Improving the U.S. Cybersecurity Workforce

The Office of the National Cyber Director has released a comprehensive plan to expand and improve the U.S. cybersecurity workforce. The strategy emphasizes 3 guiding imperatives:

1. Adopting a whole-of-nation approach
2. Promoting lifelong development of cyber skills
3. Emphasizing diversity and inclusion.

The strategy recommends leveraging community colleges for skills-focused hiring and diversifying the workforce by recruiting veterans and altering immigration policies to retain foreign talent. It has received backing from various government agencies, nonprofits, businesses, and schools, to contribute funds or establish relevant programs. 

Acting National Cyber Director Kemba Walden compared the strategy to efforts during the Industrial Revolution and highlighted the potential for cybersecurity to bolster the American middle class. Industry professionals have generally welcomed the strategy but also emphasized the need to focus on small businesses and innovative hiring practices, underscoring the importance of appropriate implementation by the Administration and Congress. Learn more »

Exclusive Networks is doing our part to reduce the cybersecurity skills gap through various educational engagements. One initiative we are particularly proud of is our apprenticeship program with California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. In our partnership with the university, we are connecting with students ranging from freshman to master’s students and getting them excited about the cybersecurity industry. Through the program the students go through curriculum and work directly with our sales force to gain hands on experience. In the future we wish to expand our efforts and do more to help the industry as a whole. Read more »