My Reflections on the Empowering Cyber Resilience Summit Panel Discussion - Building a Cybersecurity Workforce for Tomorrow

Professionally organised by Marylen Ramos - Velasco at Customized Training Solutions Pte. Ltd.

Yesterday, I had the privilege of participating at the Empowering Cyber Resilience Summit, alongside an esteemed panel featuring Dr. Anuradha Rao , Dr. Robert Joseph Licup Amy Chokchai and facilitated by Jane Penson, CLDP . Together, we delved into the future of building a resilient cybersecurity workforce. For me it was to continue my stand that cybersecurity and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are becoming integral to effective Knowledge Management strategies.

This summit was a prelude to the main event set for March 2024 in Manila—a highly recommended gathering for organisations of all sizes. (For updates, connect with Marylen Ramos - Velasco ).

Here are my key takeaways and insights on the emerging trends, which I believe can guide organisations in shaping a more resilient cyber environment.

Emerging Trends in Cybersecurity

1. AI and Machine Learning in Threat Detection - AI-driven tools are revolutionising threat detection, enabling quicker and more accurate responses to cyber threats.

2. Rise of AI-Powered Attacks - Cybercriminals are now harnessing AI to conduct sophisticated phishing and deepfake fraud, making it crucial for organisations to adopt advanced defensive measures.

3. Increased Cybersecurity Investment - Organisations are scaling their cybersecurity budgets to counter the rising frequency and complexity of cyber threats. However, it is essential that this investment follows a people-first approach—supporting skill development, wellness, and the engagement of cybersecurity teams to build a sustainable and resilient workforce.

While generative AI may make current cybersecurity analysts more efficient, GenAI is also helping criminals create more advanced threats faster, which increases the workload for security teams. - Aileen Gracia

Addressing the Skills Gap with KM & DEI

1. Utilise State-Sponsored Resources - In ASEAN, we can benefit from leveraging available resources such as Singapore's Cyber Security Agency (CSA), with valuable tools accessible through SingCERT. Click here to see them

2. Diverse Perspectives in Cyber Roles - Diverse teams bring unique viewpoints that are essential for comprehensive threat assessment and response. Promoting diversity within cybersecurity roles can significantly enhance an organisation’s resilience. Read the article by Aileen Gracia

3 AI-Enhanced Learning & Knowledge Management - AI-driven tools can personalise learning paths, simulate real-world scenarios, and make cybersecurity knowledge accessible to all team members, helping bridge experience gaps and fostering continuous development.

4. Building Communities of Practice - Establishing Communities of Practice (CoPs) within cybersecurity teams promotes knowledge sharing, mentorship, and the ongoing development of skills. CoPs allow practitioners to collaborate, share best practices, and foster an environment of communal learning, thereby enriching the collective expertise and resilience of the team.

In Conclusion

Strategic Knowledge Sharing & Retention - Through structured mentorship, automated KM tools, and collaborative learning, organisations can make cybersecurity knowledge widely available, enabling a culture of continuous learning and adaptation.

i enjoyed the panel and all of us echoed that building a robust cybersecurity workforce requires strategic investment in learning, diversity, and collaborative knowledge sharing. With a solid KM framework and a DEI-centric approach, Like the one I presented at ICKM Conference we can empower teams to adapt and thrive in an evolving cyber landscape.

Thank you Marylen Ramos - Velasco for this well-executed event! looking forward to March 2025's summit!