The unfilled cybersecurity jobs worldwide has reached over 4 million. The cybersecurity skills gap – which only continues to grow – has many conflating or interrelating causes, but at the top of the list is cybersecurity education.
Cybersecurity education in is lacking. For instance, out of the top 50 computer science programs in the US, three require a cybersecurity course for graduation. Evidently, cybersecurity was not a priority for most universities – until now, where in this increasingly digital age, cyber threats and attacks are around every corner. With cybersecurity coming to the forefront of many business’s minds, it should be a trend that educators definitely take note of.
Here’s why educators are missing the mark:
Conventional education methods can’t keep pace
Traditional methods of classroom cyber learning are arguably inadequate at preparing learners for real-world demands. Whereas universities are slow to change curriculum, cyber is characterized by rapid transformation and expansion – fundamentally the two are at odds. Learners cannot be effectively taught cybersecurity in a passive classroom setting because the cyber world evolves too fast. Not only are there not enough qualified educators to keep up with demand, but new cyber threats emerge every day and curriculums cannot adapt fast enough.
Cybersecurity is best learned in real time with hands-on practice
One of the biggest drawbacks is that classroom learning is non-interactive. While passive classroom learning has the advantages of lecture notes, concrete conceptual education, and organized learning, it does not challenge the learner as much as active learning. Furthermore, quizzes and exams that measure success in university are not meant to teach, they are meant to test and can’t be equated to hands-on practice.
Active learning, on the other hand, increases critical thinking skills, initiative, and better fits the needs of fluctuating learning styles. Active learning, most importantly, puts knowledge to practice. Labs and simulations are engaging and more effective for internalizing and building confidence in applied knowledge. These are all vital hard and soft skills for being successful in a cybersecurity career.
Universities are exclusive
The assessments and grading required to get into and succeed in university is also generally irrelevant to cybersecurity. There are many potential individuals who are left out of the university school system whether it be from entry requirements or cost. Adding insult to injury, women are still highly underrepresented in cybersecurity, and that starts with university recruitment, outreach, and retention.
Lastly, cybersecurity requires continuous learning and on-the-job training. While university training remains the most popular route into the cybersecurity industry, it certainly won’t help to solve the cyber skills gap nor help fend off the growing threats cybercriminals pose.
Solving the cyber skills gap is an industry-wide problem that needs a wholesome solution. The Cybersecurity Bootcamp is a turnkey, accelerated learning program focused on the skills necessary to land your learners the job. To give your institution a competitive advantage, contact us.
