As cybercriminal attacks continue to grow exponentially, organizations face major challenges finding and hiring experienced talent to counter these threats. With RSA almost here, Victoria MacKechnie, VP of enterprise technology at IDA Ireland, shares with VMblog some novel ideas for addressing this severe talent gap.
VMblog: What are some top priorities for security leaders at RSA to consider this year?
Victoria MacKechnie: The challenges for the industry are unavoidable when it comes to supply and demand. Global cybercrime damage is predicted to hit $10.5 trillion annually by 2025. According to a study by ISC, the good news is that 700,000 new cybersecurity workers have been added since 2020 worldwide. Unfortunately, demand for these workers continues to outpace the talent supply in North America, Europe and Latin America, with the global workforce needing to expand by 65% to hire the professionals required. And cyber attacks are becoming more sophisticated, so investment in innovation is critical.
VMblog: What roles are cyber security companies looking for?
MacKechnie: There are a broad spectrum of roles in the cyber value chain – risk management, software development, systems architecture, data analysis, test and evaluation and just about every other position that exists in the security sphere, whether the position is pure play – working for a dedicated security firm – or is a security function within a myriad of companies and industries. The sector is dynamic and is constantly evolving, creating the need for ongoing training and upskilling to remain dynamic.
VMblog: What are some of the unique ways companies are sourcing this talent?
MacKechnie: One of the most productive approaches for American companies is establishing overseas operations in places such as Ireland with highly skilled talentwhich has a pro-business environment and cost efficiencies. In Ireland, companies can collaborate with third level institutions and engage in new and innovative programmes to attract more diverse talent into the cyber security space such as Cyber Women Ireland.
VMblog: How has Ireland been helping U.S. companies find high-quality security professionals?
MacKechnie: Ireland has nearly 7,500 security professionals who work for more than 200 multinational companies , the majority with U.S. headquarters. Utilizing a very effective public-private partnership approach, Ireland invests in a robust cyber training initiative, Cyber Skills, to attract new talent into the cyber security field and equip them with industry-relevant skills. IDA Ireland recently launched a new directory of Female in Tech programmes to provide industry with a framework to attract, retain and promote women in technology. Perhaps the most powerful aspect of this effort is the involvement of industry; Ireland’s academic community develops its curriculum in line with the needs expressed by participating companies doing business there so that graduates have the precise skills needed today.
VMblog: What U.S. companies are availing themselves of these opportunities?
MacKechnie: Microsoft, Google, Facebook, SAP, Dell, Cisco and many other American tech firms with high stakes in digital security provided input and work closely with government and academia to ensure the training is as effective as possible for them. Companies adopt a collaborative approach to develop industry relevant course which also benefits the wider tech community. They collaborate to identify needs, risks and specific vulnerabilities so that Irish universities and tech institutes can develop programs for a wide range of security roles.
VMblog: What does the future hold in regards to Irish cyber-training programs?
MacKechnie: Dr. Eoin Byrne, cluster manager at Cyber Ireland, recently provided an update on the training front. It’s helpful to know that there are 140 Cyber Ireland members; 110 in industry with 40 of these from multinational companies that represent a variety of industries besides security, such as financial services, healthcare and manufacturing. One of the most compelling new efforts being undertaken by Cyber Ireland was a skills analysis based on industry feedback, resulting in a new €8 million government-funded project called Cyber Skills. Working with four Irish universities, this program has begun cross-training existing personnel working in security to enhance and expand their knowledge, with focus on skills needed by specific companies and industries. When added to existing training for college graduates and others, this program is already making a difference for domestic and foreign companies seeking security professionals in Ireland.
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Victoria Mackechnie is Vice President of Enterprise Technology with IDA Ireland, with responsibility for investment from the Mid-West territory in US. Prior to this appointment in 2015, Victoria was responsible for the European portfolio within Enterprise Technology. Before joining IDA, Mackechnie established and operated a childhood education business in Ireland and spent her early career in private banking and wealth management roles in Anglo Irish Bank and Quinlan Private. Contact MacKechnie on [email protected]
