With cyber threats looming large, the need for skilled cybersecurity professionals has never been more critical. With pressure mounting, security leaders believe responsibility for resilience must expand to the entire organization – and resilience must be provable, a reality highlighted in The Forrester Wave™: Cybersecurity Skills and Training Programs, Q4 2023.
In a recent webinar, James Hadley, Immersive Labs CEO, Lee Vorthman, VP, Chief Security Officer, Oracle Advertising, and Jess Burn, Forrester Principal Analyst, Security & Risk, discussed the importance of transitioning from costly, point-in-time certifications to continuous learning platforms that empower cybersecurity professionals to stay abreast of the latest attack techniques and enhance their skills effectively.
Below, find their actionable insights on fortifying cybersecurity teams, tracking improvements, and making data-backed decisions to navigate the ever-evolving threat landscape.
Implement continuous learning
As technology advances at a rapid pace, traditional training methods have struggled to keep up. This has resulted in a significant skills gap within the cybersecurity workforce. To address this challenge, training needs to shift from static, point-in-time certifications to continuous and on-demand learning experiences. By embracing a dynamic approach to training, professionals can acquire new skills as needed, ensuring they remain at the forefront of evolving threats.
Embrace virtual drills and asynchronous learning
With the rise of remote work and dispersed teams, traditional tabletop exercises may no longer suffice in preparing organizations for cybersecurity incidents. Virtual drills and asynchronous learning offer practical solutions, allowing teams to run simulations and scenarios remotely. By involving executive stakeholders and conducting drills asynchronously, organizations can enhance preparedness for diverse cyber threats.
Adopt a holistic approach to cybersecurity
Cybersecurity is no longer the sole responsibility of IT or security departments. It has become a cross-functional endeavor that spans the entire enterprise. Organizations must adopt a holistic approach to cybersecurity, integrating it into every stage of the business process. This includes providing training and support for employees at all levels of the organization, from entry-level staff to executive leadership.
Identify cross-training opportunities
Modern cybersecurity platforms offer opportunities for cross-training across different functions within an organization. By enabling employees to acquire a broader range of skills, organizations can enhance collaboration and resilience in the face of cyber threats. For example, security champions from various teams can undergo specialized training to better support their colleagues and reinforce security best practices.
Redefine ownership of risk
The role of the Chief Security Officer (CSO) extends beyond simply managing risk within the organization. CSOs should collaborate with external stakeholders and business units to foster a shared responsibility for cybersecurity. This includes providing targeted training and exercises to empower individuals across the organization to understand their role in protecting critical systems and mitigating cybersecurity risks.
Close the gap in responsibility
One of the challenges organizations face is bridging the gap between those responsible for building critical business processes and those tasked with securing them. Providing targeted training, such as input validation techniques for engineering teams, can help close this gap and ensure that all stakeholders understand their responsibility in maintaining secure systems.
Navigating the cyber skills revolution requires a proactive and adaptive approach to training and development. By embracing continuous learning, virtual drills, and a holistic approach to cybersecurity, professionals can equip themselves with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in an ever-changing threat landscape. As organizations continue to evolve, investing in cybersecurity training and education will be crucial to staying ahead of emerging threats and protecting critical assets.
To learn more tips and takeaways from the experts, watch the webinar recording now.
