The cybersecurity landscape is rapidly evolving, and it’s becoming clear that the future innovation is in the hands of those who have been in the trenches—incident responders, red teamers, and threat analysts. With a staggering projected shortfall of over 3.5 million cybersecurity positions by 2025, the need for skilled talent has never been more pressing. Companies like EC-Council are stepping up, diverting substantial funds into supporting innovative cybersecurity ventures led by experienced practitioners.
Additionally, initiatives from organisations like the SANS Institute aim to unearth and groom talent right from high schools and colleges, prioritising hands-on problem solving to bridge the gap between academic theory and operational readiness. This strategic shift could be just what the cybersecurity field needs to stay one step ahead of potential threats.
Key Points
- Cybersecurity innovations are increasingly driven by experienced professionals from operational roles.
- The global cybersecurity workforce gap is expected to exceed 3.5 million unfilled positions by 2025.
- EC-Council has announced a $100 million initiative to fund cybersecurity innovation led by skilled practitioners.
- The SANS Institute’s CyberStart programme is focusing on training young talent in high schools and colleges.
- These efforts aim to close the experience gap and bolster the cybersecurity workforce effectively.
Why should I read this?
If you’re in the cybersecurity field or even just curious about its future, this article highlights critical shifts in talent acquisition and innovation funding that could shape the industry. With cybersecurity threats on the rise, understanding where and how talent is being developed can help you stay informed and ahead in this ever-evolving landscape.