Shortage of cybersecurity professionals

There is a significant shortage of cybersecurity professionals worldwide in the current job market, with an estimated 3.4 million vacant positions globally. This puts immense pressure on IT teams who face increasingly complex cyber attacks daily.

Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated and are constantly developing new methods of attack, making it increasingly challenging for businesses and governments to keep up. This is due to several factors, including the growing demand for cybersecurity services as more and more businesses going online and the lack of specialized cybersecurity education programs.

According to a report by a leading cybersecurity certification organization, the global shortage of cybersecurity professionals stood at 3.12 million in 2020, up from 2.93 million in 2018. This shortage is expected to grow to 4.07 million by 2023.

The shortage of cybersecurity professionals is particularly acute in certain regions, such as Asia and the Middle East. In these regions, there is a lack of cybersecurity education and training programs, as well as a lack of government support for cybersecurity initiatives.

In addition, cybercriminals often target small and medium-sized businesses that may not have the resources to hire a dedicated cybersecurity team, making them particularly vulnerable to attacks. It is important to note that, Governments can also play a role in encouraging more people to enter the cybersecurity field by offering scholarships, grants, and other incentives.

The shortage of cybersecurity professionals is a concern for businesses and governments worldwide, as it leaves them vulnerable to cyber attacks. To address this issue, organizations are investing in cybersecurity training and education programs, and are also partnering with universities to develop specialized cybersecurity degree programs.

The Indian government has set up Cyber Crime Cells in various cities across the country to investigate and prevent cybercrime. These cells work closely with law enforcement agencies to identify and prosecute cybercriminals.

S Mohini Ratna, Editor, VARINDIA