We currently face a significant global shortage of qualified cyber security candidates—an estimated 500,000 to 1 million jobs remain unfilled in the U.S. alone[1] and this is expected to grow to a staggering 1.5 million by 2020[2]. According to a study by Intel Security and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), 82% of organizations across eight countries[3] report a shortage of cyber security skills and 25% reported that a lack of cyber security expertise has led to them being a victim of data theft.
Addressing the global workforce gap in the cyber security is a key focus of Symantec’s corporate responsibility strategy. From our signature CR program the Symantec Cyber Career Connection (SC3) to targeted partnerships with nonprofits and academia across the world, we engage, excite and increase opportunities for those just starting their education to professionals launching their careers.
For example, we are proud to announce a new collaboration with long-standing partner Brigham Young University’s Information Technology program and their Cybersecurity Research Lab. The goal of this project is to educate and mentor Information Technology university students interested in cyber security as they prepare to enter the workforce. We aim to broaden their understanding and exposure to companies like Symantec that secure networks and infrastructure on a day-to-day basis. Activities will include:
- A day of interactive meetings with students and faculty at BYU to discuss student cyber security research projects. Students will present to Symantec employees who provide constructive feedback, thoughts and suggestions on how to improve the projects. Additionally, working closely as advisors, Symantec experts will identify key areas of industry research, tools and technology to enhance completion of these projects.
- Participation in BYU’s career week and STEM career fair to actively recruit and educate students interested in cyber security. Symantec representatives will also take time to review student resumes and discuss certifications / course work that can enrich the students’ university experience and outcomes.
We see this as an exciting addition to our ongoing partnership with BYU to attract and retain top university talent. The caliber of students at BYU is evident in their strong performance at numerous “cyber defense” competitions including the annual National Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition, as well as the strong cyber security presence on campus such as their Girl’s Cybersecurity Camp held each summer for young women in grades 8-12. The camp includes four days of hands-on cyber security workshops, classes, and experiences covering topics such as career options, privacy, viruses and online safety.
It is not often you have the chance to shape the future of an individual, let alone the future of your industry. Protecting information is the purpose of our business, but we also believe it is a central element of corporate responsibility for every company in the digital age. Our success protecting the world online depends greatly on the engagement and skills of the future and we look forward to executing and expanding this impactful partnership with BYU.
Ralph Blood is Symantec's Sr. Director, Technical Services & Support
[2] Executive Director, David Shearer, of (ISC)² which has been tracking the workforce shortage for more than a decade.
[3] A survey of open source data, expert interviews and survey of 775 public/private sector IT decision makers across Australia, Germany, France, Israel, Japan, Mexico, the UK and the US.