How cybersecurity skills can close the gap in youth unemployment

By Maeson Maherry, co-founder and CEO of LAWtrust

Closing the cybersecurity gap

Corporates should train their employees to be aware of cybersecurity threats that may occur in their environment. This is one effective measure to close the gap of not having cybersecurity personnel and presents great opportunities to upskill the youth to meet the rising demand of employment.

Co-founder and CEO of LAWtrust, Maeson Maherry, says that there is a worrying shortage of skilled cybersecurity experts in the digital economy, especially in the current remote working conditions elicited by the global Covid-19 pandemic. This shows the importance of teaching the youth about cybersecurity so they can acquire the skills and expertise to prevent cybersecurity breaches and cope with the fast-paced and technology-driven industry.

Seeking more cybersecurity enthusiasts

According to the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC) 2 report in 2019, there is an international deficit of approximately four million skilled workers to fill cybersecurity jobs. This raises a sharp concern for the cyber-tech field that faces a steep increase in cybercrime. 

“The situation is worsened by the corporate that seeks to employ experienced cybersecurity professionals but fail to provide entry skills development opportunities”, adds Maherry. Companies should start collaborating with tertiary institutions to develop the talent pool and ensure that the theory and practical teaching is best suited for the current needs in the cybersecurity field.

“Training more youngsters to join the cyber-tech labour force will advance companies’ security walls and attract more foreign investments in corporations that protect their information and benefit our economy in turn,” adds Maherry.

Getting more youths into the field 

Training the youth in cybersecurity will benefit our economy by curtailing unemployment, while upskilling current employees will protect large corporations from losses caused by cybercrimes. The protection of a business’ intellectual property will bring about innovation and growth that leads to more productivity and an added monetary contribution to the country’s economy.

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