In the midst of widespread layoffs in the tech industry, two sectors stood out as beacons of hope: AI and cybersecurity. While AI continues to dominate the headlines, cybersecurity is quietly making waves with its diverse subcategories that require a unique blend of technical expertise and historical knowledge.
Maarten Van Horenbeeck, the chief security officer at Adobe, shared his insights on the challenges of hiring cybersecurity experts in a recent interview. He emphasized the importance of creating empathy through skill diversity when building cybersecurity teams. By considering applicants with diverse backgrounds and skill sets, companies can bridge the gap between technical and business needs.
The cybersecurity talent gap is a well-known issue in the industry, with experts highlighting the difficulty of finding candidates with extensive experience in the field. Van Horenbeeck stressed the importance of providing opportunities for individuals from non-technical backgrounds to develop expertise in cybersecurity.
To address this challenge, Adobe’s CyberPeace Builders program focuses on developing empathetic cybersecurity teams through collaboration with nonprofit organizations. By working with diverse teams, engineers gain valuable insights into real-world security challenges and solutions.
Van Horenbeeck also shared tips on how companies can create cybersecurity experts internally, emphasizing the importance of fostering a culture of security awareness and education within the organization. By encouraging cross-team collaboration and providing opportunities for in-house training, companies can cultivate a strong cybersecurity workforce.
In the quest for talent, Van Horenbeeck advised companies to look beyond traditional job fairs and job boards. Instead, he suggested engaging with entry-level employees interested in cybersecurity through cyber conferences, online communities, and internship programs with universities.
Ultimately, Van Horenbeeck stressed the importance of approaching cybersecurity with empathy and patience, encouraging individuals to broaden their perspectives and consider security as a specialization within the broader technology field. By embracing diversity and inclusivity, companies can build resilient and empathetic cybersecurity teams for the future.