This webinar was recorded during the March 2024 meeting of the ISC2 DFW Chapter, where Dr. Mike Saylor presented the findings of his Doctoral Thesis: Cyber Workforce Development / Alignment: Results of a Qualitative Study.
The issue addressed in this research is the heightened vulnerability of U.S. organizations’ data and information systems to cybersecurity threats due to the shortage of qualified cybersecurity personnel globally. The study aims to explore the screening practices and qualification requirements of hiring organizations in cybersecurity roles and their impact on the workforce shortage.
Drawing upon the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) Cybersecurity Workforce framework, the research provides a structured approach for defining cybersecurity roles and responsibilities. Employing qualitative methods such as open-ended questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, insights were gathered from hiring organizations and job applicants to understand their perspectives on qualification requirements and real-world alignment.
Analysis of the data yielded two main themes:
- The necessity for a standardized approach to align job roles and qualifications, and
- The importance of mentorships, internships, and career pathway planning in cybersecurity.
The study underscores the absence of a consistent standard as a key factor contributing to the workforce deficit.
Addressing this challenge requires the establishment of a cybersecurity ecosystem founded on a standardized framework that aligns job roles, workforce skills, and educational objectives. The study concludes that further research is warranted to assess the feasibility of implementing and sustaining such a framework, involving stakeholders from both public and private sectors, academia, and industry associations.