In a world where the demand for cybersecurity professionals far exceeds the available talent pool, organizations are exploring innovative avenues to bridge the gap. According to the 2023 World Economic Forum, there’s a staggering shortage of 3.4 million cybersecurity experts globally. This scarcity poses a significant threat to organizations, as studies find that 70% of companies lack the necessary cybersecurity staff, leaving them vulnerable to cyberattacks.

One promising solution to this is the utilization of ex-military personnel. Veterans, with their unique blend of technical aptitude, experience, and unwavering work ethic, are proving to be invaluable assets to resource-strapped IT teams.

Operational Excellence Meets Cybersecurity
A key advantage Veterans bring to the cybersecurity arena is their extensive operational experience. Trained to handle challenging decisions, rapidly changing conditions, and life-and-death situations, Veterans excel in high-pressure environments. Their ability to remain proactive, make swift decisions, and execute dispassionately aligns well with the demands of cybersecurity.

Some other skills that Veterans possess that are beneficial in the cybersecurity realm:

Respect for Procedures: Military personnel’s strict adherence to procedures and protocols fosters stability and predictability in cybersecurity environments.

Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail, a hallmark of military training, is a crucial asset in an industry where small errors can lead to significant problems.

Chain of Command Focus: Embracing the chain of command and executing orders with precision, a core military principle, translates well into corporate security environments.

While Veterans bring a wealth of skills, transitioning from the military to the private sector is not without its challenges. At Willis College, we provide support through our Military and Veterans Partnership Team (MVP), a program designed by Veterans at Willis College for Veterans in the areas of career development, employment, education, and training. Our experts have developed an approach tailored to help Veterans effectively transition to civilian life.

Willis College is an approved educational institution for Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Subsidized Training & Education Plan (STEP) cyber training. Many CAF STEP cyber students trained by Willis College are now successfully working in the CAF cyber trade. We provide DP1.1 cyber training, and after completing CAF STEP training at Willis College, students move on to Kingston for DP 1.2 cyber training, becoming fully employable in the CAF. With four years of experience training CAF STEP cyber students, Willis College encourages you to reach out to our Admissions team for more information.

If you’re a Veteran ready to embark on a transformative journey in cybersecurity, consider exploring the CyberSecurity Analyst program at Willis College. Discover how you can leverage your skills to become a valuable asset in the ever-evolving field of cybersecurity. Join us in contributing to the future of digital defence.

Source: https://www.scmagazine.com/perspective/veterans-are-the-key-to-the-cybersecurity-talent-shortage