Cisco launches cyber security scheme to close skills gap

IT firm Cisco has cut the ribbon on its $10m scheme to develop the future of cyber security through training, certification and mentorship in a bid to close the gap in digital skills.

The Global Cybersecurity Scholarship initiative will train the next generation of cyber talent over a two-year period, aiming to provide the necessary competency required to ensure cyber security.

The investment and scheme are in direct response to a study that predicted a lack of cyber staff (two million) by the year 2019, which will leave businesses, industries and even countries, vulnerable to cyber attacks.

The scheme will provide training in alignment with Security Operations Centre Analyst industry jobs, to offer students the skills necessary to defend against cybercrime.

Essentially, Cisco is making a bid to train students for frontline Security Operations Centre work.

Cisco Services general manager and vice president Jeanne Beliveau-Dunn said:

“We developed this scholarship programme to help jump-start the development of new talent. This includes the opportunity to diversify the IT security industry by reaching people around the world, including veterans, women and those early in their careers, to inspire them to enter the cyber security profession.”

The UK government also recognises the importance of web security and is taking steps to develop tomorrow’s cyber talent, but what about cyber attacks that are happening in the present? Businesses should be looking at their IT security recruitment strategy and making any amendments necessary to ensure that they are taking advantage of the current crop of cyber talent if they wish their company data to remain secure.