Cybersecurity expertise gap ‘global risk’: report

To overcome a shortage of cybersecurity experts, Canadian companies should hire people with broad knowledge bases rather than specific technical skill-sets, according to a report by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Ltd., published this month. “The rapid march of technology and its associated cyber risks seems to be outpacing the ability of organizations to adapt,” said the report, a joint effort with Toronto Financial Services Alliance. “Despite significant investments in cybersecurity over the past decade, organizations in every industry are facing a growing cyber risk gap.” Deloitte notes that the demand for cybersecurity talent in the country is increasing by seven per cent annually, which will require organizations to fill 8,000 roles in that field between 2016 and 2021. The report pegs the number of cybersecurity professionals across all industries in 2016 at 20,000. By 2021, it anticipates that number jumping to 28,000. But it notes that while business, government and academia have taken steps to address the gap, “existing efforts and traditional approaches” may not be enough. Government efforts include a $507-million national cybersecurity strategy announced in the latest federal budget and Ontario committing $64 million over three years in its own recent budget to enhance existing cyber practices and attracting cybersecurity expertise. It notes one of the drivers of cyber risk has been increased consumer and regulatory pressures for security and privacy, which comes in light of Facebook Inc.’s data woes. The report recommends “humanizing” cybersecurity by incorporating a framework that encourages employers to hire and educate based on a list of broad “personas” -- such as “strategist,” “advisor,” “defender,” “hacker,” and “scientist” -- rather than focus on narrow technical skills. These personas would have “sustainable capabilities that are portable across different occupations and roles.” The framework would also make the profession more accessible and easier to understand for those not versed in cybersecurity. “The cyber talent gap is a global risk; but if courageous enough and with coordination between governments, educational institutions, and businesses, Canada can rise and be seen as a leader by making bold moves and changing the face of this challenge,” the report said. The report, citing analysts, said the risk could slow technological innovation to the tune of $3-trillion US in lost economic value in 2020. The report is based on interviews and discussions with more than 40 Canadian cybersecurity leaders, educators, and administrators, and a survey of more than 110 Canadian executives from industries including financial services. In a brief phone interview, Deloitte’s partner in risk management consulting Steve Rampado said there is no margin of error for the report.

Cybersecurity expertise gap ‘global risk’: report

Brief | July 11, 2018

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Cybersecurity expertise gap ‘global risk’: report

Brief | July 11, 2018

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