Cybersecurity Talent Shortage Crisis Threatens Digital Resilience

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The cybersecurity talent shortage crisis is now the biggest challenge facing organisations that want to build digital resilience. Risk Evolves Managing Director, Helen Barge, shares insight into the growing shortage of cybersecurity professionals and the impact on digital resilience.

In the latest issue of IIRSM’s The Sentinel magazine, Helen highlights why investing in a skilled workforce is crucial for protecting networks and data from emerging cyber threats.

“There have been massive advances in technology, such as manufacturing automation and huge amounts of data moving around the world,” Helen wrote. “But organisations must continually evolve and invest. If they don’t have the skills they need, they should identify specialist third parties.”

The Scale of the Skills Gap

The World Economic Forum estimates that four million professionals are urgently needed to plug the gap in the global cybersecurity industry1. Helen explained that this shortfall could have real-world consequences, such as people being unable to pay bills if their banking app fails.

Strengthening Compliance with Key Legislation

Organisations were also encouraged to strengthen compliance, with legislation including:

  1. NIS2: A European Parliament directive aimed at improving cybersecurity across the European Union (EU) by standardising practices and increasing cooperation.
    Read more about cybersecurity’s evolving landscape.
  2. DORA: The Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) is intended to strengthen the IT security of financial institutions – such as banks and investment firms – to ensure Europe’s financial sector is resilient against operational disruption.
    Watch our 30-minute webinar Cracking the Code: NIS2 and Dora Legislation Made Simple.
  3. Cyber Security and Resilience Bill: UK regulation targeted at improving cyber defences and protecting public services. Read more about Beyond Technology: The Human Element.

Why Everyone Has a Role to Play

When it comes to cybersecurity, everyone has a role to play. Building digital resilience requires a collective effort from all staff, not just IT professionals.

You can read more about the landscape of risk management in The Sentinel. All IIRSM members receive essential intelligence in the bimonthly magazine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Rapid technological change, increasing cyber threats, and a lack of skilled professionals are the main causes. Many organisations struggle to find and retain qualified cybersecurity staff.

Investing in training, upskilling current staff, and working with specialist third parties can help close the gap.
Failure to address the skills gap can lead to increased vulnerability to cyber attacks, operational disruption, and regulatory penalties.

Take Action to Secure Your Organisation

Do not let the cybersecurity talent shortage crisis put your business at risk. Contact us today to discuss how our workforce training and compliance solutions can help you build digital resilience.

Contact Us01926 800710

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