Secure Your Organization Despite the Cybersecurity Talent Shortage

Cybercrime continues to accelerate and is expected to cost the world a staggering $9 trillion in 2024 and nearly $14 trillion in 2028. As technology advances and digital reliance increases, so do the threats posed by cybercriminals. With an increasing attack surface, businesses and public infrastructure are more exposed than ever before.

This heightened risk underscores the critical importance of cybersecurity and the talent needed to defend against more frequent and sophisticated threats and attacks. However, the cybersecurity talent shortage has been a longstanding challenge, leaving organizations struggling to find skilled professionals as they face greater risks. Consider these findings:

• 68% of organizations agree they face additional risks due to the cybersecurity skills shortage.
• 92% report skills gaps within the organization.
• 54% say the cybersecurity skills shortage has been getting worse.

Here is why the cybersecurity skills gap exists, the critical issues it presents to your organization, and what you can do about it.  

Acknowledge the new threat landscape

It has been widely established that technological advancements have paved the way for an increase in the volume and maturity of cyberthreats. From ransomware attacks to data breaches, the cost of cyber incidents has skyrocketed in recent years. The relentless escalation in cybercriminal activity has driven the global average total cost of a breach in 2023 to $4.45 million. The U.S. has held the highest cost of a breach for over a decade and in 2023 it was $9.48 million. 

These breaches continue because cybercriminals are innovating rapidly alongside technology—but they only need to do so beyond the current cusp of security. Now, threats are even more pliable thanks to advancements like artificial intelligence, where threat actors can quickly adjust malware algorithms to avoid detection or automate attack activities.

As the frequency and severity of cyberattacks rise, the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals has never been higher. Even the government has acknowledged the need to bolster the cybersecurity workforce, with the White House creating the National Cyber Workforce and Education Strategy initiative last year. Shortly ahead of this action, the U.S. House of Representatives hosted a Homeland Security subcommittee on cybersecurity and infrastructure where “the alarming picture of the shortfall in cybersecurity talent” was discussed. 

Despite all efforts, a clear gap remains between the need for skills and the availability of cyber professionals to fill roles. Why does this gap exist if there is high demand?

Understand the talent shortage causes

As the digital economy continues to expand at an unprecedented pace and our dependence on it deepens, the role of cybersecurity emerges as indispensable amid heightened threats. So, is there really a shortage? The World Economic Forum acknowledged “We must prioritize thoughtful investment in the creation and expansion of cybersecurity talent.” Additionally, it is estimated that there are 4 million vacant cybersecurity roles worldwide. In the U.S., that figure is over 500,000.

Some of the key contributing factors to the lingering talent shortage in cybersecurity include:

Rapidly evolving threat landscape: The rapid evolution of cyberthreats has created a demand for specialized expertise that exceeds the supply of qualified professionals, contributing to the talent shortage.    

Fierce competition for talent: The intensifying competition for talent further compounds the ongoing talent shortage, creating an organizational struggle to attract and retain top cybersecurity talent.

Lack of comprehensive education and experience gaps: While the cybersecurity field is increasingly populated by professionals with theoretical knowledge, they may lack the practical skills and hands-on experience needed to succeed in the environments they are tasked with protecting. This pure-play cyber expert phenomenon creates a critical gap between strategy formulation and its practical application, potentially leaving vulnerabilities unaddressed.

Lack of diversity in the workforce: When inclusive work environments are not fostered, it limits the organization’s ability to broaden recruitment efforts and attract a wider range of candidates to fill roles.        

Complexity around cybersecurity roles: Filling roles can be a challenge when seeking candidates who possess a unique blend of qualifications and experience.

The cybersecurity talent deficit has persisted for many years and another key question is how does this impact your organization?

Realize the organizational impact

The cybersecurity talent shortage has significant implications for organizations trying to defend against expanding cyberthreats and trends like ransomware attacks. In 2023, there was a 73% increase in ransomware cases. 

The organizational impacts of the cybersecurity talent shortage include:

Increased vulnerability to cyberattacks: Without sufficient cyber personnel, you may struggle to adequately monitor, detect, and respond to threats, especially since 24/7 coverage is needed. While most organizations are open 8/5, cybercriminals are not. Cybersecurity professionals play a critical role in building cybersecurity hygiene and processes, identifying vulnerabilities, implementing security controls, and mitigating risks across various layers of your infrastructure. A shortage of skilled professionals can leave gaps in your organization’s defenses, making it easier for cybercriminals to exploit weaknesses and launch successful attacks.

Difficulty in filling critical roles: Critical roles, such as security analyst, incident responders, and cybersecurity architects, require specialized skills and expertise to protect assets effectively. Skills like the ability to effectively communicate cyber risks to non-technical stakeholders are also important. However, the talent shortage makes it challenging to find qualified candidates to fill these critical roles. That means key positions may remain vacant for extended periods, leaving you vulnerable to known or unknown threats and unable to effectively manage security risks.  

Slower incident response times: Time is of the essence when a cyberattack or security incident occurs. A prompt and effective response is crucial for minimizing the impact of an attack and preventing further damage to systems, networks, or data. Limited cybersecurity resources can lead to slower incident response times, as your organization may lack the necessary personnel and expertise to investigate and mitigate incidents promptly. Delays in incident response can allow attackers to prolong their presence and inflict greater harm.

Inability to implement vigorous security measures: Strong security measures, such as advanced threat detection, encryption protocols, and access controls, are essential for protecting digital assets from cyberthreats. The talent shortage, however, can hamper the ability to implement and maintain these security measures effectively. Without more senior, skilled professionals and expertise to design, deploy, and manage security solutions, you may be forced to rely on the next shiny tool, or even outdated or ineffective technologies, instead of agile cybersecurity fundamentals—leaving the organization more vulnerable.  

Increased workload for existing talent: In the absence of sufficient personnel, existing staff are often tasked with shouldering additional responsibilities to compensate for the talent shortage. This increased workload can place stress on employees and lead to burnout, fatigue, and decreased morale. Professionals who are already stretched thin may struggle to keep pace with the growing volume and complexity of security threats, resulting in delays in incident response and mitigation efforts. Additionally, this can force your team to be more reactive than preventative.  

With fewer skilled professionals able to defend against threats, the risk of inefficiency, financial loss, reputational damage, and regulatory penalties is greater. So, how do you hack the cybersecurity talent shortage?

Respond to the talent shortage

Despite the challenges posed by the cybersecurity talent shortage, there are several strategies you can employ to address the issue:

1. Invest in educational and training programs

Partnering with educational institutions to develop tailored cybersecurity training programs can help address some aspects of the talent shortage by creating a pipeline of skilled workers. These programs could include internships, apprenticeships, and certification courses designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed in cybersecurity roles. By investing in education and training initiatives, you can cultivate a pool of talent that is better prepared to meet the demands of the industry.

2. Develop internal talent

You can identify and nurture existing talent within your workforce by providing opportunities for upskilling and professional development. This may involve offering training courses, mentoring programs, and career advancement opportunities to help employees enhance their skills and progress in their careers. This can also include nurturing experienced, security-adjacent skill sets, like those found in system or network administration, and upskilling them toward the cyber mission. By prioritizing the development of internal talent, you can reduce reliance on external hiring and retain valuable employees who are already familiar with the organization’s culture and operations.  

3. Embrace diversity

Promoting diversity and inclusion in cybersecurity can help you tap into underrepresented talent pools and foster a more inclusive workforce. By actively recruiting and supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds, you can benefit from a wider range of perspectives, experiences, and skills. This can lead to greater innovation, creativity, and problem-solving abilities within cybersecurity teams, ultimately strengthening your cyber posture.  

4. Connect with strategic external partners

Partnering with managed security service providers (MSSPs) can help you augment your internal cybersecurity capabilities and overcome the challenges posed by the talent shortage. MSSPs offer a range of cybersecurity services, including strategic advisory, threat monitoring, risk management and response planning activities, and maintaining compliance regulations, delivered remotely or on-site. With adversaries operating 24/7 while you are closer to 8/5, even a hybrid option in partnership with MSSPs can make a huge difference. By outsourcing certain cybersecurity functions to MSSPs, you can access specialized expertise and resources without the need for extensive internal hiring or training.

5. Make industry connections

Sharing best practices and threat intelligence with industry peers can help you stay ahead of emerging threats and mitigate the impact of the talent shortage. Collaboration with industry partners, such as cybersecurity alliances or other formal/informal groups, allows organizations to pool resources, share insights, and collectively defend against common threats. By working together with other organizations, you can strengthen your overall cybersecurity resilience and better protect against threats.

Overcome the cybersecurity talent shortage

In the face of a shifting cyberthreat landscape and a persistent shortage of cybersecurity talent, you must adopt proactive strategies to safeguard your assets and defend against malicious actors. While the challenges posed by the cybersecurity talent shortage are significant, they are not insurmountable. With concerted efforts and a proactive approach, you can strengthen your cybersecurity posture and secure your organization.

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