Schools and industry failing next generation of cybersecurity professionals
The survey, Securing Our Future: Closing the Cyber Talent Gap, showed that 46% of UK respondents aged 18 to 26 are not aware of the typical responsibilities of the cyber profession, compared to 43% globally. Only 24% of respondents said at least one school teacher suggested they consider a career in cybersecurity.
The survey also revealed a gender gap, with young men more likely than women to have been approached by a teacher about a career in cyber. More than twice as many men (41%) than women (19%) have taken part in cyber programmes, including competitions, internships, scholarships, job fairs or cyber clubs.
“It’s time to start lifting the lid as to what cyber really means and what the profession can offer,” said Paul Crichard, Raytheon’s head of cyber research. “It’s not just about hackers. There are exciting roles that suit different personalities. A creative person could very well be suited to cyber behavioural science, while someone who likes to analyse and connect the dots may enjoy a role in a security operations centre.
Forty-three percent of respondents said more information about different roles would increase their interest in a cyber career path, while 35 percent said they wanted more relevant classes or training to assess their suitability.
Equally, only 26% of UK respondents felt their education offered them the appropriate skills, compared to 31% globally, 20% in France, 32% in the US and 51% in the Middle East.
“These are significant percentages that suggest we still aren’t doing enough to attract people into the field,” said Crichard. “It’s vital we engage more actively with schools and students, and do so at an earlier age, or risk facing a critical skills gap.”
Raytheon UK actively engages with the Cyber Security Challenge and has hosted the UK national school finals and mentoring finalist for the European challenge. The company is a platinum and lead youth sponsor for the Cyber Security Challenge, hosting the youth finals and mentoring and sponsoring the European Junior team for #eucsc15. Raytheon UK also works closely with universities, offering bursaries at Lancaster University and assisting with creating modules at the University of Gloucestershire.
The survey was fielded by Zogby Analytics and polled nearly 4,000 adults in 12 countries worldwide.
