Intelligent CISO Issue 23 | Page 29

? RICHARD MEEUS, SECURITY TECHNOLOGY AND STRATEGY DIRECTOR, EMEA AT AKAMAI I f 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 www.intelligentciso.com | Issue 23 editor’s question It’s not just down to the industry to reduce the skills gap, the government has a big role to play too. 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. qualifications they require for full 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. 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. 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. Fortunately, it has been doing just that with an overall National Cyber Security Strategy launched in 2016 and the £20 million Cyber Schools Programme. Another tried and tested way to reduce the cyberskills gap is through apprenticeships. Through this method, fresh talent can study for the The UK has a long way to go to eventually plug the skills gap overall, but there are now lots of ways that we as an industry, along with the government’s help, can do that – ensuring the country is fighting fit in the battle against the cybercriminals for years to come. 29