Handling Cybersecurity Worker Shortfall
Introduction
Cybersecurity worker shortfall is not expected to improve any time soon, Chief Security Information Officers (CSIOs), Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and IT managers have to come up with strategies to handle the shortage (Hospelhorn, 2020). One of the ways to address this shortage is through training and staff development. The current environment is much competitive that requires a new game plan in the recruitment and retaining the best talent. Research studies show that cybersecurity professionals value opportunities in mentorship and professional development that makes it necessary to have productive training programs. This solution is appropriate to the future millennial generation, which is characterized by a larger generation in the workforce.
According to Hospelhorn (2020), consolidation of security tools can be used as a remedy in handling worker shortfall in cybersecurity. Studies show that alert fatigue is on the rise because there are many desperate technology tools used by some organizations. Instead of involving more desperate tools that do not add value, it is advisable to consolidate and simplify these tools to a more integrated streamlined form. For example, there is a need to come up with a simplified firewall as a security measure to minimize network traffic ultimately. Security tool consolidation will increase visibility, reduce clutter and manage the associated costs that will, in turn, simplify cybersecurity processes. One of the top considerations in the consolidation of security tools is finding a frictionless technology (Crumpler, 2019). It means that the intended streamlined tech must be easy to install, easy to set up and easy to manage.
The third method of handling cybersecurity shortfall expected to occur in the next few years is by the use of orchestration and automation. Automation and orchestration will allow related organizations to do more with fewer workers. Various vendors need to find automated and orchestrated tools to help in easing the burden. According to Crumpler (2019), statistics show that companies have heavily invested in building servers, scripting operating systems, and delivering firewall rule. Therefore, new technology should be implemented to perform all these repetitive and expensive tasks.
The other way to handle the shortfall in the coming few years is to outsource the security needs. Cybersecurity studies show that organizations that already have cybersecurity budgets have switched their attention to Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) to help in crucial needs. Outsourcing to MSSPs is an excellent strategy because it can help a company to scale its resources at a much lower cost. MSSPs are very critical in filling the gaps in cybersecurity worker shortage in removing the burden that is experienced in recruiting and training qualified staff (Lindsey, 2019). In the coming years, when a company decides to outsource the security needs, it will be able to improve the focus, ensure flexibility management and enable the transfer of risks.
Another way is to adopt a new approach to security that is different from the current one. The adoption of the new security approach must be systematic in that it follows distinct steps. The first step is evangelization to young people in that companies must start preparing for the next generation by selling them the cybersecurity idea (Lindsey, 2019). The next step is to cast the talent net wider by involving a generation that has a diverse background. When preparing this future generation, it is necessary to think beyond technology. Therefore, new professionals should be incorporated to fortify the ranks of technical experts.
References
Crumpler, W. (2019). The Cybersecurity Workforce Gap. Csis.org. Retrieved 8 June 2020, from https://www.csis.org/analysis/cybersecurity-workforce-gap.
Hospelhorn, S. (2020). Solving The Cybersecurity Skills Shortage in Your Organization – Varonis. Inside Out Security. Retrieved 8 June 2020, from https://www.varonis.com/blog/cybersecurity-skills-shortage/.
Lindsey, N. (2019). Cybersecurity Workforce Shortage Continues to Grow. CPO Magazine. Retrieved 8 June 2020, from https://www.cpomagazine.com/cyber-security/cybersecurity-workforce-shortage-continues-to-grow/.