Rethinking Cybersecurity Hiring Practices To Tackle Growing Threats

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The imminent departure of Harry Coker as the White House cyber czar reveals a pressing need to reassess U.S. cybersecurity employment strategies amid rising global threats.

At a Glance

Harry Coker emphasizes the need for increased funding, deregulation, and hiring non-degree holders to strengthen the U.S. cybersecurity workforce.
Coker highlights digital threats from adversaries like Iran, China, and Russia, stressing the importance of prioritizing cybersecurity in federal budgets.
He criticizes the burden of “duplicative federal regulation,” which restricts cybersecurity professionals from focusing on protection.
The shift in hiring focuses on skills rather than college degrees, aiming to fill nearly 500,000 open cyber positions.
The call for action follows a major cyberattack by China, compromising U.S. telecommunications and accessing private communications.

Reevaluating Cybersecurity Recruitment

Harry Coker, the soon-to-be former White House cyber czar, suggests a shift in cybersecurity employment strategies, emphasizing skills over formal degrees as a way to fill the nearly 500,000 open cybersecurity positions in the U.S. “The White House’s outgoing cyber czar, Harry Coker, called for three key things to meet the growing threat of digital attacks: more funding, deregulation, and opening up cyber jobs to those without college degrees.” Coker’s proposal aims to broaden talent acquisition and involves increasing funding and reducing regulatory constraints within the sector.

The need to focus on skills arises from the persistent digital threats posed by Iran, China, and Russia. Coker points out that current staff spends too much time on compliance, detracting from effective threat responses. His vision includes increased federal funding for cybersecurity and bipartisan congressional efforts to streamline regulations, addressing these shortcomings.

The White House cyber czar is touring schools across the country, working to grow a new generation of cybersecurity workers. From hands-on SOC training to skills-based hiring, Harry Coker is paving the way for the future of America's cyber workforce. #CyberSecurity…

— McCrary Institute (@McCraryCyber) August 20, 2024

Combatting Global Threats

The call for reform coincides with intensifying cyber threats, such as the recent Chinese-led “Salt Typhoon” attack. This incident exposed U.S. telecommunications and breached private communications of American citizens and government officials alike. Coker argues for comprehensive cybersecurity readiness as a federal budget priority amid current financial constraints.

Harry Coker said, “I support making progress towards reducing the deficit, but we have to prioritize cybersecurity within our current budgets.”

Moreover, Coker emphasizes the importance of reducing regulatory constraints to enhance efficiency in cybersecurity measures. His collaboration with Congress proposes bipartisan legislation targeting these regulatory hurdles, streamlining recruitment, and promoting skill development among cybersecurity professionals.

Want to know why you can't find great talent?

You're using the wrong qualifying factors.
It's not about the degree, but about skill-based hiring.

White House National Cyber Director Harry Coker Jr and the new initiative Service America, will be looking at skill-based criteria… pic.twitter.com/LwEoQYBNnT

— TopClearedRecruiting | Chris @REal0day (@TopClearedRec) September 24, 2024

Shifting to Skill-Based Hiring

The federal government’s transition to skill-based hiring aims to attract a larger pool of potential candidates by eliminating the four-year degree requirement. Coker suggests that many Americans can acquire the necessary skills for cybersecurity careers within two years, making such opportunities more accessible while filling critical vacancies. This approach aligns with Coker’s belief in democratizing access to cybersecurity roles to strengthen national security against ever-evolving global threats.

As Coker departs, his recommendations could pave the way for a more adaptive and resilient cybersecurity workforce, ensuring America’s digital infrastructure remains secure against international adversaries. The urgency of these changes underscores the critical role skilled professionals will play in the ongoing battle against global cyber threats.