Tackling The Cybersecurity Skills Gap: The Role of Reskilling Platforms

As cyberthreats continue to escalate, the need for cybersecurity talent grows across the globe.
According to Cybersecurity Ventures, there are 3.5 million open cyber jobs worldwide. This gap has resulted in a deficit of qualified professionals to protect critical systems and data at enterprises of all sizes. As technology continues to advance and cyber threats become more sophisticated, the demand for cybersecurity experts will only continue to skyrocket.

Several things are contributing to this skills gap. First, the rapidly evolving nature of cyber threats and advancing technology means that traditional educational institutions are struggling to keep up to date. Their curriculums are often out of date and don’t address the latest threats and tools available. 

Second, a lack of diversity in the industry has severely limited the pool of potential candidates in cyber, further narrowing the talent pipeline. ​​Women account for just 24% of the cybersecurity workforce, according to an (ISC)² Cybersecurity Workforce Report. Just 9% of the cybersecurity workforce is Black; 8% is Asian; and 4% are Hispanic, according to a the 2021 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Cybersecurity report from policy program Aspen Digital.

Last, there is a misconception that launching a career in cybersecurity requires extensive education and specialized technical skills which can discourage candidates from a non-technical background from pursuing a career in the sector.

In the face of this, reskilling platforms have emerged as a promising solution to train a new generation of cybersecurity workers, empower individuals from diverse backgrounds to embark on a new career, and open up new avenues to career advancement for candidates already working in IT.
 

Addressing The Cybersecurity Talent Shortage

Reskilling platforms offer an innovative approach to address the cybersecurity talent shortage by enabling individuals from diverse backgrounds and different skill levels to acquire the necessary knowledge to enter the field. These programs provide flexible, online, and self-paced training programs that cater to learners of all types. By focusing on reskilling, they empower individuals to transition from their current careers into the cybersecurity field, or upskill into a new position within the industry.

One of the key advantages of reskilling platforms is their ability to tap into the vast talent pool of professionals from unrelated fields. Whether it be IT, finance, marketing, or any other industry, individuals can leverage their existing expertise while acquiring new cybersecurity skills. This not only addresses the shortage of cybersecurity professionals, but also enhances the diversity of thought and perspectives in the industry.

Features and Benefits of ThriveDX’s Reskilling Programs

ThriveDX is the leading digital skills and cybersecurity training provider, with programs designed to equip learners with the knowledge and practical skills they need to succeed in various cybersecurity roles. 

ThriveDX’s reskilling programs stand out because of the below key benefits:

A diverse course catalog – ThriveDX offers a wide range of cybersecurity courses catering to candidates of all skill levels and interests. From beginner-friendly courses on penetration testing to more advanced topics including cloud security and app-sec training, learners can choose a path that aligns with their individual career goals.

Hands-on learning and real-world simulations – One of the standout features of ThriveDX’s platform is its emphasis on hands-on learning. Through virtual labs and real-world simulations, learners can apply their knowledge in practical scenarios, gaining valuable experience that they can use immediately in their careers.

Industry-recognized standards and certifications – ThriveDX courses adhere to globally recognized cybersecurity education frameworks such as the National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education (NICE) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). After completing the training, learners are awarded a Certificate of Completion, jointly approved by ThriveDX and the organization administering the Academy. Our course’s credibility is underscored by its approval from CertNexus CFR and alignment with the industry-recognized CompTIA’s Security+ certification. This alignment boosts employment opportunities for graduates and validates their expertise.

Mentorship and support – ThriveDX provides personalized mentorship and support throughout a candidate’s learning journey. Participants have access to experienced cybersecurity professionals who can guide them, answer questions, and offer career advice.

Job matching – ThriveDX assists learners in finding job opportunities with data-driven post-training job matching. The benefits of ThriveDX’s reskilling platform extends not only to individual learners, but also to organizations seeking to fill vacant cybersecurity roles. These programs equip individuals with the practical skills needed to hit the ground running in their new careers, reducing the onboarding time and cost for employers.

Transforming The Cybersecurity Market Landscape

As the cybersecurity market landscape continues to evolve, the role of reskilling platforms is likely to become even more critical in addressing the skills gap. Businesses now require cybersecurity experts at an annually increasing rate of 26.2%, as indicated in the (ISC)² Cybersecurity Workforce Study, 2022. The prescription is reskilling and upskilling the current workforce in cybersecurity best practices while bridging the diversity gap by making cybersecurity careers more accessible to everyone. 

Reskilling platforms will need to continue to adapt their offerings to keep pace with emerging threats and technologies while providing continuous opportunities for learning and upskilling to ensure that cybersecurity professionals remain effective in their roles. Reskilling platforms can complement traditional education by offering targeted, specialized training that may not be covered in standard cybersecurity degree programs. 

Collaborations between reskilling platforms and academic institutions, such as those ThriveDX holds with more than twenty United States universities, can provide learners with a more comprehensive education. In addition, building stronger partnerships between cybersecurity reskilling providers and employers will become increasingly important. Employers will likely recognize the value of candidates who have completed reputable reskilling programs and hold relevant certifications. 

ThriveDX is dedicated to doing just that – providing an end-to-end cybersecurity learning journey for candidates of all skill levels while empowering organizations to reskill and upskill their current employees and also attract diverse external talent.