HOW CAN BUSINESS
LEADERS CLOSE
THE CYBERSKILLS
GAP WHILE
COVID-19 DRIVES
WORKFORCE CUTS?
t might be
I
considered an
understatement
that this year
has been a
difficult one for
most, if not all
businesses, with economies facing the
negative effects of the adverse nature of
COVID-19. Theresa Lanowitz, Director
of Cybersecurity Communications at
AT&T Cybersecurity, discusses how
CISOs can still find cyber talent amid
the global situation to ensure security is
not forgotten.
“This year has been challenging for
many businesses due to the disruption
caused by COVID-19,” said Lanowitz.
“Employers have had to make cuts
or place workers on furlough and
many companies across various
industry sectors are suffering from
staff shortages. From a cybersecurity
perspective, security professionals
have been doing their utmost to ensure
protection of businesses while trying
to weather this storm. However, given
the financial restraints, businesses
of all sizes are seeking to optimise
investments and the workforce is
an area where difficult decisions are
being made.”
Lanowitz said that cybersecurity
professionals are faring better than
most as the need for cybersecurity
professionals continues to trend up.
“Uncertainty has always been a constant
?
factor for business operations but mix in
a pandemic and a recession, and you’re
dealing with an entirely different set of
unknowns and business risks,” said
Lanowitz. “As leadership considers the
changing business environment to return
and recovery, they should also think
about how teams can utilise internal
talent throughout various departments,
specifically filling in cybersecurity roles
at a time when IT security defences are
needed most.
“With fear and uncertainty driving
businesses to reduce the size of the
workforce, the expectation for other
editor’s question
employees to help pick up the slack
is now a reality.
“Infosecurity practices, policies and
professionals are a must for the future
of any business, regardless of size,
especially during a time when business
operations have gone virtual on a
worldwide scale. Despite its importance,
the massive skills gap in cybersecurity
continues. It is widely reported and
acknowledged that there is a global
need for security professionals, with the
International Information System Security
Certification Consortium (ISC2) recently
estimating that there are 4.07 million
global security positions open and unfilled.
“Instead of rushing to hire and onboard
new talent during an unpredictable
economy, organisations should first look
at their internal talent and determine what
skills can be repurposed to assist with
the need for stronger cybersecurity.”
Lanowitz said that during such
unprecedented times, companies need
to be creative, such as repurposing preexisting
roles, or seeking the benefits of
an MSSP.
www.intelligentciso.com | Issue 28
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