CyberWire Daily Targeting schools is not cool.
May 8, 2025
Caleb Barlow, CEO of Cyberbit, dives into the pressing issue of the cyber skills gap, highlighting the contradictions between academic training and employer needs. He advocates for upskilling existing employees rather than just hiring new talent. Barlow also discusses the recent surge in cyber threats, such as new malware and high-profile data breaches, including the education sector. The conversation reveals the importance of practical experience and the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, emphasizing adaptability to meet modern security challenges.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Cyber Skills Gap Is an Experience Gap
- The cybersecurity skills gap is more accurately an experience gap rather than a true lack of skills.
- Many jobs require experience with commercial tools that graduates and newbies often lack, causing them to be filtered out by recruiters.
Hands-On Experience Opens Doors
- Caleb Barlow shared his college experience working in a TV station which gave him hands-on skills.
- This authentic practical experience directly helped him get a job after graduation.
Get Hands-On with Real Tools
- Students and job seekers should seek internships or cyber range training to gain hands-on experience with commercial security tools.
- Vendors should provide low-cost or free licenses of their products to educational institutions to support this practical training.