The future of the cybersecurity profession is top-of-mind for professionals, leaders, and their organisations. According to ISC2’s 2024 Cybersecurity Workforce Study, the profession faces a workforce gap of 4.8 million individuals, with the global active cyber workforce stalled at 5.5 million. Despite the growing demand for cybersecurity expertise in an increasingly complex threat landscape, economic challenges such as layoffs and budget cuts suggest that investment in cybersecurity talent is slowing. As a result, the skills problem ​in cyber is quickly outpacing shortage concerns​.

In this session, Çigdem Bildirici, VP at ISC2, will dive into what cybersecurity professionals and leaders need to know so they can encourage employers to re-evaluate the risks of reducing their investment in hiring, skills development and fostering the next generation of cyber professionals. With women representing just 23% of cyber teams on average, she will also provide strategies and solutions to help professionals diversify their teams and expand their approach to sourcing talent