Cyber In-Security: Strengthening the Federal Cybersecurity Workforce
President Obama has declared cybersecurity to be “one of the most serious economic and national security challenges we face as a nation.”
Critical government and private-sector computer networks are under constant attack from foreign nations, criminal groups, hackers, virus writers and terrorist organizations. The president’s success in combating these threats and the safety of the nation will depend on implementing a comprehensive and coordinated strategy—a goal that must include building a vibrant, highly trained and dedicated cybersecurity workforce in this country.
Our analysis revealed four primary challenges that threaten the quality and quantity of our federal cybersecurity workforce. The pipeline of potential new talent is inadequate. Fragmented governance and uncoordinated leadership hinders the ability to meet federal cybersecurity workforce needs. Complicated processes and rules hamper recruiting and retention efforts. There is a disconnect between front-line hiring managers and government’s HR specialists.
