The Skills Gap in Cyber Security – 300,000 to 1,000,000 current positions are vacant

The information security profession, which evolved largely in reaction to threats, is now paying the price of an entire “missing generation.” Companies are challenged finding pros with the combination of business and technical savvy that is needed to combat growing threats. Compounding this problem, educational institutions are not graduating enough students with the necessary skills or experience for entry-level positions. It is estimated that between 300,000 and 1,000,000 current cybersecurity positions are vacant. Demand is expected to rise as public, private and government sectors face unprecedented numbers of data breaches and cybersecurity threats.

The lack of qualified security talent leads to ripple effects throughout the industry and economy. There is a proven link between a weak security posture and lack of security expertise within an organization. Today, the lack of cybersecurity talent can be an organization’s biggest vulnerability, exposing it to serious risk, and is even more dangerous than technology vulnerabilities. The lack of talent may even lead to inhibited economic growth.

Chosen excerpts by Job Market Monitor. Read the whole story at The cybersecurity skills gap – SC Magazine.