There’s a Shortage of Cyber Security Professionals, and School Districts across the Country are Doing Something About It

Cybersecurity has become one of the most important jobs in today’s ever-changing technology reliant world, and people are needed to fill those roles. 

The shortage of cybersecurity employees grew to 53% in 2019, compared to the 42% reported from a survey from 2015-2016. With this in mind, school districts are creating training programs that are structured to allow students to learn cybersecurity strategies and principles that will outlast current security technologies. With current technologies becoming obsolete so quickly, schools are teaching students the basics of cybersecurity along with how to learn about new technologies, so that students are able to adapt as needed.

By beginning the training in High School, students can apply these lessons and principles to further their education in a college that has programs for cybersecurity. They may even be able to get college credit. Parkville High School, located in Baltimore, is allowing students to earn professional certifications and college credit, for example.

One advantage to offering cybersecurity training at the high school level is that it can help school districts fill their own security gaps. Students can be a great resource to offer support to existing staff, and can potentially be groomed for employment in the future.

The current median income for cybersecurity workers are above $100,000 annually. On top of this, the shortage is predicted to hit 3.5 million by 2021, which will most likely drive up median salary. Hopefully with an increase of cybersecurity education the gap of workers will decrease over time. 

Story via EducationDive