between academia and real-world practice. Collaborations with cybersecurity companies and organizations provide students with practical experience, internships, and mentorship opportunities, enhancing their employability and ensuring they meet industry demands.
The interview also delved into the current state of cybersecurity workforce intelligence and the challenges faced in accurately assessing the skills and capabilities of cybersecurity professionals. Janosek acknowledged the complexity of evaluating subjective skills like problem-solving and critical thinking, which are vital in the field but difficult to quantify.
To address this challenge, Janosek advocated for a competency-based approach, wherein cybersecurity professionals are assessed on their ability to perform specific tasks rather than relying solely on traditional qualifications or degrees. This approach ensures that individuals with the necessary skills and capabilities are recognized, regardless of their educational background.
Janosek noted that data-driven approaches, such as certifications and industry-recognized standards, can also play a crucial role in validating and benchmarking the skills of cybersecurity professionals. These certifications provide employers with a reliable measure of an individual’s competency, helping them make informed hiring decisions and reducing the skills gap.
In conclusion, the interview highlighted the importance of education in building a strong and diverse cybersecurity workforce. By offering flexible programs, fostering early interest, and establishing industry partnerships, educational institutions can empower aspiring professionals and equip them with the necessary skills to tackle the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape. In addition, implementing competency-based assessments and industry-recognized certifications can improve the accuracy of evaluating cybersecurity workforce intelligence. Through these collective efforts, the cybersecurity industry can fortify its defenses and address the growing cyber threats of the modern world.