The Need for Entry-level Cybersecurity Education Is Critical
As any employer who has tried to fill a vacant cybersecurity position knows, finding qualified candidates is anything but easy. The cybersecurity workforce would have to expand by 65% to meet global demand, according to (ISC)²'s 2021 Cybersecurity Workforce Study.
Employers, therefore, need to keep an open mind when filling those positions by considering candidates with less experience. Once on board, however, new hires can be brought up to speed through education and certification.
Even with sparse experience, a cybersecurity professional should be able to demonstrate an acceptable level of proficiency in the field. This is especially important for service providers, such as MSSPs, whose technicians have interactions with end customers. A certified technician is more likely to inspire confidence in a customer about their abilities than one who doesn’t hold a certification.
With that in mind, (ISC)² has introduced a certification curriculum targeted specifically at new entrants in the cybersecurity field. The Entry-Level Cybersecurity Certification pilot program provides a path to expertise by covering foundational topics and concepts in information security. The curriculum was developed with input from cybersecurity experts and practitioners with deep experience in the profession.
Employer Benefits
An obvious benefit of an entry-level cybersecurity certification to employers is that it enables an organization to address gaps in their cybersecurity teams so they can build a more robust security posture.
But the certification brings other benefits as well. For one thing, it boosts the certification holder’s level of confidence in addressing security requirements and challenges. At the same time, it gives employers the assurance that their cybersecurity team members have enough expertise to handle cybersecurity tasks assigned to them.
Another benefit is that the overall level of expertise in cybersecurity teams increases as junior members gain baseline knowledge. Furthermore, the certification ensures that holders are current on the latest cybersecurity and privacy threats, challenges and best practices.
Training Programs
The entry-level certification provides employers with an obvious starting point for their cybersecurity education programs. Cybersecurity as a discipline evolves and changes constantly, requiring people in the profession to keep refreshing their knowledge. Up-to-date skills and information are critical to maintaining an organization’s security at the highest levels of effectiveness.
Continuing education enables cybersecurity team members to refine and update their skills and master the most current best practices. This way, they can best protect their organizations against what has become one of the most pressing business challenges – cybersecurity risk management.
For guidance on how to set up a comprehensive cybersecurity training program, click here. To learn more about the entry-level certification pilot program and enroll today, click here.