Huge Gap in Cyber Security Professionals 2022
According to a report by Emsi Burning Glass, the United States is facing a shortage of cybersecurity professionals, with over 715,000 jobs remaining unfilled as of November 2021, despite there being around 1 million cybersecurity workers in the country. The talent shortage can be attributed to several factors, such as the rapid evolution of skill requirements in the cybersecurity industry and the increasing demand for specialized credentials and certifications beyond an undergraduate or graduate degree.
Employers have been reluctant to reduce credential or education requirements for cybersecurity roles, despite the hiring difficulties. However, some companies, such as Deloitte, have developed talent pipelines through train-to-hire programs that provide candidates with cybersecurity training. Additionally, entry-level certification tests, such as Security Plus, and in-house training can also be effective ways for individuals to break into the cybersecurity field
Overall, while undergraduate and graduate degree programs are popular routes for entering the industry, a lack of qualified candidates with the necessary credentials and experience is hindering the cybersecurity job market’s growth.
The U.S. power grid is a crucial aspect of modern life, supplying electricity to millions of people and supporting the operation of critical industries such as healthcare, finance, and transportation. However, as the power grid has become increasingly digitized, it has become more vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
To protect the power grid from cyber threats, the U.S. government has taken significant steps to enhance its cybersecurity. The Department of Energy (DOE) has established a cybersecurity program to develop and implement strategies for securing the grid. Additionally, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC) has developed a set of standards and guidelines that grid operators must follow to maintain cybersecurity.
Despite these efforts, cyber-attacks against the power grid continue to pose a threat. In 2020, the U.S. government issued a warning about an ongoing cyber-attack campaign targeting the power grid by a state-sponsored group from Russia. The group reportedly gained access to critical infrastructure, including power plants and water treatment facilities.
To further address these threats, the U.S. government has introduced legislation to enhance the cybersecurity of the power grid. The Securing Energy Infrastructure Act (SEIA) aims to protect the grid from cyber-attacks by promoting the development and deployment of advanced technologies. This includes measures such as creating a research and development program for grid cybersecurity technologies, establishing a national cyber exercise program, and supporting information sharing and analysis centers (ISACs) for grid cybersecurity.
Moreover, the private sector has also taken significant steps to improve the cybersecurity of the power grid. Utility companies have invested in advanced cybersecurity technologies, such as threat intelligence platforms and real-time monitoring systems, to detect and respond to cyber threats more effectively.