Understaffing in cybersecurity roles and ways to stem skill gaps

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

ISACA released the report — State of Cybersecurity 2023, Global Update on Workforce Efforts, Resources and Cyberoperations — in early October, observed as cyber security awareness month. It showed that 55% of the respondents from India covered in the report have experienced more cyberattacks than a year before.

Empower Your Corporate Journey with Strategic Skill Courses

Understaffing is a challenge
The global data showed that 59% of global cybersecurity leaders felt their teams were understaffed. In India, the understaffing percentage was 40%, lower than the global average. Given the complex nature of the work, over 40% of the respondents globally said they have confidence in their teams’ ability to respond to cyber threats effectively. In India, this was higher at 63%.

Roles and skills
The job openings for experienced professionals were at 50% and for entry level professionals at 21%. However, retention was a challenge; 56% of the leaders said they face retention difficulties. This number was even higher in India at 69%.

Data science provides highest pay scale, followed by big data and data security: Survey

The top skills hiring managers look for include cloud computing, penetration testing, forensics, identify and access management and data protection. The other skills on the list are critical thinking, problem solving, decision making, communication and leadership qualities are other skills looked for.

Top skills gaps