Cybersecurity Jobs are in High Demand; Got what it Takes?

With security attacks dominating news headlines, it’s no secret that global cybersecurity professionals are in high demand. According to the (ISC)² 2013 Global Information Security Workforce Study, two out of three C-level respondents reported security staff shortages. The lack of skilled and qualified information security professionals is having a negative economic impact, with 56% of respondents saying the staffing shortage is causing a huge impact on their organizations.

The call to action is clear: We need a global call to arms within academia to develop enough talent to fulfill this critical industry need. I’ve certainly heard the call loud and clear at the (ISC)² Foundation. In fact, this is one of the key reasons that we developed the Information Security Scholarship program, and also why we continue to look for partner organizations to help fund additional scholarship programs. We are making a direct impact on the global staffing crisis in information security by bringing more people into the information security field.

A multitude of Information Security Scholarships are offered year-round through the (ISC)² Foundation. In fact, the application period for our Undergraduate and Graduate Scholarships just opened. Students can apply for an Undergraduate or Graduate Scholarship now through June 17, 2015. Our Women’s Scholarship and Faculty Exam Voucher application periods are open through March 31, 2015.

I’m honored to have the privilege of offering students an opportunity to afford an education through the (ISC)² Foundation. They will go on to join a global workforce that desperately needs top talent to protect our most critical information, systems and networks. Here’s what some of our previous recipients had to say about how receiving a scholarship from the Foundation positively influenced their education and ultimately, their lives:

Anna Truss, Turkmenistan (Graduate Scholarship recipient)

“I’ve been through a lot of challenges throughout my life to get to where I am now, and getting this scholarship will definitely help me achieve my goals in life. One of my many goals is to receive a Master of Science degree in cybersecurity. This scholarship, for me, is not the end, but rather the beginning of a brighter future.”

Dulce Gonzalez, Mexico (Undergraduate Scholarship recipient)

“This scholarship is a wonderful reminder to me that good things do happen to good people. This scholarship is a reminder of the endless possibilities out there for me. Being a first generation college student has been a struggle but now I am more motivated than ever to follow my dreams and conquer my goals.”

These and so many other students are provided with an opportunity to go to college because of generous donations from the public and partner organizations. If you would like to make a personal contribution to help students like Anna and Dulce, you can make a tax-deductible (for those in the U.S.) donation at: https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/isc2cares.

So the question is, do you have what it takes to become an information security professional? Or do you know someone who is trying to earn a degree in this growing field, but cannot afford it? Please help us spread the word of this enriching program to help students realize their dream of a college education. The protection of the future cyber world is counting on it.

-Julie Peeler, Director, (ISC)² Foundation

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