Professional Certifications & Continuous Training , Training & Security Leadership , Video

Closing the Cybersecurity Talent Gap: Challenge vs. Optimism

Jon France, CISO of ISC2, on Innovative Recruitment Approaches in Cybersecurity
Jon France, CISO, ISC2

The recently released ISC2 workforce study highlights a staggering deficit of 4 million professionals needed in the cybersecurity industry. Despite the challenges, CISO Jon France sees room for optimism. "It's a great profession to come into - never a dull moment," he said.

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France acknowledged the profession's growth, including the 8% increase in the cybersecurity workforce last year. But the gap has widened by up to 12%, necessitating a shift toward innovative recruitment approaches. He emphasized the need to explore both traditional and unconventional sources for talent and to welcome individuals from diverse backgrounds, including career changers.

"Entry-level doesn't mean young. We're looking for all types of diversity in its truest sense," he said. "The quid pro quo is you might come at an entry level, but there is legs in the profession. There are places to go."

In this video interview with Information Security Media Group at Black Hat Europe 2023, France also discussed:

  • Viewing AI as a tool to enhance efficiency, not as a job-replacing force;
  • A modern CISO's expectations for technical competence and business acumen;
  • Looking beyond age and exploring diverse talent pools for recruitment in cybersecurity.

France has more than 25 years of experience in enterprise IT and security within the media and telecom industries. His expertise spans strategy, management and leadership, cybersecurity, multinational engagement, information security, and cloud technologies and deployment.


About the Author

Tony Morbin

Tony Morbin

Executive News Editor, EU

Morbin is a veteran cybersecurity and tech journalist, editor, publisher and presenter working exclusively in cybersecurity for the past decade – at ISMG, SC Magazine and IT Sec Guru. He previously covered computing, finance, risk, electronic payments, telecoms, broadband and computing, including at the Financial Times. Morbin spent seven years as an editor in the Middle East and worked on ventures covering Hong Kong and Ukraine.




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