No matter what industry you’re in, you likely have faced a talent shortage in the last few years. In 2021, 47 million people quit their jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) — that was 23% of the total U.S. workforce. In 2022, roughly 38 million more quit. Employees everywhere are reevaluating their career choices, seeking better work-life balance and pursuing new opportunities. Indeed, the Great Resignation has affected most corners of the economy, business, and our personal lives. Some may say the movement has passed, but even if that’s true, the effects are lasting.
This movement didn’t just reshape the workforce — it cast a formidable shadow on the realm of cybersecurity. Cybersecurity professionals were also among those resigning, and that talent shortage has real impacts on network security. As the departure of talent coincides with a surge in cyber threats, businesses face an unprecedented challenge in safeguarding their digital assets. Thankfully, there are always steps we can take — and these strategies are essential if you want to navigate this uncharted territory of talent and risk.
The great resignation unveiled
Within the realm of cybersecurity, the Great Resignation has distinct implications. Cybersecurity professionals are highly sought after, and the demand for their expertise exceeds supply. As businesses face an increasingly competitive job market, retaining skilled cybersecurity experts becomes an uphill battle. The exodus of cybersecurity talent can lead to knowledge gaps within organizations, hindering their ability to effectively safeguard against rapidly evolving cyber threats.
Put more simply: talent shortages in the cybersecurity domain expose businesses to heightened security risks.
Cybercriminals are swift to exploit any weaknesses, and the departure of key cybersecurity personnel creates gaps in the security infrastructure. Organizations risk delayed threat detection, prolonged incident response times, and reduced resilience in the face of cyberattacks.
The Great Resignation also amplifies the risk of insider threats within organizations, which have increased by almost 50% in the last several years. Disengaged or disgruntled employees may be more susceptible to engaging in malicious activities, such as data theft or sabotage. Identifying and addressing insider threats are notoriously complex endeavors, making this an alarming challenge for businesses.
Strategies to navigate the cybersecurity challenges
As you navigate this increased risk, there are a few key strategies you can implement throughout your organization to mitigate the effects of the Great Resignation. Even if you don’t feel your company has been affected, these steps can amplify security in any business.
- Cultivating a Cybersecurity-Focused Culture — Organizations must foster a culture that prioritizes cybersecurity awareness and best practices. Employee training and education on security protocols and incident reporting are essential in creating a cyber-aware workforce. Encouraging employees to proactively identify and report potential threats can significantly strengthen the organization's defense.
- Upskilling and Retraining — Developing an internal talent pipeline for cybersecurity roles can help bridge the gap created by departures and provide a more robust cybersecurity workforce. By empowering employees with new skills, organizations can adapt to the evolving security landscape. Consider training your current IT staff in cybersecurity — this could mean using an online training program or encouraging them to take on projects with more hands-on cybersecurity practice. That practical skill is likely more useful than any certificate might be.
- Leveraging Managed Security Services — These experts offer specialized knowledge and resources, helping to augment the existing cybersecurity team. The benefits of using MSPs range from access to the latest technology, to fresh expertise, to lower costs and impressive scalability.
- Enhancing Insider Threat Mitigation — Monitoring your network data can help identify potential risks and red flags, allowing organizations to take preventive action before insider threats materialize. Encouraging a culture of trust and open communication can also promote early detection of potential insider threats.
As the Great Resignation reshapes the workforce, organizations must confront the challenges it presents for cybersecurity. The departure of cybersecurity talent and the intensification of cyber threats demand immediate action. By cultivating a cybersecurity-focused culture, investing in upskilling, leveraging managed security services, and enhancing insider threat mitigation, businesses can navigate the uncharted waters of talent and risk. As the cyber landscape continues to evolve, it is essential for organizations to remain vigilant and agile, ensuring resilience against the cybersecurity challenges posed by the Great Resignation. Embracing proactive cybersecurity strategies will be the key to safeguarding digital assets and sustaining business success in this new era of workforce transformation.
