EDITOR’S QUESTION
HOW CAN BUSINESS
LEADERS CLOSE THE
CYBERSKILLS GAP
WHILE COVID-19 DRIVES
WORKFORCE CUTS?
It might be considered an understatement
that this year has been a difficult one
for most, if not all businesses, with
economies facing the negative effects of
the adverse nature of COVID-19. Theresa
Lanowitz, Director of Cybersecurity
Communications at AT&T Cybersecurity,
discusses how business leaders can still find
cyber talent amid the global situation to
ensure security is not forgotten.
“This year has been challenging for many
businesses due to the disruption caused
by COVID-19,” said Lanowitz. “Employers
have had to make cuts or place workers
on furlough and many companies across
various industry sectors are suffering from
staff shortages. From a cybersecurity
perspective, security professionals have
been doing their utmost to ensure
protection of businesses while trying to
weather this storm. However, given the
financial restraints, businesses of all sizes
are seeking to optimise investments and
the workforce is an area where difficult
decisions are being made.”
Lanowitz said that cybersecurity
professionals are faring better than most
as the need for cybersecurity professionals
continues to trend up. “Uncertainty has
always been a constant factor for business
operations but mix in a pandemic and
a recession, and you’re dealing with
an entirely different set of unknowns
and business risks,” said Lanowitz. “As
leadership considers the changing business
environment to return and recovery,
they should also think about how teams
can utilise internal talent throughout
various departments, specifically filling
in cybersecurity roles at a time when IT
security defences are needed most.
“With fear and uncertainty driving
businesses to reduce the size of the
workforce, the expectation for other
employees to help pick up the slack is
now a reality.
“Infosecurity practices, policies and
professionals are a must for the future of
any business, regardless of size, especially
during a time when business operations have
gone virtual on a worldwide scale. Despite
its importance, the massive skills gap in
cybersecurity continues. It is widely reported
and acknowledged that there is a global
need for security professionals, with the
International Information System Security
Certification Consortium (ISC2) recently
estimating that there are 4.07 million global
security positions open and unfilled.
“Instead of rushing to hire and onboard
new talent during an unpredictable
economy, organisations should first look at
their internal talent and determine what
“
WITH FEAR AND
UNCERTAINTY
DRIVING
BUSINESSES
TO REDUCE THE
SIZE OF THE
WORKFORCE, THE
EXPECTATION
FOR OTHER
EMPLOYEES TO
HELP PICK UP THE
SLACK IS NOW A
REALITY.
skills can be repurposed to assist with the
need for stronger cybersecurity.”
Lanowitz said that during such
unprecedented times, companies need to
be creative, such as repurposing pre-existing
roles, or seeking the benefits of an MSSP.
34 INTELLIGENTCIO www.intelligentcio.com