Two million additional skilled people needed by 2017
The 2013 (ISC)2® Global Information Workforce Study found an ever widening gap between the supply of qualified information security professionals and the demand for these skills. The study found that by 2017 an additional two million skilled cyber security workers will be required to fill the gap.
The worldwide survey received 12,000 responses. 35% said they would hire additional security staff but find recruitment difficult.
The research found that alongside the technical skills, employers want staff with great communication skills, legal knowledge and project management capability.
Meanwhile in the UK a panel of experts warned politicians of the dangers of not addressing the information security skills gap. The experts, representing IBM, The Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) and the Cyber Security Challenge, warned of the impact of cybercrime on all aspects of life including the wider economy, banking and tax.
Although schools are beginning to address basic internet safety and security, the experts suggested that teachers need greater assistance in understanding what and how to teach cyber security. Other experts urged improvements in the ways coding and programing are taught and accredited.
However, the responsibility in addressing the problems lies beyond education. Security needs to be 'ingrained in how we build and use products' – from smart meters to banking apps.
Cyber Security Challenge UK has launched a Cyber Security MOOC while the UK’s National Archives has launched a short online course for those responsible for data in small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).
Source: SC magazine. White paper via www.isc2.org.