Bridging the cybersecurity talent gap
Photo: Getty images
The Leidos CyberEDGE Academy, an eight-month cybersecurity training program, will certify a new graduating class this month amid a worldwide shortage of cyber talent.
Why you should know: This shortage is known as the cybersecurity talent gap, which has resulted in roughly 700,000 open jobs in the U.S. and 3.5 million open jobs worldwide.
The impact of this talent gap continues to widen as cyber-crime soars, threatening everything from data security to connected cars, medical devices and industrial control systems.
Some experts predict financial damages from cyber-attacks may reach $7 trillion worldwide this year.
Leidos impact: The CyberEDGE Academy has helped Leidos fill cyber positions and mitigate the impacts of the talent gap since the program launched in 2020, says Lynsey Caldwell, Leidos Cybersecurity Workforce Program Director.
Caldwell said the company is taking many other steps to address the talent gap, including:
- Partnering with The National Initiative for Cybersecurity Education to improve cyber recruitment, development and retention.
- Supporting cyber programs at the Alabama School of Cyber Technology and Engineering, George Mason University, the University of West Florida and others.
- Participating in Aspen Institute programs to build a more diverse cyber talent pool.
Leidos expert Josh Strunk said the company has also invested in upskilling to help employees prepare for new cybersecurity careers or take on more advanced positions.
“Cybersecurity is for those who earnestly want to solve problems and figure things out,” Strunk said. “We’re constantly looking for opportunities to help reskill those who may be interested in the field but have never had an opportunity to try it out.
“If being an investigator brings you joy, cybersecurity has it,” he added. “If number-crunching and statistical analysis are your passion, cybersecurity has it. If understanding the psychological and behavioral actions of the human mind fascinates you, a cybersecurity career has it and is here for you.”
To find a cybersecurity career at Leidos, please search our open positions.
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