No Easy Button Solution To Cybersecurity’s Skills Shortage

 

 

 

 

• “We predict there will be 3.5 million unfilled cybersecurity positions by 2021.” – Cybersecurity Ventures

• “It’s estimated that by 2014, the industry will still be short more than a million security professionals across the globe.” – Cisco 2014 Annual Security Report

• “Demand is expected to rise to 6 million globally by 2019, with a projected shortfall of 1.5 million” - Michael Brown, CEO at Symantec

• “2 Million: Global Shortage of Cybersecurity Professionals by 2019” – Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA)

• “Cybersecurity jobs are in high and growing demand. But, there’s a critical shortage of qualified workers across the nation.” – CyberSeek claims that there are 715,715 people employed in “cybersecurity” and that there are 313,735 open positions in the United States.

 

We’re security people though, and we don’t believe everything we read. We’re a skeptical group, but the news looks convincing. Upon closer inspection, you may notice some key words like “predict” and “expected”. You might also notice some discrepancies in the numbers and publication dates. The quotes from Cybersecurity Ventures, Cisco, Symantec, and ISACA are all predictions, and some of them are outdated now. Anyone can make a prediction, right? We might assume that these predictions are credible because the organizations are credible. Despite this, the skeptics could have a case. 

 

Not everything is a prediction however. There have been studies too, but correlation is difficult because of differing methodologies and data sources. Plenty of stories, plenty of predictions, and a few studies, so what’s fact? The facts are debatable, but the consensus isn’t. 

 

The general consensus confirms that we have a talent shortage problem, and I agree. It’s difficult to discount multiple credible sources. What’s not certain is the true extent of the problem. This can be debated. The numbers cited in the predictions are large, sensational numbers. Sensational numbers become news stories that get attention, drive traffic, and increase revenue. We don’t usually publish big numbers for pure altruistic purposes. We publish big numbers because we want your attention.

 

Here’s a reasonable take. We have a talent shortage problem. Predictions are predictions, some come true, some don’t. The extent of the problem is assumed to be significant, but really large numbers (without facts) are less credible. Don’t get wrapped up in the details because nobody has all the facts anyway.

 

The greatest doubters of the talent shortage problem are the good people trying to land an information security job, but can’t. If there’s such a shortage, why can’t they find an opportunity? Legit question.

 

This take may not be a popular one, but the logic checks out. Getting a job is like matchmaking. Both sides have expectations and both sides are looking for a commitment. One side posts a profile about themselves and what they’re looking for in a relationship (job posting). The other side might post the same (resume). The job seeker is looking for a date and an eventual relationship, so they start browsing and asking for dates (interviews) with ideal mates (jobs/companies).

 

It’s not a lack of potential mates (jobs) that’s a problem, it’s the lack of dates and commitments. Here’s why…

 

1. Unrealistic expectations - one side or the other is looking for an ultra-attractive, physically fit, multi-millionaire mate, with a beautiful personality and sense of humor who loves puppies and world travel. Good luck.

2. You can’t get a date - maybe you’re not looking in the right places. Reconsider where you’re looking and get creative. Networking goes a long way because some jobs never get posted.

3. You get dates, but you can’t get someone to commit – I’m not happy saying this, but maybe it’s you. This is hard because it requires the most honesty.

 

Every situation is different. Seek a mentor, seek advice, be persistent, and don’t give up. The jobs are out there.

 

We live in an easy button, shortcut world. It would be nice if there was a simple solution to this global problem, but there isn’t and there never will be. The solution is multi-faceted, requiring many initiatives, many people working together, and selflessness.

 

Can we get enough information security people working together, selflessly giving back to their communities and industry? I think so, but we have a ways to go.

 

 

• Continued growth and improvements in post-secondary education and degree programs.

• Continued/greater investment in K-12 STEM programs.

• Continued/greater investment in K-12 awareness and training programs (not necessarily STEM).

• Free high-quality online and in-person training.

• Free mentoring. Everyone should have a mentee and a mentor.

• Continued/greater investment in military security to private industry transition initiatives.

 

I’m sure there are many others, but these are a start. A single organized, centralized, sponsored approach would be great. Our industry is still immature, so this isn’t happening soon. At FRSecure, we’re excited for the 10th annual free CISSP Mentor Program.

 

 

Evan Francen is CEO & Co-Founder of FRSecure