EDITOR’S QUESTION
////////////////
RICHARD MEEUS,
SECURITY TECHNOLOGY
AND STRATEGY DIRECTOR,
EMEA AT AKAMAI
Q + A + Q + A + Q + A + Q + A + Q + A + Q + A + Q + A +
If you’re a cybersecurity professional,
there’s never been a time where your
skills have been more in demand. As
companies are growing increasingly aware
of the threats out there and the implications
of what could happen if they get breached,
the onus on having a top-notch team is
getting higher on the agenda.
While things are positive for those trying
to find a role, the other side is less so with
demand far outstripping supply. However,
all is not lost and there are various strategies
companies can put in place to reduce the
skills gap facing the cybersecurity industry.
Firstly, companies need to take a fresh
approach when it comes to attracting
talent, particularly in relation to entry level
positions. The cybersecurity industry tends to
rely on mathematical skills, requires analysis
of defences and someone who can think
laterally when penetration testing and has
the mindset to evaluate risk.
Looking beyond those with formal
qualifications, many new recruits that have
these skills can develop the more technical
aspects like coding, ethical hacking and
analytics on the job.
As well as a fresh approach to who you
target, how it’s done is just as important.
Creating innovative methods to attract
people into the process is vital. A great
example is gamification and the work done
by GCHQ’s codebreaking masterclass.
Open to all ages, ethnicities and genders,
it levelled the playing field for candidates
creating an easy entry level for everyone and
boosting the chance of generating a larger
pool of raw talent – helping to increase
diversity in the process.
Another tried and tested way to reduce the
cyberskills gap is through apprenticeships.
Through this method, fresh talent can study
for the qualifications they require for full
“
IT’S NOT JUST
DOWN TO THE
INDUSTRY TO
REDUCE THE
SKILLS GAP, THE
GOVERNMENT
HAS A BIG ROLE
TO PLAY TOO.
time employment, while learning the exact
skills they’ll need with the company they’re
working for.
Additionally, apprentices don’t even need
to attend university or college in person now
and can do courses through online portals,
leaving more time for on-the-job training.
Finally, it’s not just down to the industry to
reduce the skills gap, the government has
a big role to play too. From investment in
education to specific initiatives, there are a
number of ways it can help.
34 INTELLIGENTCIO www.intelligentcio.com