Addressing the cyber security skills shortage in the public sector

The public sector is facing a cyber security skills shortage. Overworked security teams are unable to recruit skilled professionals, with a third (36%) admitting to an advanced skills gap. The skill deficit is due to several factors, including the lack of trained personnel available in general. In this blog post, we’ll explore the root causes of the skills shortage and discuss some possible solutions.

While efforts are being made to bolster cyber security across the public sector, many officials still report worries about the lack of skilled workers available. The Government Cyber Security Strategy admits that the “government struggles to compete with the private sector to attract and retain the required cadre of diverse and skilled cyber security professionals, despite its positive efforts to date.”

To bridge this skills gap, efforts need to be made by investing in developing existing employees’ existing knowledge, or important recruiting from outside cyber security experts or encouraging younger generations to pursue this field through attractive entry level opportunities.

The consequences of this skills shortage include an increased risk of cyber attacks, and a loss of confidence in the public sector’s ability to protect data

The public sector faces an immense challenge when it comes to the current cyber security skills shortage. Without enough personnel, who possess the relevant knowledge and expertise, there is a heightened risk of cyber-attacks taking place and of confidential data not being sufficiently protected. This can have damaging consequences, with a reduced level of consumer confidence in the public sector’s capacity for providing safe and secure services. Such attacks can be costly, both financially and reputation-wise, as well as affecting citizens’ trust in their government’s capacity to protect their privacy and information.

The government is working to address the skills shortage by investing in training and education, and by working with private sector partners

Governments around the world are aware of the shortage of skills in cyber security and are responding by increasing investment in training and education programs. The Australian government is no exception, with plans in place to tackle the skills gap on multiple fronts. Not only are they investing in programs that will equip citizens with the necessary technical know-how to realize their full potential, but they’re also working closely with private sector partners to make sure that firms have access to the right people at just the right time. This collaboration between public and private sectors could be key in addressing the imminent cyber security threat faced by nations today.

The public sector is facing a skills shortage in cyber security, which has consequences for businesses and individuals. The government is working to address the skills shortage, but businesses also need to take steps to protect themselves from cyber-attacks. Cyber security training for employees is one important step that businesses can take.