eu faces growing shortage of cybersecurity skills, eurobarometer survey reveals
A recent Eurobarometer survey indicates a significant shortage of cybersecurity skills across the EU, emphasizing the urgent need for more specialists and enhanced cybersecurity awareness in workplaces.
The Growing Cybersecurity Skills Gap
The Eurobarometer survey, published today, highlights a critical issue facing the European Union: a growing shortage of cybersecurity professionals. This shortage is not just a minor inconvenience but a significant risk to the security and functionality of network and information systems, which are essential to the Single Market. The survey underscores the need for an increased number of highly skilled cybersecurity specialists and a broader awareness of cybersecurity practices among staff in companies across the EU[1].
EU’s Strategic Response
In response to this alarming trend, the European Commission has ramped up its efforts to address the cybersecurity skills gap. Central to these efforts is the Cybersecurity Skills Academy, launched a year ago. This initiative aims to strengthen the collaboration between public and private sectors at both European and national levels to meet the cybersecurity labor market’s demands and enhance its resilience. The Academy has already garnered significant support, with industry leaders pledging free training and resources to boost the number of skilled professionals. Notably, Vice President Margaritis Schinas and Commissioner Thierry Breton recently met with high-level industry representatives to discuss these initiatives[2].
Significant Industry Contributions
Several key players in the cybersecurity industry have stepped up to support the EU’s efforts. For instance, ISC2, a prominent global cybersecurity certification body, pledged to provide 20,000 individuals in the EU with free access to its Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) training program and exam. This initiative has already surpassed its target, training over 24,000 individuals in just 12 months, which is six months ahead of schedule. This achievement highlights the effectiveness of collaborative efforts in addressing the cybersecurity skills gap[3].
Supporting Diversity in Cybersecurity
Gender diversity is a critical aspect of the EU’s strategy to close the cybersecurity skills gap. The Women4Cyber Network, integrated into the Cybersecurity Skills Academy, actively works to combat gender-based stereotypes in the field. Companies like Gen™ have partnered with Women4Cyber to provide free mentorship to women in Europe. Since 2022, over 700 European women have participated in these mentorship programs, which aim to empower women in the cybersecurity industry. This partnership underscores the importance of inclusive initiatives in building a robust cybersecurity workforce[4].
Financial Investments and Future Plans
The European Commission has also made substantial financial commitments to support cybersecurity skills development. In 2024 alone, €10 million has been allocated to projects aimed at implementing cyber skills training programs for SMEs, start-ups, and the public sector. This brings the total investment in cybersecurity skills initiatives since 2021 to approximately €600 million. These funds are crucial for developing and sustaining the necessary infrastructure to support a skilled cybersecurity workforce. New funding opportunities are expected to be available in autumn 2024, ensuring continued support for these critical initiatives[1].