Cybersecurity is becoming a critical priority for businesses. Companies need strong IT teams to keep them safe and secure. But finding top talent is no easy feat.

According to a study published earlier this year (based on an eight-nation survey, complete with 775 interviews of information technology decision makers), a lack of global cybersecurity talent is hurting businesses. Numerous organizations around the world are struggling to find cybersecurity talent, and a staggering 71 percent of the study’s respondents said that the undeniable skills gap is also creating “direct and measurable damage” to their organizations. 

According to the report, one-in-three respondents say a shortage of skills makes their business more desirable hacking targets. One in four say an inadequate cybersecurity staff has weakened their organization’s reputation and led directly to the loss of proprietary data.  

Attracting top IT security talent requires fresh approach.

Insufficient staff, overworked crews, and outdated cybersecurity plans are putting businesses at increased risk. One way businesses can get the upper hand when it comes to thwarting cybersecurity woes is by developing, attracting and retaining top IT talent. But with top IT security talent in such high demand, a fresh approach is desperately needed.

According to the education experts at goodcall.com, many small- and medium-sized companies do not provide on-the-job training — expecting employees to jump right into their new roles and flourish. Compounding the problem is the failure of traditional schools to teach the skill sets that companies now require in an effective IT workforce.

There’s growing agreement among business communities that this is one problem that has to change. In response, some forward-looking companies are partnering with schools to close the gap between what’s needed in the business world and what’s taught in the classroom and generate an early interest in IT careers. By doing so, companies can cultivate the engineers of the future.

Business bridges gap between commercial IT needs and school-taught IT skills.

neteffect technologies is an example of a business that’s helping to build relationships between commercial and educational environments to nurture the next generation of skilled IT security professionals. This is commonly done outside the United States, but neteffect is pioneering these efforts stateside with an innovative partnership with a local high school.

The goal? To jumpstart and assist with job shadowing placements, workshops, clubs and mentoring programs. Training future generations of high-level engineers is good business and good mentoring for kids.

Talent is tough to find, and nurturing it is vital not only to the future of cybersecurity, but also to the success of business and the people who drive it. Combatting cyber thieves and keeping data safe requires visionaries, excellent training, skilled adults who can mentor, and finally, stellar internships and job shadowing opportunities.

To learn more about neteffect technologies and our revolutionary approach to nurturing the IT leaders that will take steps to create a more secure world, please visit http://ne-t.com.