Biden Administration Pushes to Close the Growing Cybersecurity Workforce Gap

Introduction

The Biden administration has made cybersecurity a top priority, recognizing the growing threat of cyberattacks and the need for a strong cybersecurity workforce. As part of this effort, the administration is pushing to close the growing cybersecurity workforce gap, which has been a longstanding problem in the industry.

The Cybersecurity Workforce Gap

Currently, there is a significant shortage of cybersecurity professionals in the United States. According to a recent report from (ISC)², the world’s largest nonprofit association of certified cybersecurity professionals, there are approximately 3.12 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs worldwide. In the U.S. alone, there were nearly 500,000 open cybersecurity positions in 2020.

The shortage of cybersecurity professionals is a serious concern, especially as the number of cyberattacks continues to rise. Without enough skilled professionals to defend against these attacks, organizations are at risk of significant financial losses, reputational damage, and even the loss of sensitive data.

The Biden Administration’s Plan

To address this issue, the Biden administration is taking several steps to close the cybersecurity workforce gap. One of the key measures is investing in education and training programs to develop the next generation of cybersecurity professionals.

The administration is also working to increase diversity in the cybersecurity industry, recognizing that a lack of diversity has been a longstanding issue. This includes initiatives to encourage women, people of color, and other underrepresented groups to pursue careers in cybersecurity.

In addition to these efforts, the administration is also working to improve access to cybersecurity resources and expertise for small and medium-sized businesses. These organizations are often the most vulnerable to cyberattacks but may not have the resources to invest in their own cybersecurity teams.

Conclusion

The growing cybersecurity workforce gap is a significant concern for organizations across the country. The Biden administration’s efforts to address this issue by investing in education and training programs, increasing diversity in the industry, and providing access to cybersecurity resources will help to ensure that the U.S. has the skilled professionals needed to defend against cyber threats.

• Resources:
• https://www.isc2.org/