Intelligent CISO Issue 34 | Page 45

We can definitely do more to open up apprenticeships or internships that encourage people to see if Information Security is for them .
industry unlocked younger engagement starts , the better . “ It helps to build national capability ,” said Singh . “ It ’ s a pipeline – you can ’ t simply pick someone up and say ‘ You ’ re now InfoSec !’ That individual has to be trained and inspired from a young age . If they ’ re not , by the time they ’ re 16 or 18 this becomes more difficult because they ’ re already established on another path .”
Behind apprenticeships in the poll was the need for a formal career path ( 27.1 %), more role models / mentors ( 17.1 %) and greater diversity ( 13.4 %). Troy Hunt , Microsoft Regional Director and Founder of Have I Been Pwned , indicates the need for greater inclusiveness : “ Technology in general is very male-dominated and there ’ s a lot of women in particular that feel excluded by that . There ’ s also much more introverted behaviour and – in my experience at least – obnoxious behaviour ! We need to create an environment that people of all backgrounds want to be in ; that removes any barriers making them reticent about being part of the industry .”
The main skills-related challenges for remote workers
Keeping motivated and in good mental health during the pandemic could be particularly tough for new joiners . “ We have people who ’ ve never physically stepped foot in their office , or met their colleagues ,” said Paul McKay , Senior Analyst – Security and Risk , Forrester Research . “ It ’ s also challenging for junior professionals not having support structures in terms of the mentorship and oversight of more senior folks , or being with peers of their own age who are all going through the same journey .”
Effective team-working skills was cited as a major challenge for remote workers by 26 % of poll respondents . Steve Wright agreed : “ To not engage in a social way
Troy Hunt , Microsoft Regional Director and Founder of Have I Been Pwned

We can definitely do more to open up apprenticeships or internships that encourage people to see if Information Security is for them .

is possibly one of the worst things that could happen to our species , because we ’ re designed to be with people and bounce off each other . We need to think about how we can better support each other and collaborate now we don ’ t have that camaraderie in the office , to help make sure people still feel associated and included , and that they know you still care about them .”
What sums up your current recruitment strategy for new cybersecurity skills ?
For those organisations not subject to a hiring freeze , recruiting internally was www . intelligentciso . com
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