Cybersecurity on The Hill: The Future of the Cybersecurity Workforce

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nISC2 was recently invited to participate in a briefing on Capitol Hillnfocused on bridging the workforce gap while diversifying the field.nExecutive Vice President for Advocacy, Global Markets, and MembernEngagement, Tara Wisniewski took the opportunity to share ISC2’snperspective on the current state of the cybersecurity workforce and ournvision for the future with the Future of Work Caucus.n

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nThe panel discussed innovative ways to enhance cybersecurity literacy asnwell as initiatives that can help mitigate the cybersecurity workforcengap in the U.S. ISC2 was joined by representatives from ISACA, Cyberseeknand the National Cybersecurity Alliance. The representatives eachndiscussed ideas for enhancing the workforce and encouraging interest innthe sector.n

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nThis opportunity allowed us to discuss our extensive research and somenof our ideas for growing and securing the U.S. cybersecurity talentnpipeline including investing more resources into bringing people intonthe profession and encouraging more people with little to noncybersecurity experience to gain foundational knowledge and skills bynearning an entry-level certification.n

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nWhile much of the workforce conversation centers around trainingnopportunities currently available to entry, mid-career, and seniornprofessionals looking to change career paths or advance their careers inncybersecurity, we also wanted to talk about improving access to thenprofession. Ensuring individuals from a variety of backgrounds and withna variety of skillsets were provided the chance to see how cybersecurityncould be a fit for their career path and their skills could benefit thensector.n

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nBeyond ensuring more people are provided the chance to accessnopportunities in cybersecurity, we discussed the importance of ensuringnsecurity professionals are trained to respond to the constantly evolvingnthreats facing the United States and the world. There is an increasednfocus on the changes artificial intelligence and machine learning willnbring to every industry and the way we work. It’s important educationnand professional development evolve with the changing landscape and arenable to adapt to the changing threat landscape and evolvingntechnologies.n

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nTechnology like AI is going to continue to evolve and regulations,neducation, and certifications, have to be flexible enough to expandnalong with it. Government, academia, business, and individuals mustnwork together. Federal agencies will have to work collaborativelynwith international partners and the private sector to come up withninnovative plans to drive positive change for the workforce. A fewnof our suggestions include:

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  • Providing pathways for entry-level practitioners to join then cybersecurity field.
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  • Increasing diversity to close the cyber workforce gap.
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  • Encourage greater collaboration between public and privaten sector entities.
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  • Professionalize cybersecurity.
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nCybersecurity certifications are particularly valuable because theyndemonstrate the individual understands the processes and bestnpractices of the sector,” said Tara Wisniewski, during herntestimony. “As the cybersecurity profession continues to evolve, itnwill lead to a more digitally skilled population and more resilientnorganizations and infrastructure. Certifications are a critical partnof this work.”n

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nCertifications are designed to be both a catalyst into ancybersecurity career and an essential tool for advancement andnsuccess. Our certifications, education and networking are criticalnassets in strengthening cybersecurity skills and resiliency fornindividuals, infrastructure and organizations. We are encouraged bynthese conversations in Washington that embrace the importance ofncertifications for entry -and junior level cybersecuritynprofessionals. In addition, certifications for senior level securitynpersonnel allows them to evolve their skills quickly and effectivelynwith the changing landscape.n

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nWe must be able to adapt to the changing needs of the sector. Thatnincludes cybersecurity professionals and the training and educationnthey rely on to provide them with accurate and up-to-dateninformation to perform their job functions. It will take all partsnof the eco system working together to provide more cyber readinessnresources across all levels and roles of the sector to close thenworkforce gap and ensure cyber readiness.n

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