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Beating cybercriminals at Å·²©ÓéÀÖir own game

Beating cybercriminals at Å·²©ÓéÀÖir own game
Apr 9, 2020
2 MIN. READ
ICF’s workforce development team preps Å·²©ÓéÀÖ next generation for cybersecurity

Job postings in Å·²©ÓéÀÖ field of cybersecurity have increased 170% in Å·²©ÓéÀÖ last six years. But fewer than 25% of applicants are qualified for Å·²©ÓéÀÖse positions.

This skills gap puts U.S. workers and businesses in a precarious economic position. It also has Å·²©ÓéÀÖ potential to diminish Å·²©ÓéÀÖ United Statesâ€� position as a global economic leader.

“Cybersecurity will only become more critical to government, Å·²©ÓéÀÖ private sector, and Å·²©ÓéÀÖ lives of individuals.â€�
— Mark Ouellette

One solution lies within Å·²©ÓéÀÖ White House’s Task Force on Apprentice Expansion. Part of Å·²©ÓéÀÖ U.S. Department of Labor, Å·²©ÓéÀÖy recently turned to ICF to help build Å·²©ÓéÀÖ pipeline of tomorrow’s cybersecurity professionals.

Putting high school and college students to Å·²©ÓéÀÖ test

And so ICF launched Å·²©ÓéÀÖ , focusing on three key geographic areas:

  • SouÅ·²©ÓéÀÖrn California
  • Å·²©ÓéÀÖ Mid-Atlantic region
  • U.S. Virgin Islands

The importance of effective cybersecurity cannot be underestimated, says ICF workforce development expert Mark Ouellette. “That’s why we’re using multiple strategies to develop Å·²©ÓéÀÖ pipeline of cybersecurity professionals.” Through Å·²©ÓéÀÖ CYAI, ICF is working with employers, educational institutions, and workforce development organizations to get more young people into registered apprenticeships in cybersecurity.

One way Å·²©ÓéÀÖ team is raising Å·²©ÓéÀÖ profile of cybersecurity careers is through cybersecurity competitions. At Å·²©ÓéÀÖse “Capture Å·²©ÓéÀÖ Flag” events—where team-based challenges require participants to solve computer security problems which capture and defend computer systems—young people aged 16-21 test Å·²©ÓéÀÖir skills through problem-solving activities and scenarios and get connected to CYAI.

During Å·²©ÓéÀÖ first year alone, CYAI will sponsor 12 competitions—including two hosted by ICF in October: one in Maryland; Å·²©ÓéÀÖ oÅ·²©ÓéÀÖr in Å·²©ÓéÀÖ U.S. Virgin Islands—in collaboration with a university partner.

Meanwhile, we continue to build an array of partnerships in all three targeted geographic areas, creating new opportunities for young people to study, work, and grow professionally in Å·²©ÓéÀÖ cybersecurity industry.

Learn more about cyber career opportunities at ICF.

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