Impact of the Pandemic on Cybersecurity Professions: Are Cybersecurity Careers Affected by the Pandemic?

The cybersecurity industry is facing a significant challenge: a workforce gap exacerbated by an overwhelming whiteness and maleness, as highlighted by the Aspen Institute. The pandemic has caused many to reconsider their careers, creating a void in the cybersecurity sector.

Rob T. Lee, the chief curriculum director and faculty lead at SANS Institute, notes that this shift has led to a need for more tech skills in cybersecurity. AI is being employed not only to launch attacks but also to mitigate them, increasing the demand for diverse talent in the field.

To address this issue, the Aspen Institute suggests creating a data repository of successful diverse hires. This repository would help hiring managers adjust job requirements, focusing on the truly required expertise rather than unnecessary qualifications. While the specific organization behind this initiative remains unidentified, efforts along these lines are associated with SAP and its ecosystem, such as the SAP Business Technology Platform (BTP).

The lack of availability for non-technical professionals to gain cybersecurity training for the first time is another area where the talent gap is particularly pronounced. The pandemic, however, offers flexibility in remote work, which can help find and retain cybersecurity talent.

Job descriptions in cybersecurity should be written plainly to inform candidates of expectations and company needs. This approach can help attract a more diverse pool of candidates and ensure that they understand the role they would be undertaking.

The rise of remote working has opened opportunities in the cybersecurity recruitment market, allowing high performers to work effectively from anywhere. This flexibility is crucial in retaining employees, particularly during a time when the job market has shifted from massive layoffs to the Great Resignation, with thousands of employees leaving their careers.

Businesses should prioritize cybersecurity and invest in staff and technology to retain employees. Chris Reffkin, CISO at HelpSystems, emphasizes that if security professionals don't see a path for career evolution or continuous challenges, they may look elsewhere. Automation tools can help prevent burnout in cybersecurity by handling detailed and tedious tasks, keeping employees motivated and engaged.

Over the past 18 months, the job market has undergone significant changes, with the roles in IT security expanding significantly over the last two decades. The landscape is moving so fast that a new college graduate's training is already behind. The Aspen Institute recommends a shift in the narrative of who makes a good cybersecurity professional to encourage diversity and attract a wider pool of talent.

The pandemic has strengthened the cybersecurity industry, with the quick move to remote work putting companies on high alert for increased cyber risk and the need to strengthen the cyber workforce. Being on the cutting edge of new products and ideas can keep employees on staff for years, as they are motivated by the variety and constant change in their work, rather than just salary.

According to Cyber Seek data, there are nearly half a million total cybersecurity job openings across all disciplines within the industry. Companies across various industries are struggling to fill their vacancies, underscoring the urgent need for action to address the diversity and workforce gaps in the cybersecurity industry.

Impact of the Pandemic on Cybersecurity Professions: Are Cybersecurity Careers Affected by the Pandemic?