Exclusive Networks: Closing the Cybersecurity Talent Gap Starts Here

The cybersecurity industry is facing a crisis it can’t afford to ignore.

According to the World Economic Forum, nearly 4 million cybersecurity jobs remain unfilled worldwide. In the United States alone, there are more than 500,000 open roles and a shortfall of up to 30% of skilled professionals to take them. 

The consequences are immediate and costly.

Organizations lacking skilled defenders spend an average of $1.76 million more per breach than those with fully staffed teams. Every empty seat raises the risk of downtime, disruption, and reputational damage. 

For businesses, governments, and communities, this talent gap isn’t just inconvenient — it’s dangerous. So, the question is: If we know the numbers, why hasn’t the gap closed? 

Rethinking the Pipeline 

The problem isn’t just a lack of interest. The problem is a pipeline that’s broken. Universities often deliver graduates with theory but little hands-on experience, while employers demand job-ready professionals from day one. Job postings list “entry-level” roles that require three to five years of experience. Nontraditional talent is too often overlooked. 

At Exclusive Networks, we believe this cycle can – and must – be disrupted. Universities, working hand-in-hand with industry, have the power to rewrite the playbook and deliver the cyber workforce the world urgently needs. 

Our Commitment: Turning Education into Action 

Through our university talent development program, CyberFarm, we’re building a blueprint for what the future of cybersecurity education should look like: 

• Curriculum aligned with real-world threats, covering network defense, AI-driven risks, and zero-trust architectures, not yesterday’s problems. 

• Hands-on experience from day one with real-world projects and tasks, practicums, and partnerships that immerse students in defending real systems against real threats. 

• Acceleration and access: faster, more affordable pathways that bring talent to the market sooner, while ensuring increased opportunities for women, career changers, and underrepresented groups. 

• Upskilling for professionals: because solving a 3.4 million–person global shortage requires more than new graduates; it demands reskilling mid-career professionals and equipping existing teams with the tools to keep pace.

We don’t see universities as ivory towers; we see them as launchpads for a workforce that’s ready to defend, adapt, and innovate. 

Why This Matters Now 

Every month that passes with hundreds of thousands of cyber roles unfilled is another month where businesses remain vulnerable, communities remain at risk, and innovation is stalled. The talent shortage isn’t going away on its own.  

Universities and employers cannot keep pointing fingers at one another. It’s time to join forces, challenge outdated models, and deliver solutions that match the scale of the problem. 

Our message is simple: the talent shortage ends when we stop talking about it and start building the workforce of the future. Exclusive Networks is committed to leading this movement because security doesn’t wait, and neither should we.

Join us in being part of the solutions: Learn More About Exclusive Networks’ CyberFarm Today

Want to Learn more?

If you are already an Exclusive Networks partner, reach out to your designated account manager to learn more. Or, if you are interested in starting a conversation with Exclusive Networks, reach out to info_na@exclusive-networks.com.

About Exclusive Networks

Exclusive Networks (EXN) is a global cybersecurity specialist that provides partners and end-customers with a wide range of services and product portfolios via proven routes to market. With offices in over 45 countries and the ability to serve customers in over 170 countries, we combine a local perspective with the scale and delivery of a single global organization.

Our best-in-class vendor portfolio is carefully curated with all leading industry players. Our services range from managed security to specialist technical accreditation and training, and capitalize on rapidly evolving technologies and changing business models. For more information visit www.exclusive-networks.com.

Written by: CyberFarm Program Coordinator, Danielle Skipper

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