America Unveils New Cybersecurity Strategy

As news breaks about the US government's groundbreaking strategy to bolster its national cyber workforce and combat the prevalent skills shortage, the question arises: Should the UK follow suit?

The Biden-Harris Administration in the United States has taken a substantial stride towards mitigating the cybersecurity skills shortage with the unveiling of their National Cyber Workforce and Education Strategy (NCWES). This comprehensive approach acknowledges that the challenge at hand cannot be tackled by a single entity alone.

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Key Objectives of the NCWES

1. Equipping Every Individual: At the core of the strategy lies the aim to empower every American with foundational cyber skills. This encompasses a spectrum of proficiencies, from digital literacy to computational know-how, and the resilience to navigate the digital realm securely. By creating learning avenues and fostering interest in cyber careers, the US seeks to cultivate a workforce that is well-prepared to confront cybersecurity complexities.

2.Revolutionising Cyber Education: The NCWES strives to revolutionise cyber education by fostering ecosystems that bolster competency-based learning. This involves investing in educators, making cyber education more affordable and accessible, and elevating the overall quality of education in this domain.

3. Expanding the Cyber Workforce: The strategy places strong emphasis on collaboration among various stakeholders, including educators, industry players, and government bodies. By adopting a skills-centric approach to recruitment and development, the US intends to democratise access to cyber jobs, offering opportunities to all citizens.

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4. Strengthening the Federal Cyber Workforce: Recognising the value of public service in the cyber domain, the strategy seeks to ease the path to federal cyber careers. By streamlining hiring processes and onboarding procedures, the US hopes to entice job seekers towards cybersecurity roles within the public sector.

5. Empowering Communities and Bridging Gaps: A crucial facet of the NCWES is envisioning a future where communities have access to well-paying cyber jobs. Through empowerment initiatives targeting underrepresented groups, the strategy aims to eliminate disparities in the cyber workforce. By promoting certification programs and community college pathways, the US strives to make cyber careers attainable for a diverse range of individuals.