Top 10 Insights 2024
Cyber Security
There continues to be a cyber skills gap at all levels. All workers need to be cyber aware, and entry level cyber roles made more accessible.
Most skill shortages are concentrated at the mid to high-level skill levels of the cyber workforce, but even entry-level roles are challenging due to the high demand for practical experience and unclear pathways. The transition from entry-level to mid-level skills varies by industry, focusing more on in-demand skills rather than qualifications.
This challenge is intensified as roles and skill requirements shift constantly to keep up with evolving technology in a highly fragmented cyber landscape.
A promising opportunity to unlock new cyber talent pipelines is drawing on the valuable, complementary skills that individuals like Ben Riles (below) may bring from their experience in other industries.
Stakeholders have shared that transferable skills, like problem-solving, critical thinking, and attention to detail, can be just as important as technical expertise, particularly as not all cyber roles require specialist technical skills.
Transforming insights into Action
FSO is examining how the current cyber skills gaps can be addressed through the release of training products which address the most urgent needs i.e. generalist cyber training for all workers and cyber specialist training to strengthen the expertise needed. This will also include formalising cyber specialist skills learning pathways.
Ben Riles traded his chef whites for white hat hacking after 15 years in top Australian restaurants. “I lost $1000 to a scammer, sparking my interest in online security,” says Ben.
After researching courses, he joined the Cyber Academy, a collaboration between Deloitte, TAFE NSW, University of Wollongong and Swinburne University of Technology.
His studies included industry-based learning with Coles Group, who later hired him as a Security Analyst.
“Most people already have transferable skills suited to a cyber role, the challenge is recognising and using them,” says Ben. “Tech doesn’t have to be techie. My analytical and interpersonal skills eased my late-career change.”
From dishes to defences: transferable skills secure Ben’s new career
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How ‘earn-while-you-learn’ digital apprenticeships may offer a promising solution to address the cyber security skill gap. (FSO LinkedIn Newsletter)
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How COSBOA is helping to build a cyber-smart small business workforce.
“Transferable abilities like problem-solving, critical thinking, and attention to detail can be just as important as technical prowess and recognising these abilities can also support a greater diversity in the applicants being considered.”
Andrew Shea, Managing Partner at cybersecurity firm Tesserent and Chair, FSO Cyber Security Taskforce.
In Demand Skills - Specialist
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Cloud Security
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AI and Machine Learning
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Threat Intelligence and Response
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Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC)
In Demand Skills - Generalist
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Communication
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Problem Solving
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Critical Thinking
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Adaptability
