A new global study by Kaspersky Lab, a leading cybersecurity company, reveals a growing disconnect between cybersecurity education and industry needs. The study comes as the world faces a severe shortage of cybersecurity professionals.
The study found that nearly half (47a%) of cybersecurity professionals surveyed felt their academic training was less applicable to their current role. This skills gap is forcing many professionals to seek additional training to keep up with the ever-evolving threat landscape.
According to ISC2, the world's leading cybersecurity professional organization, the world's cybersecurity workforce needs to nearly double to meet current demands, and Kaspersky research digs into the educational roots of the skills shortage. .
Disconnects in education hinder professionals
This study highlights a significant disconnect between cybersecurity education and the reality on the ground. Many respondents (37%) said their education provided some (14%), very little (13%), or no knowledge that could be applied in the real world ( 24%).
The study further investigated the potential reasons behind this disconnection. Less than half of respondents (49%) reported gaining hands-on experience through real-world cybersecurity projects during their education. Additionally, access to the latest technology and quality internship opportunities were identified as weaknesses in cybersecurity education programs.
Limited training availability exacerbates the problem
The lack of relevant coursework further compounds the problem. Half of the professionals surveyed believe that the availability of cybersecurity courses in higher education is low (25%) or very low (25%). This perception is particularly strong among professionals with 2 to 5 years of experience, with over 80% expressing concern about the availability of quality coursework.
“Cybersecurity education is struggling to keep up with the rapid evolution of cyber threats,” commented Evgeniya Ruskiev, head of cybersecurity education at Kaspersky Lab. “Outdated curricula leave graduates with knowledge gaps. At Kaspersky, we partner with universities to integrate industry expertise into our programs, ensuring our students receive both theoretical knowledge and practical experience.” We are closing this gap by making it possible to acquire
Kaspersky provides solutions to bridge the gap
Kaspersky Lab advocates a multi-pronged approach to address the cybersecurity skills shortage, focusing on academia, the workforce, and businesses.
- Higher education: Universities can upgrade their curriculum by partnering with cybersecurity companies to integrate the latest industry knowledge. Kaspersky Lab's Kaspersky Academy Alliance provides universities with access to industry experts, training materials and cutting-edge technology.
- Human resource development: Young professionals can gain practical experience through internships in information security and research and development departments. Kaspersky encourages aspiring professionals to follow her LinkedIn page for internship opportunities.
- Skill development: Cybersecurity professionals can continually improve their skills through industry competitions and additional training courses. Kaspersky Lab offers a wide range of educational resources for both individuals and organizations.
