Why North America is Behind in Cyber Security Workforce

Why North America is Behind in Cyber Security Workforce

It does probably not come as a surprise to you, that there is a severe shortage in the cyber security workforce. Especially in North America. According to the Indeed Spotlight: The Global Cybersecurity Job Gap, the US is ranked 4th in the world for employer demand for cyber security talent.  

The Indeed article also tells us that specifically, network security specialists are in high demand. This is the skill set that is most desired by employers on a global level. 

Although this news may not be a surprise, you're probably asking yourself, why is it so. 

Why's there a Skills Gap in the Cyber security Workforce in North America? 

The why of the skills gap in the cyber sector dates back to why the internet was created in the first place. As stated in the Fraser Institute's Cybersecurity challenges for Canada and the United States, "The Internet was designed not with security in mind, but rather an openness and the free flow of information." 

Cybersecurity wasn't considered much until recent years. It wasn't until governments corporations, individuals, and the like became to realize the importance of protecting cyberspace. 

As so the challenge of how to protect the internet without hindering the freedom it represents was created. The reason North America is behind other countries when it comes to the cyber security workforce boils down to job seeker interest. 

Many employers are looking to hire those with advanced degrees and specializations in cyber security. And there are simply not enough of these employees to go around. 

Cyber security is not an easy job. 

Another reason for the gap in the cyber security industry is it's not a pleasant topic to think about. No one wants to discuss hacking, just as no one wants to discuss what happens in a case of a fire. It's one of those topics that no one does anything about because they don't think it's going to happen to them. Until it does. 

This brings to light two imperative topics all companies should consider, and they are The Importance of Cybersecurity Programs and Are the Biggest Cyber Security Risks your Employees. These two topics should no longer be avoided, as the trend for cyber criminal activity continues to rise.  

Companies need to stay up to date with all of their security measures. 

What can be done about the Cyber security Workforce Gap: 

A few options as expressed in a csoonline.com are: 

• Implementing automated security solutions
• Cross-training IT workers and converting them to security specialists
• Recruit more young people into cyber security school
• Outsource the jobs to other countries

In order to close the cyber security gap in the North American workforce, it's best to implement automated security solutions. This will help relieve the pressure until IT workers can be cross-trained or the interest in the sector picks up. Once the interest in the cyber security industry picks up it'll make it much easier to hire the appropriate staff.