|
thisCrowd - Audio Read
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
In the era of information and digital connectivity, the domain of cybersecurity stands as a critical frontier. As our society undergoes a digital transformation, it brings forth fresh challenges and vulnerabilities. In response, there’s an increasing need for robust cyber defenses. Fortunately, a wave of pioneering initiatives is sweeping across this landscape, aiming to fortify our digital ramparts and prepare the next generation for the evolving challenges of the digital world.
The Cybersecurity Paradigm
At the heart of this transformative wave is a collective recognition that traditional approaches to cybersecurity are no longer sufficient. In an era where data breaches, cyberattacks, and digital espionage have become everyday news, a new paradigm is taking shape. It’s characterized by collaboration, inclusivity, and forward-thinking strategies to secure our digital future.
A Multifaceted Approach
The multifaceted approach to this new paradigm is embodied by a host of organizations, institutions, and companies. These stakeholders are stepping forward with innovative initiatives designed to address various aspects of the cybersecurity ecosystem.
Bridging the Skills Gap
One of the central challenges in the cybersecurity landscape is the gaping skills gap. The demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals far outstrips the supply. To bridge this gap, a multitude of efforts are underway. Organizations like Accenture, Immersive Labs, and Dakota State University are dedicating resources to providing training and education for aspiring cybersecurity experts. By offering free training and mentorship, they aim to create a talent pool equipped to tackle the digital threats of tomorrow.
Diverse Workforce and Inclusivity
Another notable aspect of this new cybersecurity paradigm is the emphasis on diversity and inclusivity. Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF) is making significant strides in increasing the number of Black Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs). Their goal is to enhance representation at senior levels within the field and foster innovation through diverse perspectives.
Securing Small Businesses
The security of small businesses has become a critical concern. These businesses, ranging from boutique shops to mid-sized enterprises, are now prime targets for cyberattacks. Organizations like Dakota State University are addressing this issue by empowering small businesses to safeguard against digital threats. With the CyberSafe SD initiative, they are providing valuable cybersecurity education and resources, ensuring that businesses of all sizes can protect themselves effectively.
Educational Transformation
Education is a cornerstone of cybersecurity readiness. MassBay Community College, Google, and American University are at the forefront of this movement. MassBay is expanding its cybersecurity program and providing resources for students, educators, and professionals. Google, in partnership with the Consortium of Cybersecurity Clinics, is investing heavily in hands-on experience and mentorship for students, and American University is transforming cyber education by grounding technical exercises in national security and economic policy.
Empowering Students
Empowering the next generation with essential cyber skills is a focal point for many initiatives. Mastercard’s Girls4Tech™ program is dedicated to educating millions of students, with a special focus on girls, ensuring they have foundational cyber skills. The International Information System Security Certification Consortium ((ISC)²) has set a remarkable goal of certifying one million individuals in cybersecurity. To date, they have made significant progress towards achieving this ambitious objective.
Real-World Engagement
Cybersecurity is not just about theoretical knowledge; it’s about practical application. Initiatives like the partnership between Accenture and Immersive Labs are providing a platform for individuals to train and prove their skills through real-world exercises. This engagement-based approach ensures that the workforce is not just knowledgeable but also competent in handling cyber threats.
Data Insights
In the ever-changing landscape of cybersecurity, having accurate and up-to-date insights is crucial. Lightcast is leading the charge by providing quarterly data announcements about the cyber talent needs. Their skills-based hiring toolkit for employers is poised to revolutionize how companies build their cybersecurity workforce, ensuring that they match the right skills with the right positions.
Transformative Leadership
Organizations like the National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA) and the Aspen Institute’s Cybersecurity Program are providing transformative leadership in cybersecurity. NCA’s “See Yourself In Cyber” program is changing the narrative around cybersecurity careers and connecting students with mentors and recruiters. The Aspen Institute is committed to elevating cybersecurity education, workforce development, and digital literacy through various programs and summits.
Unprecedented Alliances
One of the most remarkable aspects of the new cybersecurity paradigm is the formation of unprecedented alliances. Microsoft and Black Tech Street are working together to transform the historic Greenwood neighborhood into a hub for Black talent and innovation, with a focus on cybersecurity. This alliance symbolizes the inclusivity and diversity central to the new paradigm of cybersecurity.
In conclusion, the world of cybersecurity is undergoing a significant transformation. The collective efforts of organizations, institutions, and companies are reshaping the landscape, ensuring that we are better equipped to face the digital threats of the future. These pioneering initiatives are not just about security; they are about empowerment, inclusivity, and innovation. They represent a new beginning in the journey to secure our digital world.
In this era of rapid digitalization, the collective efforts of various organizations, institutions, and companies are paramount, reinforcing the importance of cybersecurity from different angles.
iKeepSafe: In the education sector, iKeepSafe is hosting online training sessions for educators, reaching 400 educators each month over the next year. Their Data Privacy in Education – an iKeepSafe Educator Training Course equips educators at all levels with the necessary knowledge to ensure student data safety in an increasingly online learning environment.
Accenture and Immersive Labs: Accenture, in partnership with Immersive Labs, is on a mission to fill one million entry-level cybersecurity jobs in the coming decade. Their innovative approach involves a robust cybersecurity platform that offers both training and practical, reality-based exercises to showcase participants’ skills. This platform directly connects individuals with potential employers, offering a seamless path to cybersecurity careers.
Dakota State University (DSU): In Sioux Falls, South Dakota, DSU is making strides by allowing high school students to take university-level computer science courses as dual credit. This initiative, which spans public, private, tribal schools, and homeschooling, aims to enroll 40 students in the Governor’s Cyber Academy program this year, with a target of 250 students annually by 2027. Simultaneously, DSU is empowering South Dakota’s small businesses to protect against cyber threats through CyberSafe SD, catering to a diverse range of businesses.
National Cybersecurity Alliance (NCA): NCA is spearheading the “See Yourself In Cyber” program, which aims to change the narrative around cybersecurity careers and connect students with recruiters and professionals. Their fall events at five Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) will showcase the variety of career paths available in cybersecurity, emphasizing opportunities in local communities.
Mastercard: Mastercard is pursuing a multi-faceted approach, aligning its cybersecurity roles with the NICE Career Navigation structure, simplifying career growth, and skill development across different cybersecurity domains. They are also developing pathways to upskill junior professionals, thus promoting a robust cybersecurity workforce. Additionally, Mastercard is committed to educating 5 million students through its flagship STEM program, Girls4Tech™, by 2025. Furthermore, they aim to provide free cybersecurity education, training, and resources to 10 million micro, small, and medium-sized businesses to safeguard their operations and contribute to the nation’s economy.
Lightcast: Lightcast is providing invaluable insights into the cybersecurity field by regularly announcing data on the size of the cyber talent needs. They are also developing a skills-based hiring toolkit to assist employers in matching individuals with suitable positions, thus enhancing the overall effectiveness of cybersecurity efforts. Furthermore, Lightcast is poised to attract up to 900,000 unique users to the CyberSeek website this year, ensuring broader access to cybersecurity information and resources.
American University: American University is contributing to the cybersecurity workforce by expanding access to hands-on cybersecurity training opportunities for all students, regardless of their discipline. Through the Shahal M. Khan Institute for Cyber and Economic Security, they are transforming cyber education by grounding technical exercises in the context of national security and economic policy. Additionally, they are dedicated to equipping every American with foundational cyber skills.
ConSol USA: ConSol USA’s innovative approach involves an “ecosystem of ecosystems” model that engages underutilized talent in underserved communities. They have executed initial agreements and are negotiating with various academic stakeholders. Their commitment is to directly hire and deploy a minimum of 11,000 cybersecurity technologists nationally by 2027.
CrowdStrike: CrowdStrike is making an impact by filling over 300 internship positions and offering ten $10,000 scholarships. They are expanding their successful SkillBridge apprenticeship program and continuing their “return-to-work” program, which focuses on caregivers, aiming for a launch during the Spring academic semester.
(ISC)²: The International Information System Security Certification Consortium ((ISC)²) is making a significant impact by pledging to certify one million individuals with their new “Certified in Cybersecurity” certification. The response has been extraordinary, with over 265,000 enrollees and more than 27,000 individuals achieving this entry-level certification in less than 10 months.
Google: Google.org is taking a proactive approach by committing over $20 million to provide thousands of students with hands-on experience in cybersecurity. They are supporting the creation and expansion of cybersecurity clinics at 20 higher education institutions across the United States. Google.org is not only providing financial support but also engaging expert Googlers as student mentors, thus enhancing the learning experience. Their commitment to access to the Google Cybersecurity Certificate, Google Titan security keys, and student mentorship opportunities from Google is a significant step in preparing individuals for entry-level jobs in cybersecurity.
Aspen Institute’s Cybersecurity Program: The Aspen Institute’s Cybersecurity Program is making three significant commitments to coincide with their strategy. They are collaborating with American University to summarize government-issued cybersecurity resources, publishing a guidebook on best practices for employee development and retention, and hosting the Aspen Cyber Summit to energize practitioners, students, and the public about cybersecurity issues, policy, opportunities, and more.
Information Technology Senior Management Forum (ITSMF): ITSMF is actively working to increase the number of Black Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) by 10% by 2026. By doing so, they intend to foster innovation and growth through enhanced representation of Black professionals in senior cybersecurity and risk management positions.
These diverse initiatives reflect the collective dedication to bolstering cybersecurity across various sectors, ensuring a safer and more secure digital landscape for everyone.
