In this fast-paced, digital age, it's essential for cybersecurity teams to continually learn and adapt to new potential threats and attacks. 

A 2024 report from Kaspersky revealed that cybersecurity training costs organizations an average of $100,000 annually. As expected, investing in cybersecurity upskilling is a costly endeavor, but one that is undoubtedly beneficial in an increasingly cyber risk-heavy world of work.

To help mitigate this problem, Kaspersky insists that cybersecurity graduates and newcomers develop a mix of skills and knowledge to keep up with the rapidly evolving industry. Unfortunately, many cybersecurity professionals believe this isn't enough to properly face the escalating threat landscape. More than 40% of those surveyed stated that conventional training courses were inadequate.

Kaspersky's findings are in line with insights from our previous post, in which we highlighted new research from ISACA. In the post, we discussed how many cybersecurity teams are under strain, with 61% of European cybersecurity professionals saying their organization's cybersecurity team is understaffed. Meanwhile, 52% believe that their organization's cybersecurity budget is underfunded. Chris Dimitriadis, Chief Global Strategy Officer at ISACA, stated that "strong, skilled teams" are needed to boost security resilience in an increasingly complex threat landscape.

How employers and organizations can support cybersecurity upskilling

One way organizations can ensure cybersecurity teams are well-equipped to handle the latest risks and threats is to supplement their educational background with practical training. This can take the form of internships that blend theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, as well as continued integrations of the latest technologies and tools to ensure cybersecurity teams have experience handling and using them. Similarly, younger cybersecurity talent can benefit from the support provided by senior management and team members via feedback systems and mentorship programs.

Employers and organizations can also partner with established cybersecurity entities to provide cybersecurity talent with training and upskilling opportunities. For example, Kaspersky recently created the Kaspersky Expert Training series and the Kaspersky Academy Alliance partnership program to boost skill development and advanced education among cybersecurity employees looking to create rewarding and impactful careers in the industry.

Supplementing official training with other cybersecurity resources

Beyond conventional means like internships and mentorships, it can also help to supplement cybersecurity training and upskilling with other accessible resources. For example, employers can make educational resources like ebooks available to help employees learn at their own pace. Ebooks are a great resource as they aren't time- or duration-based, and employees and team members can access them during and outside work hours.

Nowadays, ebooks are easily accessible thanks to the Internet. Subscription platform Everand's technology and engineering ebooks cover a wide range of tech-related topics from industry experts and enthusiasts. The platform's collection of cybersecurity titles, for example, includes basic reading materials like Joseph Steinberg's Cybersecurity For Dummies to Julie Mehan's Cyberwar, Cyberterror, Cybercrime & Cyberactivism, which encourages cybersecurity professionals to approach the study more holistically and work towards creating a culture of cybersecurity awareness. Using platforms like Everand, users can also access these ebooks offline and from multiple devices, making the learning process easier and more convenient.

For a more hands-on approach to cybersecurity upskilling, cybersecurity professionals can also check out bootcamps. Based on findings from Coherent Market Insights, bootcamps have become increasingly popular in recent years as they offer flexibility while still being cost-effective. For example, the global coding bootcamp market is expected to reach $1.39 billion by 2031 as more IT professionals look to enter or shift into the industry without relying on traditional degree programs. As such, while relevant educational background is important for cybersecurity teams, the rise of bootcamps and other educational resources ensures a diverse landscape for cybersecurity talent in the industry.

Ultimately, investing in cybersecurity upskilling opportunities isn't just beneficial for your employees or workforce. Closing the cybersecurity skills and talent gap ensures organizations and businesses are constantly well-equipped against rising cyber threats, risks, and attacks. Aside from internship programs and mentorship initiatives, providing access to educational resources like ebooks, courses, and bootcamps can also supplement their upskilling journey while helping develop holistic and soft skills necessary for a successful cybersecurity career.

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