Upgrade your team’s cybersecurity skills

Cybersecurity has been a top priority for businesses across all sizes and industries as more organizations rely on data-storing technology. While the digital economy continues to accelerate, the demand for cybersecurity skills and experts grows as well.  

Data breaches have become a growing concern for companies and for good reason. IBM found that 550 organizations experienced a data breach in 2023. This resulted in a global average cost of USD 4.45 million—a 15% increase over three years.  

Technology’s presence in the workforce will only increase, along with the demand for information security. Here’s how you can close the cybersecurity skills gap and protect your organization from potential threats.

What is cybersecurity?

First, let’s define exactly what cybersecurity is. Cybersecurity involves protecting networks, programs, and systems from digital attacks. Strong cybersecurity measures ensure your company’s sensitive information is sealed from intruders.

Cybersecurity skills involve monitoring current systems to detect external or internal threats and building solutions to mitigate them. Some examples include:

• Programming languages, including JavaScript and Python, enhance a cybersecurity professional’s capabilities in safeguarding digital assets.
• Data analysis provides a comprehensive view of risks and potential vulnerabilities.
• Cloud security refers to a set of security measures established to protect cloud-based data, applications, and environments.
• Incident response and problem solving includes a strategic, organized approach to prevent, minimize, or eliminate cyberattacks.

Why cybersecurity is more important than ever

New, quickly advancing technologies, such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and augmented reality (to name a few), reinforce the need for robust cybersecurity knowledge and skills.

As technology development outpaces skilled professionals, the possibility of data breaches increases, especially for those without a cybersecurity program. According to Gartner, the cybersecurity shortage will be responsible for over 50% of digital attacks by 2025.

Strategies to close the cybersecurity skills gap

The following strategies can help your team close the cybersecurity skills gap and build a strong defense against cybercriminals.

Upskill your current workforce

The cybersecurity industry is always evolving, emphasizing the importance of regularly upskilling your existing workforce. Provide opportunities for employees to attend various classes and programs designed to help develop their cybersecurity skills.

Investing in your staff is also a great way to attract potential employees. In interviews, be sure to share resources candidates can expect to use once they join your company.

Educate your staff

Data breaches can happen at any level of your organization, so everyone should be aware of cybersecurity best practices. Educate workers on common types of digital attacks, including:

Phishing: The practice of sending fraudulent communications, such as emails and text messages, to access sensitive information.

Spoofing: The practice of impersonating another person or organization to gain valuable business information.

Malware: Intrusive software hackers use to perform malicious actions, such as stealing data or destroying computers and computer systems.

To prevent these attacks from threatening your business, inform your workforce of best practices and red flags to be wary of.

Craft accurate job descriptions

Finding workers with sufficient cybersecurity expertise starts with an accurate job description. In your job posting, explicitly state the need for candidates who have a deep understanding of cybersecurity best practices. Look for resumes that include certifications or specific experiences with cybersafe measures.

Related: Learn how to write effective job descriptions.

Work with expert recruiters

At Michael Page, we have a vast network of technology professionals. If you’re looking for cybersecurity experts to join your team, we can help. Submit a job description or get in touch with us to discuss your hiring needs.