There is a growing awareness of cyber careers and cyberthreats among young adults, who recognize the part cybersecurity plays in the political theater, according to Raytheon and the National Cyber Security Alliance’s fourth annual study. However, a gender gap continues to hamper the cyber workforce.
“Securing Our Future: Closing the Cybersecurity Talent Gap” — released as part of the 13th annual National Cyber Security Awareness Month, sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security and NCSA — surveyed 3,800 young adults aged 18-26 across four global regions (U.S., Europe, Middle East and Asia-Pacific).
Collected by Zogby Analytics from Aug. 11 to Aug. 26, the responses indicate young adults globally are more likely to consider a cyber career (37 percent in 2016 compared to 28 percent in 2015), as long as the atmosphere emphasizes problem-solving, analysis and communication.
Specifically in the U.S., acknowledgment of cyberattacks has increased (nearly doubled from 36 percent in 2015 to 64 percent in 2016) and there is a general feeling positions on and discussions of cybersecurity have not played enough of a part in the presidential election.
But even as overall awareness grows, less women than men are offered formal cyber safety lessons or are made aware of job options and specifications. The challenge remains to have parents and teachers engage young adults in cyber competitions and seminars that promote the possibilities in managing critical data infrastructure.
“When it comes to guidance for pursuing cybersecurity careers, young adults say parents are the most influential figure in shaping their career choices, but most millennials don’t believe their parents are prepared to help them pursue a career in cybersecurity,” said Michael Kaiser, NCSA executive director. “As parents, leaders and educators, we need to better communicate the opportunities in the cybersecurity field and help guide students to them.”
A complete report on the cybersecurity talent gap, as well as the survey infographic, can be viewed on Raytheon’s website.
