Cybersecurity Workforce Sustainability Has a Problem

It’s been a difficult few years for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs in the workplace, as organizations continue to reduce their support for dedicated DEI roles and initiatives. Forrester Research predicts that in 2024, just 20% of companies will have “a DEI function with an endorsed strategy and personnel,” down from 27% in 2023. As DEI efforts languish at many companies, some organizations still value diversity, equity, and inclusion as important practices for identifying, developing, and retaining talent.

That’s particularly true in cybersecurity, where it’s increasingly difficult for organizations to fill critical roles amid a global talent shortage that’s getting worse each year. There were more than 4 million unfilled cybersecurity jobs at the end of 2023, according to an ISC2 study. While generative AI may make current cybersecurity analysts more efficient, GenAI is also helping criminals create more advanced threats faster, which increases the workload for security teams.

Part of the challenge in filling cybersecurity roles is that the need for talent is growing rapidly. However, companies often overlook potential talent among traditionally underrepresented groups of workers. Organizations that maintain or begin DEI initiatives can build two advantages in the ongoing search for cybersecurity talent.