ISC2 Takes Aim at Cybersecurity Workforce Gap

This week, ISC2 launched three initiatives to address the global workforce gap by making cybersecurity careers accessible to more people globally.

These initiatives aim to break down barriers and creating new pathways into the cyber workforce.

Clar Rosso is ISC2’s CEO.

“We are facing a growing global cybersecurity workforce gap of more than 2.7 million people,” she said. “One of the most persistent cybersecurity staffing challenges organizations around the world experience is being able to identify entry-and junior-level candidates with the right skills and aptitude to learn and grow on the job. At the same time, early career hopefuls are unable to demonstrate their understanding of cybersecurity concepts and gain the attention of hiring managers.”

These three initiatives include:

• ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity. The newest certification is now operational for ISC2 entry-level certification. More than 1,500 pilot participants who passed the exam are on their way to full certification and ISC2 membership.
• ISC2 Candidate Program. The new candidate program is for individuals considering a career in cybersecurity. Upon enrollment, ISC2 will be their guide, partner and advocate every step of the way as they achieve their career goals. This creates a free pathway to gain access to resources and benefits, as well as discounts on all certification education courses.
• ISC2 One Million Certified in Cybersecurity opens enrollment. On the heels of ISC2’s announcement at the White House last month that the association has pledged to provide free, entry-level cybersecurity certification exams and self-paced educational program courses to 1 million new professionals starting a career in cybersecurity, the association is announcing that enrollment is officially open. This initiative will expand and diversify the workforce by helping to break down barriers (cost, resources, accessibility, experience level, etc.) traditionally keeping people out.

“The global cybersecurity workforce shortage is an issue we can no longer just talk about,” Rosso said. “It’s time for decisive action. We look forward to welcoming our One Million Certified in Cybersecurity participants to our community as ISC2 candidates and soon as new certified members of our association.”