Rethinking Cybersecurity Recruitment To Tackle Global Digital Threats

The call is out for reforming cybersecurity hiring practices in the U.S., but what will it take to counter the digital threats posed by foreign adversaries?

At a Glance

Outgoing White House cyber czar Harry Coker advocates for reform in cybersecurity hiring.
Proposing increased funding and deregulation to prioritize skill-based recruitment.
Nearly 500,000 open cybersecurity positions are unfilled in the United States.
Recent major cyberattack by China highlights urgency.

Urgent Reforms Proposed

Harry Coker, serving as the outgoing cyber czar at the White House, has called attention to the pressing need for reform in cybersecurity hiring practices to better equip the United States against cyber threats from nations like Iran, China, and Russia. Coker emphasizes the necessity of increased funding, deregulation, and hiring skilled workers without traditional degrees to fortify the U.S. cybersecurity workforce.

According to Coker, current hiring practices limit the recruitment pool, and by removing the college degree requirement, the country can expand its cyber talent. He points to bipartisan efforts underway to streamline regulatory processes, acknowledging current budget constraints while urging the prioritization of cybersecurity in federal allocations.

The White House cyber czar is touring schools across the country, working to grow a new generation of cybersecurity workers. From hands-on SOC training to skills-based hiring, Harry Coker is paving the way for the future of America's cyber workforce. #CyberSecurity…

— McCrary Institute (@McCraryCyber) August 20, 2024

A Prodigious Recruitment Challenge

With nearly 500,000 open positions in the field, Coker highlights a significant recruitment challenge within the U.S. cyber industry. The emphasis is on filling these vacancies by focusing on necessary skills that can be acquired in two years or less. This approach aims to meet the growing demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals to counter digital threats effectively.

Coker points out the current diversion of cybersecurity professionals’ efforts toward regulatory compliance rather than direct security operations. Reducing “duplicative federal regulation” could enhance protection capabilities, allowing talent to focus more on shielding the country from cyber intrusions.

Want to know why you can't find great talent?

You're using the wrong qualifying factors.
It's not about the degree, but about skill-based hiring.

White House National Cyber Director Harry Coker Jr and the new initiative Service America, will be looking at skill-based criteria… pic.twitter.com/LwEoQYBNnT

— TopClearedRecruiting | Chris @REal0day (@TopClearedRec) September 24, 2024

Response to Recent Cyberattacks

The call for reform comes amidst recent cyberattacks attributed to China, such as the Salt Typhoon, which compromised U.S. telecommunications and the private communications of American citizens, including government officials. These events underscore the critical nature of fortifying cybersecurity defenses against sophisticated digital threats.

Coker underscores the importance of bipartisan legislative efforts to reduce regulatory burdens and involve all stakeholders in creating an agile and capable cybersecurity workforce. This collaborative approach will be vital in protecting national security amidst escalating cyber threats.