Hiring for the Present Is Hurting the Future of Cybersecurity: Why “Entry-Level” Rarely Means Entry | A Conversation with John Salomon | Redefining CyberSecurity with Sean Martin

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Jul 23, 2025

In a thought-provoking discussion, John Salomon, a seasoned cybersecurity consultant and board member at CyAN, reveals the flaws in current hiring practices. He argues that entry-level roles often miss the mark on providing true entry points for talent. Salomon emphasizes the need for mentorship, highlighting the decline of informal guidance that previously nurtured newcomers. He advocates for investment in apprenticeship programs and a shift in perception, urging organizations to view cybersecurity as a vital area for talent development rather than just a cost center.

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INSIGHT

Entry-Level Rarely Means Entry

Companies label roles 'entry-level' but expect job-ready hires from day one.
That mismatch blocks new talent and stalls industry growth.

ANECDOTE

Headcount Blocks Apprenticeship Hires

John proposed taking apprentices into his teams and was told each would count against headcount budgets.
That rule forced leaders to hire experienced hires rather than train juniors.

INSIGHT

Soft Skills Matter As Much As Tech

Security requires context beyond tech, including psychology, economics, and business understanding.
Soft skills let technologists communicate risk and secure the resources they need.

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⬥GUEST⬥

John Salomon, Board Member, Cybersecurity Advisors Network (CyAN) | On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnsalomon/

⬥HOST⬥

Host: Sean Martin, Co-Founder at ITSPmagazine and Host of Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast | On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/imsmartin/ | Website: https://www.seanmartin.com

⬥EPISODE NOTES⬥

The cybersecurity industry keeps repeating a familiar line: there’s a shortage of talent. But what if the real issue isn’t the number of people—but the lack of access, mentorship, and investment in human potential?

In this episode of Redefining CyberSecurity, Sean Martin speaks with John Salomon, an independent cybersecurity consultant and a contributor to the Cybersecurity Advisors Network (CyAN), about how the hiring structure in our industry may be the problem—not the solution. Together, they explore why entry-level roles rarely provide an actual point of entry, and how hiring practices have been shaped more by finance and compliance than by people development.

Salomon draws on decades of experience to outline the problem: security is often treated as a pure cost center, so training and mentorship are deprioritized. Early-career professionals are expected to be “job-ready” from day one, and organizations rarely account for the long-term payoff of investing in apprenticeships or junior hires.

He also points to the silent collapse of informal mentorship that once defined the field. Leaders used to take risks on new talent. Now, hiring decisions are driven by headcount limitations and performance metrics that leave no room for experimentation or learning through failure.

The conversation shifts toward action. Business and security leaders need to reframe cybersecurity as a growth enabler and start viewing mentorship as a risk mitigation tool. Investing in new talent not only strengthens your team—it supports the stability of the industry as a whole.

And it’s not just on companies. Universities and student organizations must create more opportunities for experiential learning and interdisciplinary collaboration. Leaders can support these efforts with time, not just budget, by showing up and sharing what they’ve learned.

Whether you’re a CISO, founder, or just getting started, this episode challenges the idea that “mentorship is nice to have” and shows how it’s a cornerstone of sustainable cybersecurity.

⬥SPONSORS⬥

LevelBlue: https://itspm.ag/attcybersecurity-3jdk3

ThreatLocker: https://itspm.ag/threatlocker-r974

⬥RESOURCES⬥

Inspiring Post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7332679935557300224-1lBv/

⬥ADDITIONAL INFORMATION⬥

✨ More Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast:

🎧 https://www.seanmartin.com/redefining-cybersecurity-podcast

Redefining CyberSecurity Podcast on YouTube:

📺 https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLnYu0psdcllS9aVGdiakVss9u7xgYDKYq

📝 The Future of Cybersecurity Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/7108625890296614912/

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