Cybersecurity is just beginning

…for colleges and employers.  With over 1.5 million open positions globally and only a handful of colleges that offer cybersecurity careers, the gaps need to be tightened. That challenge can be exponential considering the pace in which technology varies and skills required advances.  A creative way for awareness has been through hacking contests.  The contestants can complete with others in a challenging opportunity that is sure to lure candidates and close in on the skills gap.

But for industries that need it now, the managed security services space has risen passed $15 billion dollars worldwide in 2014 and nothing is standing in its way over the next 5 years.  Having SMEs (subject matter experts) virtually at bay alleviates not only the resource constraints and emerging tools/technology needed, but also the dedicated focus and integration / collaboration of the broader industry.

Being challenged with cyber threat resolution and effectiveness can be daunting task and a mission critical one.  According to the U.S. cybersecurity progress stalled report by report by PwC, priorities in cyber spending are:

·         47% new technologies

·         40% audits and assessments

·         33% new skills and capabilities

·         24% redesign in strategy

·         15% process redesign

·         15% knowledge transfer participation

Another renown area of threat is third parties and so the financial services industry in leading the numbers for due diligence of:

·         62% third-party

·         57% contractors

·         52% software

·         42% suppliers

·         40% procurements

Interestingly enough, 19% of the C-suites was not worried about third-party risk and deferring it to an IT matter yet CSO/CISO typically report directly to the CIO...(but not CSOs, CFOs or CCOs).  So, perhaps a full circle in shortage and need vs. investment and ownership.  How does your organization stack?