Overcoming the cybersecurity skills gap requires broader and more creative solutions, and this may involve investment in areas other than directly hiring. (Photo: Getty)
The cybersecurity skills gap is getting worse. A problem all around the world, the gap has become highly prevalent in Europe; a recent report revealed that 291,000 extra cybersecurity professionals are required across the continent simply to fill the positions that business demands this year. So, if your business needs extra help with cybersecurity, how can your HR department help you overcome it?
The truth is that while a lack of qualified professionals is a challenge, it is possible to find solutions. Here we take a look at some of the best ways that your HR department can help you add cybersecurity knowledge to your business in spite of the cybersecurity skills gap.
|Help management understand the problem
The first step in overcoming the skills gap is in making your management aware of the problem. It is quite common in businesses that those at the top assume that cybersecurity is an issue that is managed by the IT department. But in this case, it may not be as simple as being able to hire in additional staff to boost knowledge and understanding.
Overcoming the cybersecurity skills gap requires broader and more creative solutions, and this may involve investment in areas other than directly hiring. This is something that the HR department needs to make clear to the company's senior management team.
|Provide training to staff
One of the most effective ways to overcome the skills gap is to reinvest in your own staff. Place an emphasis on training staff at all levels of the business to be more security conscious and to understand how to identify and defend the organization against cybercrime. This isn't to say that you should try to retrain your staff to be cybersecurity experts, but rather than providing everyone with more information can be hugely valuable.
The UK's National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) provides basic training for employees to help broaden their knowledge and understanding. You should also provide regular training sessions from specialists to your IT team, as well as other members of staff in order to ensure their knowledge stays up-to-date.
|Recruit from a different pool of talent
An option that is sometimes overlooked is the potential to take individuals who don't come from a security background, but that have many of the transferrable skills necessary to be effective in a cybersecurity role. People from an experienced IT background, even those without a direct link to security, can often be easily retrained and deployed.
Your HR department can also look into the possibility of internal transfers – taking members of staff who may already have a good understanding of the business' IT infrastructure, and refocused their skills towards cybersecurity.
|Don't assume technology is the answer
Of course, the HR department only manages human resources, but if it is not as simple as bringing in a new member of the team it can be necessary to think around the problem. Yes, measures such as firewalls and antivirus are important. But modern cybersecurity requires additional investment in both preventative and reactive technologies.
Information and event management software Redscan recommends investing in a set of threat detection technologies that will offer a holistic view of the organization. Having this sort of software in place can give greater visibility of what is happening on a company's network but it may not actually reduce the workload of your cybersecurity staff as it will require members of your team to have the expertise to manage the software.
|Outsource your cybersecurity needs
If your business is lacking cybersecurity-focused IT staff and you are having trouble recruiting them you could benefit from outsourcing your cybersecurity needs in order to manage your software or deal with cybersecurity issues.
Specialist cybersecurity firms can provide everything from managed security services to advice and guidance based on the needs of your organization. So, whether you have lost security staff and need help maintaining security posture and investigating issues, or you need a full overhaul of your cybersecurity strategy, outsourcing can be a great choice.
|Final thoughts
The financial impact of cybercrime costs the global economy nearly $3 million per minute, so businesses must do all they can to mitigate the risk of an attack. The cybersecurity skills gap certainly makes this more challenging, but it is something that can be overcome if you choose smart options.
Dakota Murphey has a wealth of experience in business management, with over 10 years of experience she's worked on a number of successful campaigns. She now enjoys sharing her knowledge through her writing and connecting with like-minded professionals.
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