EU Faces Urgent Cybersecurity Skills Shortage, Eurobarometer Survey Reveals
A Eurobarometer survey highlights a critical shortage of cybersecurity skills in the EU, stressing the need for more specialists and increased cybersecurity awareness among staff.
The Growing Cybersecurity Skills Gap
According to the latest Eurobarometer survey, the EU is experiencing a significant shortage of cybersecurity professionals. This gap is increasingly alarming, with many companies struggling to find qualified candidates. The survey indicates that more than half of the companies in the EU face hiring difficulties due to the lack of qualified cybersecurity personnel, budget constraints, and insufficient awareness of the importance of cybersecurity[1][2]. This shortage is exacerbated by the fact that 74% of companies have not provided any cybersecurity training to their employees, leaving their systems vulnerable to cyber threats[2].
Impact on Network Security
The shortage of cybersecurity skills is closely linked to the rising cyber threats facing the EU. The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) has highlighted that this gap poses a major threat to the network and information systems within the EU Single Market[1]. With an increasing number of cyberattacks targeting both public and private sectors, the need for a robust cybersecurity workforce is more urgent than ever. The lack of skilled professionals means that many companies are ill-prepared to prevent or respond to these attacks effectively[1][2].
The Cyber Skills Academy Initiative
To address this critical issue, the European Commission has launched the Cyber Skills Academy. This initiative aims to strengthen the EU’s cybersecurity workforce by providing comprehensive training opportunities and certifications across Europe[1]. The Academy is designed to bridge the gap between industry needs and available skills by offering specialized training programs and fostering collaboration between academia, industry, and higher education institutions[1][2]. A significant aspect of the Academy is its focus on diversity and inclusion, with the Women4Cyber Network playing a crucial role in promoting gender diversity within the cybersecurity field[1].
Funding and Support for Cyber Skills Development
The European Commission has allocated €10 million this year to support training programs for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), start-ups, and the public sector. This brings the total investment in cybersecurity skills development to an estimated €600 million since 2021[1]. New funding opportunities will become available in autumn 2024, further supporting projects aimed at enhancing cybersecurity skills across the EU[1]. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to increase awareness and visibility of cybersecurity initiatives, ensuring that the EU can build a resilient and capable cybersecurity workforce[1][3].
Success Stories and Future Prospects
One of the most notable success stories is the initiative by ISC2, which pledged to provide 20,000 individuals in EU Member States with free access to its Certified in Cybersecurity (CC) training program and exam. This initiative has already seen over 24,000 enrollees, surpassing its initial target by almost 120% and ahead of schedule[4]. The program has attracted a diverse range of candidates, including recent graduates, career changers, and IT professionals, contributing significantly to addressing the cybersecurity skills gap[4]. As the EU continues to invest in and promote cybersecurity skills development, the future looks promising for building a robust and diverse cybersecurity workforce capable of protecting Europe’s digital infrastructure[4].