MERIT

THE ISSUE

It is predicted there will be 1.5 million unfilled cybersecurity job openings by 2019. This dangerous shortfall is putting us all at risk. The dramatic increase in cybercrime and a constantly changing cybersecurity landscape has created a very high demand for cybersecurity professionals. The problem lies in the fact that the supply doesn’t come anywhere close to meeting the demand.Not only are cybersecurity threats increasing, they’re also becoming significantly more complicated. Because the scope of the challenge is constantly growing, it requires an ever-expanding skill set. A robust, evolving program of training and education is critical.

THE DATA

The figures below are brought to you by CyberSeek, an interactive tool that provides detailed, actionable data about supply and demand in the cybersecurity job market. This free resource is made possible by a grant to the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE). To meet the demand, the first step is gaining detailed knowledge of the cybersecurity workforce in each region. Local employers, educators, career counselors, students, current professionals, policy makers and other stakeholders can use this data to make informed decisions.

WE’VE SEEN THE DATA, NOW WHAT?

The cyber leaders of the future need to be trained today. Education is crucial to preparing the cybersecurity workforce of tomorrow, and for keeping current cybersecurity professionals up-to-date on evolving threats. An established ecosystem of cybersecurity learning and workforce development across the public and private sectors is essential for this field to succeed.

THE HOW

A multi-pronged approach will likely be the most effective. Industry, governments, academia and nonprofits should work together to address the need for a skilled workforce. Merit addresses the shortage of relevant and accessible NSA/CNSS accredited training through maintaining several strategic partnerships. Merit Professional Development is currently able to offer cyber security certification courses through Cyber World Institute, Mile2, EC Council, ISC2, CompTIA and ISACA.Merit offers more than forty nationally recognized cybersecurity certifications, such as Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI), all meeting the education experience based upon the NICE framework. Executive-Level Workshops and Incident Response Exercises are also available. Training is available live online, in person and private on-site.

Contact Merit Professional Development to schedule custom cybersecurity training for yourself or your organization.