Hulk Smash Skills Gap

?lex Martin

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Summary of Interview:

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During the interview, Alex highlighted the primary factor causing the cybersecurity skills gap: the industry's high demand. The demand from clients puts pressure on suppliers to quickly provide skilled and experienced individuals for projects, leading to a need for more qualified resources. This demand-supply imbalance has created a gap, as suppliers prefer experienced professionals who can be immediately deployed rather than investing time in upskilling and mentoring less experienced individuals.

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He also mentioned that less experienced individuals, such as juniors, often need help entering the industry due to the emphasis on certifications and years of industry experience. This creates a barrier for those who need specific credentials or extensive experience, contributing to the skills gap.

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When discussing critical skills needed in cybersecurity, Alex emphasised that the gap exists across various areas, including penetration testing, mentoring, user awareness, and more. They suggested that educational institutions like universities should provide practical platforms like capture-the-flag scenarios and bug bounties to equip students with real-world skills and experience.

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Furthermore, he highlighted successful initiatives, including reduced-cost services provided by business resilience centres for micro-businesses and graduate schemes that bridge the gap between education and industry. We also mentioned the potential of leveraging the experience of ex-military individuals who possess relevant skills but may need to be noticed due to the need for more business experience.

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Regarding certifications, Alex recognised their importance in measuring skills and acknowledged the need for alternative metrics. He suggested incorporating metrics like hack-the-box exercises and capture-the-flag scenarios to assess practical skills alongside certifications. He emphasised that certifications still hold value in the industry, providing a clear career path and demonstrating proficiency in specific areas.

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Regarding recommendations, Alex highlighted the importance of professional mentoring and guidance within cybersecurity clusters. He suggested organisations like the Yorkshire Cyber Security Cluster and CompTIA as valuable resources for individuals seeking to change careers or upskill. Additionally, he emphasised the need for regular updates in the information provided to the next generation, considering the rapidly evolving nature of the industry. He proposed involving industry experts in schools to share current industry knowledge and upcoming trends with students.

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Overall, the interview provided insights into the causes of the cybersecurity skills gap and offered recommendations to address the issue, including practical education platforms, mentorship programs, and industry involvement in educational institutions.

Thank you, Alex, for your valuable contribution to the research!

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