This week on the MilCyberSync Podcast, hosts Navy Cryptologist Nick Thomas and News Anchor Layla Gulenis bring you the most up-to-date news on bolstering cybersecurity's workforce on the federal level and how bigger companies mean bigger cyber security problems. Listen to the MilCyberSync Podcast episode 15 here.
The White House Seeks to Strengthen Cyber Defenses [01:06]
Cyber agendas are at the top of the White House's priority list these days. The Biden administration has requested to strengthen cyber defenses amid the Ukraine crisis. Additionally, an overall heightened threat environment underscores the growing concern over the impact a cyber incident would have on US networks and critical infrastructure. The Biden administration would like to see more information sharing before, during, and after attacks.
Program Initiative to Help Cyber Professionals Develop and Strengthen Skills [04:05]
The US House of Representatives has passed the new cybersecurity bill named the Industrial Control Systems Cybersecurity Training Act. The goal of the legislation is to help strengthen the US's cybersecurity protections in light of increased Russian cyber threats. This would amend the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize the Certified Information Systems Auditor(CISA) to establish a cybersecurity training initiative focusing on industrial control systems.
CISA Urged to Prioritize Workforce Development for Cybersecurity Professionals [05:00]
The estimated shortage of cybersecurity professionals in the US has doubled from 300,000 to 600,000 in recent years, with 39,000 of those vacancies plaguing the public sector. Nearly 13,000 tech workers lost their jobs in June alone compared to about 2500 this time last year. Like everything else, cybersecurity has proven not to be immune to the current economic climate.
The Reality of Cyber Professional Burn Out [07:10]
Leaders say a mass resignation is anticipated due to high levels of stress and lack of preparation and training to handle current workloads. Many professionals do not possess the right skills and qualifications required to keep their systems safe from security threats. This is compounded by security operation centers now requiring over 40 different tools to ensure cloud and other system security around-the-clock supervision and expert configuration. The prevalence of remote and hybrid workers adds another dimension to the cybersecurity skills crisis. Experts say 28% of cyber leaders report that they do not believe they have the right skills to secure a remote working environment.
The National Guard Fills Tech Resources Gap [10:17]
Devices like personal mobile phones and iPads may soon be used by National Guardsmen for official functions during domestic deployments in an effort to help fill the resources gap and reduce mobilization time. National Guard CIO Kenneth McNeil says an initiative called Bring Your Own Approved Device would allow guardsmen to use personal mobile equipment to perform the same functions in the field they would otherwise carry out at a desktop in their offices. The initiative is part of a collaboration with the Department of the Army and the Pentagon cybersecurity office.
For even more news on cybersecurity, browse our previous episodes of the MilCyberSync Podcast.
The Military Cyber Professionals Association (MCPA) is comprised a community of active duty military members, Veterans, and others working in the cyber fields for the Department of Defense. Also included in its ranks are other government employees, contractors, academics, industry leaders, foreign allies, and private citizens. They are a 501 (c)(3) educational non-profit organization with chapters located strategically throughout the nation.
Axellio is proud to sponsor the MilCyberSync podcast and the Military Cyber Professionals Association. We believe this podcast provides valuable content for cyber analysts and professionals interested in the cyber security landscape, and we wanted to give you a summary of the latest episode.
