In 2024, the number of cyberattacks increased by one-third compared to 2023, resulting in a staggering economic impact. This year, the global cost of cybercrime is expected to reach $10.5 trillion. At the same time, the global workforce gap in cybersecurity has reached a record high in 2024, with an estimated 4.8 million additional professionals needed, according to The 2024 ISC2 Cybersecurity Workforce Study. This marks a 19% increase compared to the previous year. How can businesses deal with this issue? Cyber Threats Evolution CrowdStrike’s 2024 Global Threat Report highlights the rapid advancement of methods employed by malicious actors, which are evolving much faster than both current and legacy cybersecurity systems can respond. This surge is further fueled by the increasing accessibility of technologies such as AI and big data. They enable hackers to exploit vulnerabilities in companies more efficiently and on a larger scale than ever before. According to the report, the education sector faces an alarming average of 3,341 attacks per week, while healthcare experiences 1,999 attacks weekly. The primary defense against this rise in cyberattacks is a skilled cybersecurity workforce. However, a shortage of personnel is on the rise. In 2024, the cybersecurity workforce gap reached 663,000 unfilled positions, with companies struggling to find qualified candidates. This shortage is part of a broader global trend, with the worldwide employment gap for cybersecurity professionals growing to 4.8 million, marking a 19% increase year-over-year. Reasons Behind the Talent Shortage One of the key reasons for the cybersecurity professional shortage is the rapidly evolving skill set required to combat cyber threats. As malicious actors increasingly employ modern technologies, cybersecurity is no longer just about basic defense mechanisms. Professionals now need expertise in areas like cloud security, artificial intelligence, and advanced encryption techniques. Therefore, finding talent with such comprehensive knowledge poses a significant challenge. A recent survey found that 58% of U.S. organizations cited a lack of skills in critical areas, such as AI security, cloud computing, and zero-trust implementation, as a top risk to their security. Keeping Up With the Threats Given this insight, it makes sense for companies to invest in cybersecurity training for their employees. Staff members who are already familiar with a company’s systems, culture, and business processes can be more effective at applying cybersecurity principles in ways that align with the organization’s goals. Moreover, developing talent from within can enhance employee retention, as workers feel valued when their companies invest in their growth. Crucially, even if your organization has a dedicated cybersecurity department, security awareness should not be limited to their responsibilities alone. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link, and a company's security is only as strong as each employee's actions within their role. Therefore, it is important to take steps to ensure that everyone understands current threats and knows how to protect against them. But how do you organize an effective course? Here are the key steps. Identify Team Members Interested in IT or Security Once you have individuals eager to explore this new field, you can assess their skills and customize your program according to their levels. For instance, General Electric (GE) provides cybersecurity education that spans from beginner courses to advanced certifications, ensuring that its team is well-equipped to tackle emerging threats. Identify Experienced Employees Who Can Serve as Mentors They can offer guidance, real-world insights, and technical support to those undergoing training. Consider establishing a formal mentorship program that includes regular meetings, clear goals, and feedback mechanisms to ensure growth. Promote continuous learning by integrating mentorship with career advancement opportunities, such as access to certifications or promotions. Furthermore, acknowledge and celebrate the achievements of both mentors and mentees to foster a culture of shared knowledge and professional development. Partner With Educational Institutions Businesses can partner with universities and technical schools to create cybersecurity pipelines, which not only help to train current employees but also provide access to a steady stream of emerging talent. These partnerships can include formal internships, apprenticeships, or co-op programs that give students real-world experience. You can find such educational partner organizations in any country. Deloitte, for example, partnered with the Australian government to establish a Cyber Academy, which offers university students hands-on experience working alongside Deloitte’s cybersecurity team. This approach helps students build practical skills and positions them for full-time roles within the company. By implementing strategies such as internal upskilling, mentorship programs, and educational partnerships, you can successfully develop a strong cybersecurity workforce without the need for extensive hiring. This approach not only helps mitigate the talent shortage but also enhances your organization’s defenses against escalating cyber threats. Bridge the Gap Between Theory and Practice Training and education are only effective when followed by hands-on experience. Integrate security practices into your daily processes, such as securing development and release pipelines, conducting penetration tests, and supporting internal initiatives to strengthen your code. Use practical examples from your codebase to demonstrate how to maintain security. When implementing these practices, prioritize preventing mistakes from recurring rather than pointing out individual developers' errors. This journey is one your team must embark on together, supporting and learning from one another along the way. Footnotes Securing your organization is a journey, not a one-time task. You don’t need everything to be perfect from day one. Every step forward brings you closer to your goal. As long as you keep progressing, your company will become safer—often providing a competitive edge in today’s market.
