CyberWire Daily

Is the cyber talent ecosystem broken? [CISO Perspectives]

11 snips
Apr 17, 2025
Ed Adams, Head of Cybersecurity for North America at Bureau Veritas Group and author of 'See Yourself in Cyber', explores the severe disconnect in the cyber talent ecosystem. He discusses the urgency of addressing outdated job qualifications and the need for practical skill development to meet evolving industry demands. Adams also shares insights on fostering diversity in cybersecurity, advocating for inclusive hiring practices. His unique perspective emphasizes the importance of soft skills and collaboration across teams to reshape the industry's future.
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ANECDOTE

CISOs Admit Hiring Uncertainty

  • Experienced CISOs admitted they don't really know what makes an entry-level candidate ready for cybersecurity roles.
  • We mistakenly design training programs without clear hiring criteria, causing inefficiencies.
ADVICE

End the Purple Unicorn Hunt

  • Stop seeking "purple unicorns"—perfect, mythical candidates don't exist.
  • Instead, focus on nurturing capable talent through realistic expectations and time.
ADVICE

Standardize Job Requirements

  • Adopt and mandate cybersecurity standards like the NICE framework for job descriptions.
  • Define clear, foundational KSAEs to guide candidate expectations and hiring processes.
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