CISO Perspectives (public) Are we a trade or a profession?
Apr 22, 2025
In this engaging conversation, Larry Whiteside Jr., Chief Advisory Officer for The CISO Society and a veteran advocate for diversity in tech, tackles the pressing question: is cybersecurity a trade or a profession? He discusses the implications of this identity crisis on the industry, emphasizing the need for structured training and ethical standards. The dialogue also explores the evolving roles within cybersecurity, particularly for CISOs, and outlines strategies for young leaders to align security initiatives with business objectives, addressing the crucial talent shortage in the field.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Cybersecurity: Trade and Profession?
- Cybersecurity straddles being both a trade and a profession but lacks full professional characteristics like a unified code of ethics.
- Current industry standards are stagnant, mirroring concerns raised by the National Academy of Sciences in 2013.
Apprenticeship Example from Power Industry
- Larry Whiteside Jr. shares how his executive assistant's husband underwent a rigorous apprenticeship to become a lineman.
- This contrasts with cybersecurity, which lacks mandated formal apprenticeship and structured progression.
Cybersecurity Entry Is Trade Adjacent
- Entry-level cybersecurity roles often focus on skills beyond certifications or degrees, making the field 'trade adjacent.'
- However, internships frequently fail to provide proper training, limiting skill development for newcomers.